the powder room

5th August 2006, 18:00
Alpine Resort

Wow. What can I say? One of the most amazing experiences of my life. After two weeks of waiting, we finally got the go-ahead for heliboarding.

So we bundled onto a coach and headed down to the staging area in crystal clear blue skies, where we were briefed on heli safety and using avalanche transceivers. Then it was onto the heli before being whizzed off to the North Harris Mountains and our first run down pristine powder!

I was in a group with Ryan, Kristine, Nick and a random Taihitian guy called Michael. Laetitia was our guide. We crouched low around a pack as the chopper arrived before cramming into the small 6 seater and taking off.

As we came in to land, we could see the first group setting off and you could feel the adrenalin rise. Seconds later, we were coming in and crouched low as the heli took off. Then there was silence as we peered off into the distance and gathered our kit together.

Laetita gave us a quick brief on snow conditions and headed off – the first run was a little crusty, but still great and a good warm up!

Then we were off again, for a spot of filming – I got a bit over excited in my quest for fresh and lost sight of Laetitia’s tracks, ended up heading down a great line, but realised my mistake about halfway down and had to traverse off to catch her – got a little (and well deserved) telling off, but it was a great line!

We stopped for lunch mid-way through our third run, the guides had dug a little table out and laid out a fantastic spread – better than my normal lunch! Some of the boys got busy building a kicker (a jump for those not up to speed in snowboard parlance) so I took advantage and got ready with my camera. Got into a great position and shot my first ever sequences! Think they worked well, but are a little out of focus (damn!). Will put the photos up when I get a chance!

Then it was off again for our last run, all over too quickly, but left with some great memories of a perfect bluebird day, thumbs up and smiles all round – off for a few bevvies tonight upstairs, then out to Woody’s again. This is what it’s all about – love it!

4th August 2006, 18:00
Alpine Resort

Had a good-ish sort of day today – the trainers had a chat with us about our progress so far – they reckon that I’m not good enough to pass Stage 1 just yet, but if I improve at the rate I have been then I might be alright for the exam. Basically, it’s going to be really tough few weeks and I’ve got to put a lot of work in if I’m to pass – they said that I shouldn’t be surprised if I don’t pass.

As for the BASI exam, I’m even further away! It was better than I expected, but I know it’s going to be a big challenge. Just need to knuckle down and get on with it really!

On the plus side, I’m going heliboarding tomorrow. Just got back from stretch class – really good, feel much more relaxed now. Heading off to watch a DVD and chill out round at Ros’ place. The others have gone to the Burton Open to watch all the pro snowboarders, but I decided I could do with the stretch and a gentle night!

2nd August 2006, 21:00
Alpine Resort, stuffed to the brim with risotto

So, heli was cancelled today (again!), but we all went for lunch instead – had a
full breakfast to nurse my hangover! Then Maria, Pete and I headed back to Diamond Lake and walked past it this time to a really nice viewpoint

Had some food (bit too much actually!) and now sitting around sipping a little local wine. Bit worried about tomorrow cos we need to prove outselves this week so that we can do both exams and I’m a little ropey at the moment – still, must think positive and will be fine!

1st August 2006, 18:00
Alpine Resort, after a stoked day!

Hurrah! What a birthday, woke up this morning with some presents sent from Jen and great snow. After our warm up, Tom took us (Steve, Rob, Mark and I) over to the Saddle Basin. Just as we got to the top, the Motatapu Chute opened up, so we raced over and got first lines down! Absolutely amazing! The downside was the 30 minute hike out of there, but well worth it!

We’ve got a meeting tonight about jobs in the States and then we’re going for dinner at the White House (thanks for the recommendation Jane!), before a few cheeky bevvies at Woody’s. Can’t wait!

Decided to treat myself too, so just about to head out to buy myself a new jacket – got to look the part! Plus we’re going heliboarding tomorrow – top that for a birthday!

28th July 2006, 22.49
Alpine Resort – in bed with sore knees

New group again today – with Jim again and Pete, Claire, Kristine and Steve – good crew and glad to have Jim as a trainer. All the 13 week boarders were together for the first few runs and we had a bit of video. Jim explained that they’re taking stock of our riding now with a view to assessing our suitability for doing the dual NZSIA/BASI qualification.

Bit of a key point then, if the trainers don’t feel we’re up to it, then they’ll recommend that we focus on one qualification only – mixed feelings about that – I’d be gutted to not do both, but then it would be nice to have just one focus. Anyway we’ll see how things pan out.

