tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45913402452382119892012-02-17T05:51:55.190+13:00tales from the volcano - and elsewhereChantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comBlogger541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-12570928541648764712011-06-27T11:49:00.000+12:002011-06-27T11:49:45.064+12:00

More snow on the ground at Ruapehu and this lot should stick around. Drove up towards Turoa yesterday and got as far as 13km, where the gate was closed and it was snowing! Ventured out of the car for a little walk up to the hairpin and on the way back our tracks were filling in, and there was snow even futher down the mountain road. It's been cold enough for snowmaking, and here's hoping for

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-82856707698362657122011-06-23T16:07:00.001+12:002011-06-23T16:10:35.446+12:00

Thought autumn and winter was slow to start last year? looking at the temporary Knoll cafe from the new one Aside from a holiday to Melbourne at the beginning of May (when it was freeeeeeezing) it just hasn't felt cold. Keep telling myself that autumn is a tease anyway, but things not feeling "right" were confirmed when it was reported to be the warmest May in NZ since records began.... wetter

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-65513146588470142872010-08-03T11:23:00.031+12:002011-06-11T17:40:53.084+12:00

These words of all words can make a weekend warrior cringe. Friday the 24th July was a bit of a magic day on Rua we heard. Nice freshies and people hooting all over the hill. "Shoulda been here yesterday" they said. The weather forecast for the Saturday 25th looked bad, but we risked it at Turoa. The snow that was supposed to fall overnight never came, and the winds and showers for that day

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-36769850620902883402010-07-22T11:15:00.000+12:002010-07-22T11:15:13.392+12:00

Less novel more pics... Here's a quick look at the weekend just gone at Turoa. Saturday dawned and we're now at the 1m mark at Turoa! After 2 years on the Meadow, the Fischer Retro GS moved back to the Yahoo trail. BUT, like the 2 years before, it was a grey wet one. The standards are getting higher every year. With extra points awarded for the age of the gear, there are some fine specimens of

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-23073441414337994532010-07-14T10:00:00.008+12:002010-07-14T19:21:11.077+12:00

On Monday I called "a bluebird day" and didn't return to work, making it a long cold weekend and 3 sunny days at Turoa. Saturday was unbelievably cold!! We had 3 freeeeezing rides on the Movenpick and runs to the base, before stopping for hot chocolate and a foot rub to warm the numbness taking over the body. The report said it was -10'C and with wind-chill it must have been a tad over -20'.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-60695479804681056832010-07-06T19:21:00.007+12:002010-07-14T19:27:10.659+12:00

Just a tad earlier than the earliest estimate it's now running. Well done everyone involved with the tower 9 repair. So it's been a few days since I could get near a computer and here's a catch up of my recent 3 days at Turoa... Friday - Day before the school holidays, pretty busyish for a week day. Giant and High Flyer open and Movenpick for access. Boneyard was... boney. I could see why most

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-11854656081330836562010-06-28T14:19:00.010+12:002010-11-17T11:52:55.431+13:00

but it's been snowing... have faith people more snow will come! So that rain this week wasn't very kind (sad face). There's been some High Flyer chair action this week just gone, but things low down got a bad case of the melts. On Saturday I went to Whakapapa for a look. Didn't really fancy sharing one chair with the 000's in town for Mardis Gras. Had my first chairlift ride for the season down

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-34965949649898944292010-06-22T21:46:00.000+12:002010-06-22T21:46:07.964+12:00

A full car, a Friday night commute, and a dodgy dinner stop in Otorohanga - the weekend warriors were on the road once more! I had not packed my backpack as I had convinced myself any hiking I was going to do would be minimal, and it was too early in the season to get all crazy on the poor old summer legs. Well... the Alpine Meadow Sunkids carpet was running but no lifts. It was sunny and warm

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-57505024819172658972010-06-15T11:20:00.000+12:002010-06-15T11:20:42.433+12:00

