As we pulled into the car park we were greeted by a classic New Zealand alpine scene.
The first hour was spent charging up through the native beech tree forests that cling onto the alps legs and valleys. It was simply magical. A snowy mist filled the air reflecting a halo light that flooded in through the forests canopy. Snow piles consistently fell down from the trees high branches as they strained under the temporary weight. I felt like a kid in candy shop, spoilt and overwhelmed by the situations possibilities. It was a pleasure to run around in this naturally-sexy-green playground!
The long slog continued, we couldn't wait to get the skins on a begin some ascending slides... Troy flew up the ridge with his 'fairy wings'.
Holly negotiates a thin snow pack while taking in the glorious view!
We had made it to fresh and skiable snow! Much to our delight, due to the gale winds, much of the snow had settled in amongst the trees. Skinning up all of a sudden became easy again with the prospect of tree-skiing (in New Zealand!?!).
The 3 stages of pack relief! I get a sense of relief just by looking at these.
Distant peaks, bowls and basins made for a day of fascination. "Imagine skiing that sometime..."
I pulled out the photographer card and managed to score first line through the trees! #pillows. Troy soon followed, another day in the office for him.
Ali was the best skier of all of us, leaving the snow caressed yet destroyed. I know, "how the hell is that even possible?" You'll have to ask her.
De-skinning at the bottom of our run through the trees. The scene was again surreal, this time with a partially frozen lake right behind us.
"It's the climb" - Miley Cyrus
Half way to the top of Mt Bruce we reached a short plateau. A chance to stop, rehydrate and take in this int