The other big crunch I had today was trying some freestyle – hitting a kicker and trying a box. Both went abysmally wrong and ended up knee planting twice in quick succession. What made it worse was that Jim caught it all on video – certainly the most interesting and cringe-worthy feedback session I’ve had!

Still, I know what went wrong and was so close to pulling both off. I’m determined to nail them by the end of the season!

27th July 2006, 21.25
On my bed having just come back from Swiss Ball class

Fun day today – we had a new trainer, Dan (great name!) and I’m in a group with Claire, Kristine and Ryan. Spent the afternoon trying out freestyle stuff – nose rolls, 180 ollies and buttering. Dan’s a really great freestyle coach and took us through a gradual progression that had us all buttering by the end of the afternoon – result!

On the downside, I’m coming down with something – just a cold type thing, but feeling all feverish and have a sore throat. Irritating more than anything – I’m fed up of feeling tired/injured/sick!

Anyways, could be worse, lots of people up at Cardrona are coming down with a nasty gastroenteritis thing – a few of our skiiers have got it now cos they’re doing their CSI there. Hoping to avoid that one!!

26th July 2006, 17.30
Alpine Resort

Much needed day off today – sorted a few bits and bobs then had lunch and went for a nice walk with Claire, Pete and Ryan.

We were supposed to go for a gentle stroll round Glendhu Bay, but ended up hiking up to Diamond Lake – not that far, but more than I was dressed for! Well worth it though, as we were treated to a frozen over lake in the shape of a heart.

After tentatively stepping onto the ice and chucking a few rocks, we decided it was actually strong enough to walk on.

Anyways, was a lovely day and topped off with some glorious afternoon sun as we strolled back!.

25th July 2006, 18.34
Alpine Resort

Finished up today and Kate and Billy rounded us up to tell us we were going heli-boarding tomorrow. Totally stoked (although shattered, so a bit unsure) – but Billy’s just come round to tell us it’s off The snow’s rubbish at the moment!

Doh! A little pleased though, cos I really need a rest.

Anyways, the T2 Nitro was good fun, but I really struggled with it off-piste. Not sure if it was my riding or the board, but I’ll blame the latter! A no-no for me then!

24th July 2006, 22.28
Alpine Resort

Just got back from the Soul Riders film festival in town, they were showing “91 Words for Snow” – one of my fave films. All about what snowboarding means to lots of pro riders and generally soulful kinda stuff. Really loved it and it’s inspired me to really go for it tomorrow in training – and to top it off, I won a free day pass to Cardrona!

That film always leaves me with a warm feeling – riding’s about having fun with your mates and just being out in the mountains, enjoying nature and the pure and simple feeling of sliding down a mountain on a bit of wood! That’s what we’ve been doing these past few days and I’ve been loving it!

Course wise – we’ve done the CSI now, so the focus is on rider improvement and then on to the level 3 and 4 progressions. Today we were developing our carving (i.e. riding on the edges of the board) and off-piste riding. Lots of work and my legs are killing me, but really pleased with my riding!

Demoing a few boards just to get a feel for different rides – tried a K2 Darkstar today and it was pretty sweet – lots of fun to ride and very playful. A lot more flexible than my Burton Custom and more freestyle oriented. Trying a Nitro T2 tomorrow, which is even more freestyle – not really my cup of tea, but will give it a crack. Then Thursday will be the Option Mendenhaal.

22nd July 2006, 1800
Alpine resort (surprise!)

Up the mountain again today – total bluebird day! Pete, Ros and I were going to have a gentle day, but ended up hitting it quite hard in the morning – couldn’t resist really!

Another top day, blasting around – visibility was much better and meant we could actually see what we were riding!

Found some great wind-loaded chutes and had a peek over at Matukituki basin. I’m so pleased with my riding at the moment, it’s really come on since I arrived – was flying down off-piste today in control and without bricking myself! Topped the day off with a hike up the ridge and dropping back into the main basin along Sundance (trail map is at http://www.treblecone.co.nz/Info/high-res-trail-map.asp) Just insane powder down there and could see our lines from the bottom! Would never have even thought of doing that 3 weeks ago!

The only thing that’s bothering me is my fitness, my calf muscles were killing me by mid morning! It’s the 7th day in a row that we’ve ridden, so I’m hoping it’s that and a day’s rest will do me wonders.

Still, lots of work to do for Stage 1 – my riding needs to step up a gear if I stand any chance of passing – but we’ll worry about that on Monday!