It's snowing in Ohakune as I type.... Ruapehu Alpine Lifts have announced an early opening at Turoa this Thursday 17th - brought forward from Sat 19th - copy of the release is below. "Alpine Meadow Opens on Thursday Posted on 15 June 2010 at 11:03 AM It will be an early start to the season for the Alpine Meadow at Turoa this season with an early opening on this Thursday the 17th. Join us up

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-36674901753253547572010-06-09T16:01:00.003+12:002010-06-09T16:07:34.744+12:00

view from the east, snow over the Desert Road Whakapapa viewCredit: Volcano Cameras - Geonet.org.nz Turoa view

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-81694062953169933902010-06-08T11:03:00.002+12:002010-06-09T16:03:17.494+12:00

Slept in again! We were supposed to leave before dawn on Saturday morning, but got up when the first tui cracked outside at 7am. (the bird, not the beer) We were supposed to get moving early because Saturday was going to be the best of the long weekend. Nevermind, we can pack pretty quick, and were on the road and in Ohakune at lunchtime. We had beautiful clear drive, and caught glimpses of

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-70550674022586258482010-05-31T12:23:00.000+12:002010-05-31T12:23:19.218+12:00

Well I forgot to set my alarm for this morning, and slept half an hour over. Not a good way to start a Monday! I heard the sunrise this morning was pretty awesome. I checked my favourite VolcanoCams on the Geonet website, and here are a selection of moody shots from this morning, enjoy. There's also been some pretty cool shots on the recent full moon. It has been clear at times at night which

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-8003892527157497122010-05-27T13:01:00.003+12:002010-05-27T13:13:25.739+12:00

Last week in Auckland we had some rain of all rains over 2 days which well and truly broke the drought. This was followed by another weather system bringing more rain and flooding to part of the South and North Islands. Along with that there has been snow falling on all mountains and with the rain now moving off we have more snow now. This is today's weather map at 7am this morning.... Reports

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-4952864707981066782010-05-17T10:00:00.002+12:002010-11-17T11:50:11.199+13:00

A nice snow cap after a few days of miserable weather - almost down to the level of Knoll Ridge.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-59281927947338239732010-05-10T15:08:00.002+12:002010-05-10T15:43:04.359+12:00

images from Geonet... Whakapapa from the airport on SH47  looking over the Desert Road (SH1, approx where the fog is)

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-49109532146957935172010-05-06T11:08:00.002+12:002010-05-06T11:11:23.669+12:00

Yesterday I flew from Hokitika to Christchurch over the Southern Alps Suddenly I could see a building perched on a ridge - and realised it was the Day Lodge at Craigeburn Valley Ski Area Here is the accommodation at CV, nestled in the tree line.We stayed here 2x nights last year. Flying over the edge of Castle Hill Station, I could see Porters in the distance. The oval shape of orange amongst the

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-84026906391747510212010-05-02T21:17:00.001+12:002010-05-06T11:12:55.859+12:00

Today was absolutely stunning! Great day to be out on the harbour with rod and reel, unfortunately the boys didn't bring home any fish. On the Whakapapa side, Ruapehu looks like this, a nice little snow cap on. Here is the Geonet Volcano Camera view this morning. I have seen some awesome pics of Turoa taken from Ohakune this evening. I don't want to steal someone else images so you'll have to

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-29088379758931349282010-05-01T22:51:00.009+12:002010-11-17T11:48:58.282+13:00

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts webcam link Today, the first of May, my friend and I trawled around the city's snow stores checking out the pre-season weekend sales. I left the house with a merino t shirt and jeans and summer sandals on, half wondering if I should take another layer with me. Mostly because there were sporadic rain showers more than anything else. It was still reasonably warm here in

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-81920557670745135012010-04-27T12:15:00.002+12:002010-11-17T11:46:14.160+13:00

Mild temps continue to rock on. Still hovering around 20 degree highs most days in AK. Although we have had a temperature drop of sorts, and some coolish streaks (sometimes reaching for the extra blanket) it still does not feel like we have had THE icy autumn blast. I spent a couple of days in Nelson and Blenheim last week. 23 degrees when we landed in Blenheim. Cooled to about 4 degrees

