At Last

Solterra’s 1st trip up the hill. Heated seats & steering wheel what luxury.

Having arrived in Ohakune eight days ago one would have thought that I would have made it up to Turoa by now. But alas it has not turned out to be so. Last week we had a storm that dumped 30-40cm of snow on the hill. This of course took a few days to tidy up, then there were the weekend crowds and this week has seen nasty strong winds close the field for the last 3 days. But today the sun was out, the wind had dropped to a gentle breeze, and AJ got her skis on and checked out the current offering at Turoa.

So with the snow base currently sitting at a bare 40cm the snow pack is very thin and plenty of rocks are showing. Currently only 1 run down from the top of the Giant is open. Upper Freeway is narrow with several patches of rock and stone showing thru. Boneyard is mixed with okay snow, narrow scratched off patches, chunky snow and man made snow. Typical Turoa stuff one might say. Clarry’s Track is actually decent and with the car park only 1/4 full this morning it wasn’t too congested.

Rumour has it that quite a few staff have been let go due to the lack of snow flowing on to low visitor numbers. Pure Turoa could sure do with a good season esp after last years poor performance on the snow front.

More snow is desperately needed and with none in the forecast it is truly a sad state of affairs. We need around another 1m of snow to get things really cranking. Next week however is looking like that dreaded rain might sweep thru. (picture me weeping here peeps). Just a well a white Christmas/Jan is booked in and the homies are getting very excited.

With the Grandkids visiting this weekend it might be an opportune time to introduce them to the white fluffy stuff. Watch. this space