ADV229 online

Snow Capped Sunrises
The coffee is hot and after a ski-deprived lockdown,
everyone is raring to go. The early 2000s Subaru
station wagon is loaded with ski equipment, tramping
gear, and boys, rolling four deep. We drive alongside
the lake soaking in the morning sunrise. The clouds
finally clear and colors light up the surrounding snowcapped
mountains. We find our exit, divide up the
supplies, and before I know it we are heading up the
steep mountain track.
It Begins
The initial climb is steep, so steep that there is a clear
set of waterfalls tumbling down the rocks. The 4wd
switchback changes into a narrowing trail which leads
to the base of a waterfall. Dead end. We backtrack
onto a faint, aggressive trail that involves a healthy
amount of bushwhacking. The debate whether
one should attach his ski boot to the pin binding
backward with the boot hanging down or to click in
the traditional position to avoid sticks in your boots
becomes a hot topic. Boot shells downward is the
winner on the day.
The bush slowly thins and Otago's high alpine
tussock begins to show itself. As time passes the
climb becomes riskier as now there are cliff bands
below us with little to no organic matter to latch onto.
Not long after we encounter an endless boulder
field. With a 20kg pack, each step must be carefully
chosen as a simple slip may lead to a twisted ankle or
a solid 2-3 metre fall into a hole.
A Lonely River
Four hours pass and we find ourselves on a plateau
with spectacular views. The morning light bounces
off the mountain tops and contrasts greatly with the
glacier lake below. Up ahead we get a clear view of
a stunning high alpine valley with a wandering river
leading to the waterfalls below. The terrain here is
flat, and progress is quick. We leap across the river
and begin the climb towards the saddle. The climb
isn’t as steep, but the tussock is slippery. We slog
upwards and the four of us converge at the saddle.
We cross from the north aspect onto the south-facing
ridge which holds fresh snow. Great news, it is finally
time to ski!
Saddle Sores
Luckily for us, the snow stays cold, and the
conditions are exceptional for skiing. Each turn
snaps around without much effort. On the way
down we spot our humble dwelling. It is an old
1920’s stone hut with a door that must be about
5ft tall. The luxuries of our accommodation
include a fireplace, a rock table, and a single
four mattresses sleeping platform. What was
supposed to take 3-4 hours to get here instead
took 7½ hours. Nothing a cheeky Parrotdog Beer
and late lunch can’t fix.
We unload camping, cooking, and sleeping
supplies. The boys rally and we take off up the
hill looking to catch some sunset turns. On our
way down we observe the exposed basin filled
with rocks, chutes, couloirs, and open faces. Our
progress is much faster with light packs. We scope
out some long lines above the saddle we had skied
and the snow looks phenomenal. We reach the top
before our shadows are too long and the sunset is
beginning to reach its peak. Matt and Kit both scope
a tasty-looking chute that has gold rays dancing off
the center of it. It looks like a ripper. Nick as per usual
seeks more action up further in seriously big terrain.
"On the way down
we spot our humble
dwelling. It is an
old 1920’s stone
hut with a door that
must be about 5ft
tall. The luxuries of
our accommodation
include a fireplace,
a rock table, and
a single four
mattresses sleeping
platform."
Previous Page: Enjoying some spectacular views on the way.
Above: The hut, somewhere in western Otago.
Right: Cold conditions allow for exceptional skiing.
16//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#229