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-8309936230665928382010-03-23T08:29:00.002+13:002010-05-17T10:18:04.742+12:00

before and after (and I forgot about that mid March dusting!) Just over a year ago, on the night of Friday the 13th of February 2009, some stupid person set fire to the Knoll Ridge Cafe, Waterfall Express Terminal, and the cat shed. While the 3 level Cafe and Cat Shed were written off due to the arson, the terminal for the chair luckily only suffered minor damage, and the season was able to

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-31180115212633366402010-02-04T10:27:00.013+13:002010-05-29T21:29:13.533+12:00

After we got back from the "Chill Tour" I decided it really was time I thought about getting back into some running. I used to run quite a bit. Not fast, nothing flash, just enough to keep me fit without joining the gym. This idea tends to fall by the wayside as the weekends are filled with snowboarding, and the weeks are spent doing washing, re-packing, sleeping, working and recovering!I find it

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-24873616676786074542009-12-07T16:15:00.012+13:002010-05-29T21:29:13.534+12:00

The Goat 2009 - The Pinnicles @ Whakapapa through the mist The Goat 2009 - race briefingThe Goat 2009 - start at Top of the Bruce, WhakapapaThe Goat 2009 - finish at Turoa carpark"Have you goat what it takes?" is the question on everyone's lips at this time each year as they tackle The Goat alpine adventure run from Whakapapa ski field to Turoa ski field. The course is on a portion of the Round

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-74906803439410073802009-11-10T17:44:00.009+13:002009-11-10T18:07:56.832+13:00

Last day, Turoa, SNOvember the 8th 2009Just finished the "season" 2 days ago with a nice corny spring day with a touch of slush thrown in here and there. Bit bummed out that there wasn't a late spring dump for the last day, but still awesome to have chair lift access for SNOvember days.We took a day trip on the Sunday - nice to be able to sleep in till 6am since the chairlifts didn't open till

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-29273276175156466152009-11-02T12:25:00.040+13:002010-11-19T12:51:31.405+13:00

It's been a funny old spring... today on the 2nd of November they are reporting it to be the coldest October in 25 years! The upper slopes of Turoa are loaded. October brought us wintery snowstorms that kept topping things up so in between times, when the weather cleared, there has been lots of happy faces shredding the pow. Spring 09 saw winter (and SNOvember) reappear. Turoa, at Mt Ruapehu,

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-61416098599384423142009-10-19T16:22:00.002+13:002009-11-23T16:38:20.769+13:00

BIG hailLooking at the weather report we knew it would be closed Saturday, so arrived in Ohakune Saturday arvo hoping for Sunday. It would be great if it was another good Sunday like last Sunday! Instead Saturday evening brought us intense hail and thunder. Alas Sunday was closed... Closed at 13km mark on Sunday

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-48580876314612076102009-10-12T13:53:00.066+13:002011-06-22T10:33:11.842+12:00

After the big snow, my lovely other half snuck away on the Wednesday for a day of fresh snow, wicked lines, and an all round awesome day... while I was stuck at work. There was still a lot of snow around, plenty down to the one lane bridge on the Ohakune Mountain road. And the trees, oh the weight of the snow (and lack of wind) brought many branches down and leaning over the road. here is a

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-81289516526219294122009-10-05T13:31:00.034+13:002011-06-22T10:28:06.125+12:00

The forecast looked bad so flagged going boarding... but Saturday turned out to be a nice spring day! On Sunday it dumped down in the afternoon: snow down to Taihape and as far east as Hawkes Bay, plus the Napier/Taupo road (trapping 100 or more cars in the snow). Snow also closed road desert road and SH49 from Ohakune to Waiouru. Never mind. At least it's topped up the snow for spring riding.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-64708821829969934082009-09-29T11:59:00.028+13:002011-06-24T11:03:01.927+12:00

