New Zealand Winter 2013 – Thus far

Thanks Shesplits.

Just checked out your blog and looks like you guys scored some good stuff down in the Southern lakes recently. I assume your Draizuhs partner..??

Looking forward to meeting you guys up at splitfest. Looks like TB got a bit of snow over the last few days so hopefully it will be a bit more filled in by the time of splitfest! Corn is fun but I would prefer to ride it a bit later in the year..

Awesome. Looking forward to meeting all of you guys at Splitfest. I think I will be taking a couple of days off just prior to splitfest as well to do a bit of riding so be sure to hit me up.

Tarn Basin at Cheeseman is really good and so is Crystal Valley next to Porters. Probably a good chance to experience Crystal Valley before it gets dominated by the Porters expansion… Both Cheeseman and Porters offer oneway lift tickets to access the backcountry as well which makes the access a little easier.

Anyway, a couple of quick hints for Splitfest at Temple Basin (not sure if these have been mentioned on the Splitfest facebook page or not). Be sure to bring an ice axe and crampons if your planning on getting into the backcountry or sidecountry. You can access a lot of lines touring around Temple but most require a little bit of booting along ridges and having crampons and ice axe will definitely give you a bit more security when boot packing. Don’t be put off by the fact crampons and ice axe are needed as the lines you can access with them are worth it.. Also make sure you purchase a leather glove protector to stop your gloves getting eaten by the rope tow. These only cost $15 and you can buy them from the Temple ticket office.

Was at Temple yesterday and the terrain up high is well filled in and riding well. Lower down it definitely needs a bit more snow so lets keep hoping for more snow in the coming weeks!

There is definitely terrain for all abilities around Temple, but worth bringing the crampons and axe if you have room in your bag (and have the weight allowance if flying) just in case. Not a biggie if you don’t bring them. With a bit of luck it will be all pow and they can stay in the pack anyway!

Not sure what a rigger glove is, but have a look here..

http://shop.chillout.co.nz/home/rope-tow/other/glove-protector/

A sturdy pair of leather gloves also work fine too.

Oh man I hope I haven’t put anyone off! There are heaps of zones you can access just from touring without the need for ice and crampons and terrain for all abilities. Sorry if I made it sound like something else.