NZ 14 – Week 2 Begins

With Saturday being the change over day, the YES Crew had a day off.  After waving good-bye to those leaving us this week, the YES Crew headed off in various directions.  Some went golfing, some went to Queenstown.  Others went vineyard-ing while others went for a run/walk/hike.  Overall a relaxing day as we awaited the arrival of those joining us for week 2.

                                         Lake Wanaka on the way to Glendhu Bay

Sunday morning greeted us with a clear blue sky and warmish temperatures.  A small rockslide on the road to TC — the paved road, not the mountain road — delayed our arrival.  The slopes were empty for most of the day and the snow was in good shape.  The morning was mostly spent of the Home Basin side as the groups were put through the paces.  Powderbowl was still holding some nice snow and offered a bit of a challenge.  

                                                            rock slide

                                                 Raffall's Run and the Saddle

After the morning break it was off to the Saddle were the gullies had some nice chalky snow.  MIneshaft, Bullet and Saddleback were all in great shape.  A few of the coaches then headed over to the Mototapu Chutes to check on the conditions.  The snow was firm but chalky and the wind had blown some interesting drifts in between the rock formations.  The traverse out left much to be desired as half of it consisted of hopping through the tussock.  

                                                   Mototapu Chutes

                                             Barry in the Mototapu Chutes

                                         Barry exiting the Mototapu Chutes

The welcome drinks were back at the Edgewater and then it was off in search of some lamb shanks for dinner.  An early night tonight as the gang gets set to start the week in earnest tomorrow.

                                          The YES Snowboard group