Spent the Saturday at Turoa, was very slushy all over. Found a semi powdery bit down Slider, while the bf went over to scope out Layback. Already some spring meltage cracks starting to form on the edge of  Layback as you drop into the lower Slider/Upper Organ Pipes. It was pretty bare from the Wintergarden down. A download day for sure! Saturday was also the day for the Bikini Jam! Girls (and

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-30794048910770423342009-09-14T12:54:00.079+12:002010-05-18T22:29:51.460+12:00

After a week of very changeable weather, a high parked itself over the country and the sun fiercely came out and the wind finally dropped. Last Monday and Tuesday I headed out west at Whakapapa and rode my butt off, eeking out every possible minute of the day. There were minimal or no queues - this is what week day riding is all about! The snow was firm in the morning, but at about 10.30 or 11am

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-65680824536638996982009-09-04T21:40:00.008+12:002010-05-18T19:49:51.357+12:00

Attempted to go up today, but ended up watching the wind and waiting for the final descision that all was closed for the day.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-11492339900903506692009-09-04T19:00:00.060+12:002010-05-18T19:49:51.358+12:00

It's been a bit of a wild week at Ruapheu this week. Wind, Rain, Sun, Snow, more wind and just a little bit of riding in between. Yesterday (Thursday) we went to Tukino, the wild side of Ruapehu. Getting there can be a bit of an adventure. I hitched a ride with Conrad (from the Pizzeria, at the Junction @ Ohakune) in his 4wd and, with another girl Rachel, we departed Ohakune for the Desert Road.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-2050120319526122992009-08-18T09:00:00.076+12:002010-05-18T19:49:51.359+12:00

More from the road... Avalanches, warm temps, and not a frost on the car, what is up with winter?! We hit Mt Cheeseman on Friday the 14th August, which is now the memorable "avo" day... Cheesy was great. Self loading T-Bars was something new. Good viz, the snow was soft all over, and the place is a lot of fun. We loved our first "cheesy" experience. At the end of our day we were removing our

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-38103599001341164752009-08-10T21:25:00.013+12:002010-01-23T11:45:03.712+13:00

Day 3! and 3rd day riding It was an exciting start to the day. 1st day on the Chill Pass. The group of Australian lads we met last night at our lodge were leaving... we scurried round packing the car... got used to getting ready round each other in our small room... visited Chill HQ at Ned's Cafe for our first great morning coffee... and we were off! Porters today, to get our T Bar legs on. View

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-92129322374378729272009-08-09T23:00:00.025+12:002009-11-05T13:29:11.205+13:00

day 2! and 2nd day riding WORST SLEEP EVER. Now I am thankful we went to sleep so early, cos at least I got a few hours in. I was aware of the band, but expected the noise, and lived with it... but the real party seemed to start somewhere about 3am when it was all over downstairs and all on out on the street below. At some point a guy was on the balcony outside my window and right by my head -

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-84653762228157237062009-08-08T23:00:00.012+12:002009-11-05T12:46:03.746+13:00

Last night I packed and squished as much as I could into my snowboard coffin. Who knew how cold it was going to be down there, and how long I would need to make my clothes last, ie how many times I'd need to recycle a thermal or two. Ewwww. I thought I managed to keep the weight down too, but @ 26kg it was over the 25kg weight limit on Air NZ and I had to repack and move things into my hand

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-55972775445889599962009-08-07T13:14:00.006+12:002009-08-07T13:24:27.077+12:00

The northern girl heads south to chill out, literally....Soon I'll be en route to Christchurch to start the long awaited "Club Field Tour". (I see in the Winter 09 issue of the NZskier mag they have dubbed it "the Hot Tub tour" - hmmm, maybe we need to rethink this plan...)It all started way back in Spring 08. The epic long season that sadly had to come to an end on the slopes of Turoa in the

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-10156265512834913722009-07-28T12:40:00.001+12:002009-07-29T12:49:29.987+12:00

