Great weekend, though the weather could have been a little (lot) kinder. Went away on a snowcraft course. So we learned how to do ice-axe arrests (no, not apprehending thieves with an ice-axe ;) – learning how to stop your fall with an ice-axe. Also how to move with crampons, how the snow packs work (and therefore where to expect avalanches etc) How Bergschrunds form, cornices, wind loading etc. etc. Really interesting stuff.
And crazily cheap. For $50, we got transport, accommodation, food, gear use (helmet, crampons and ice-axe) and instruction. Doubt you’d get better than that anywhere really.
Saturday we went off and practiced the skills, went up to a ski-field and practiced off to the side of one of the slopes. (yes, we had permission). The slope we were to use had too much avalanche danger. That was the real problem with the weekend, there was WAY too much powder, so we couldn’t really practice too well, crampons are useless in thick powder..
Did have a nice sunset though :) Infact the place we were staying was great, it’s a field station for Canterbury University where they do research into biology, zoology, botany, geology etc. And it’s a very comfortable place to stay in too! Huge log fire. Great.
Then on Sunday we went on a hike to put the skills to use. Unfortunately, while the views were great (and there’s a movie here)..
..again, the snow was just too deep to really practice anything. Would have been better off getting boarding or something.. We did make an igloo though. Which was great fun. Very strong structure really, I stood on the roof and it supported my weight with no problem at all.
Finally, for those of you who’ve seen the film Vertical Limit, you might find this funny. I did :)
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