I feel kinda bad for not writing anything last week as the last weekend of the school holidays was spent nice and dry indoors - but this weekend just gone was bluebirds and more than made up for it... especially for a weekend warrior like myself.The weather immediately before the weekend was rather ick to say the least, but by Sat 25th it was clear blue skies and predicted to be that way for a

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-39413381956750091872009-07-13T17:54:00.014+12:002009-07-15T18:16:21.338+12:00

Whoever put this sign up is a genius!It’s been a good week for the first week of the school holidays – open all week with some freshies to boot. Being stuck at work you end up watching it all happen from afar – checking out the webcams, see the piccies on facebook, read the stories on snowco, and even here in the AK you can hear familiar Ohakune voices doing the snow reports on the radio.But it

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-81035544448494902162009-07-07T16:29:00.012+12:002009-07-09T17:14:50.725+12:00

On the drive down we heard on the radio that the severe storm alert/warning (or whatever it was) had lifted just as quickly as it was put in place - gotta love NZ weather!If ever there was a day to say "if you weren't here you missed it" - it was Sunday at Whakapapa. I thought winter08 had some pretty epic powder days for our wee rock, but Sunday had to be the driest, softest, freshest I have

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-22597667600667134422009-07-03T09:34:00.008+12:002009-07-03T09:51:06.308+12:00

...start tonight! (end Sunday July 19th for those who want to know) Good news, there's been a heap of new snow this week. North and South. MORE due this weekend too. A storm warning has been issued by the met service, so the next few days might not be that pleasant, but then there will be freshies!This morning we woke to the news that the Desert Road closed overnight. Volcano Watch gives us a

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-52204058955684320212009-06-29T09:14:00.002+12:002009-07-03T09:34:15.407+12:00

This week the snow making lake almost emptied - 72 million litres of water pumped thru the snow guns to make piles of nice soft snow. One main trail of the Rock Garden open, Happy Valley open, and the Waterfall Express chair running for sight seeing only.Turoa was very busy cos of Mardis Gras, and despite only one main trail open at Whakapapa, it seemed like a ghost town! I am glad I followed my

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-82436674720139556252009-06-22T16:24:00.010+12:002009-06-22T17:00:52.305+12:00

approaching 9km bridge - Ohakune Mountain Road1st Chairlift ride for the seasona midfield view from the Movenpick Chairfresh windblown snow nestled in the Why Not's me and my shadow - top of the High Flyer chairTuroa "opened" Saturday but was closed due to wind and poor weather. Only the Alpine Meadow was open and sounds like it was pretty busy despite the condtions. Snowed a little overnight,

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-90267543618984243652009-06-19T12:50:00.008+12:002009-06-25T09:48:03.099+12:00

Turoa opens tomorrow - WOOP WOOPWell the Alpine Meadow has been open for 2 weeks (which has been awesome for this time of year), and it looks like it will be High Flyer runs on the upper mountain for the official opening weekend. With all the snow over the past couple of months and a chance of a longer run in their sights, it should draw quite a few people into Ohakune. It's been a cold week...

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-8721419650910815322009-06-15T16:52:00.007+12:002009-06-15T17:21:15.001+12:00

Alpine Meadow - Sun 14th JuneSo the Alpine Meadow poma and carpet lifts have been open for just over a week. Great to see so many people taking advantage of the early snow cover.Bit of rain Fri/Sat/Sun (ish) stripped the ridges on the lower slopes (Turoa). Overall, it's not too bad up there, no reason to panic people! It was certainly a warm week compared to the freeeezing temps of the previous

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-9022857074281955412009-06-03T08:10:00.004+12:002009-06-22T16:38:00.645+12:00

The thing about a 3 day weekend is it makes it a 4 day week at work and things are super busy. So, sorry for the delay… here is the round up from the weekend…Took a leisurely drive down on Saturday 30th May, arriving in Ohakune late Saturday afternoon. We drove up to Turoa for a look at the snow, only to find 100 or so people had the same idea as us - the Alpine Meadow learner’s area was teaming

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-33296718481632706662009-05-25T15:01:00.003+12:002009-05-25T15:15:52.005+12:00

Sunday morning kite flying at North Head The weekend was pretty cold, and while Wellington was getting nailed by huge winds and waves we barely noticed it up here - Sunday morning was even shorts weather. On Saturday afternoon we got all the gear out in the garage for a wax and tune. All ready to go now! Just need the Ruapehu season to open.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-34170916310156809312009-05-22T08:01:00.004+12:002009-05-22T08:16:35.813+12:00

Woop Woop - Snow in Ohakune town, Desert Road, and National Park, Raetihi, all the places in between - and more! This happens a few times each winter, but in May? Well... no one's complaining :)Was very hard to concentrate at work yesterday. I was constantly checking the 'net for pictures and updates from down there.... people snowboarding in their back yards and on the roadsides, kids learning

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-8513255565404358702009-05-12T17:31:00.008+12:002009-05-20T08:58:53.740+12:00

T-Bar webcam image from snow.co.nz Yes, Manganui (up Mt Taranaki) got clearance from DOC to open early! There is snow in the forecast for Wednesday/Thursday and they have good coverage on the T-bar. Manganui is on my list of places to go this winter.The next field that looks set to open is Mt Hutt in the South Island on the 30th May.

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-3812521748044464712009-05-12T10:07:00.006+12:002009-05-20T08:45:27.514+12:00

The crazy weather continues... Yesterday there was a massive hail storm at Papamoa, near Tauranga. The streets were blanketed with hail and "snow". And as one does in this summery region renowned for beaches and sun, you take to the beach for a spot of.... snowboarding.Here is the link to the NZ Herald reader photo's. Not sure how long the links stays live, so have taken a screen dump below (

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-51308308234732265022009-05-10T22:00:00.009+12:002009-06-22T16:44:12.476+12:00

Today we went to visit a friend in Taupo, but drove the long way from Auckland via Whakapapa (to drive up to the ski field and take a look at the snow.) When we arrived we discovered the road up the mountain was closed, so decided to take a walk to the Silica Rapids while we were there. Felt like a bit of a dork wearing full snowboarding kit (minus boots), but the weather forecast was for it to

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-89262943055003945812009-05-07T11:44:00.012+12:002009-06-22T16:45:05.440+12:00

All eyes are on the weather maps and webcams. There's been some serious weather brewing below NZ and is set to start crossing over the South Island today. It's still looking like snow well into the weekend. Down south people are hiking and getting in first turns of the season too. Pictures below are from this link: volcano watchWhakapapa side of Ruapehuvolcano vista and the Desert Road - view

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-14762403369549046582009-05-05T12:02:00.008+12:002009-06-22T16:46:34.394+12:00

A dirty looking sequence of weather is about to hit and more snow is on the way. The Met Service predictions for the next few days till the weekend say the freezing level is set to drop to 1400-1800m. Could be just the autumn storm we need to continue to cool things down. Here's how things looked last night - watch this space...

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-25935865429985272762009-05-03T22:12:00.011+12:002009-06-22T16:47:34.211+12:00

The past few days have been quite humid here in Auckland, temps in the late teens, some days the high got to the early 20's... Yesterday it rained solidly all day, it was grey, and the temperature barely broke 10 degrees C. No other way to describe it - it was cold! Last night the cloud broke revealing stars and a promise of the sunny day to come. I checked the volcano cam and the cloud had

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591340245238211989.post-15956338771340693412009-03-29T22:58:00.005+13:002009-06-22T16:41:09.257+12:00

Here we are taking in some end of summer sight seeing at Whakapapa ski field. Visit the RAL website for chairlift ride and sight seeing info. (Normally ends round the end of April)Centennial Chairlift Mt Ngauruhoe from Scoria Flat

Chantelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513405781122911976noreply@blogger.com