The drive up the mountain was a new experience entirely. We're used to the jagged steep approach roads of the european alps, but this was practically one gradual ascent. The surroundings were different too, travelling through a lush forest for the first half of the ascent before emerging in to a volcanic moonscape for the remainder.
The resort itself wasn't what we're used to either - this was just a place to park your car and get on the lifts, any accomodation is found at the base of the mountains over here. I suppose it's not practical to live on a volcano?! The conditions were really good, a bit icy in places, but generally good snow. The base is up to 470cm, which is about 270cm more than european resorts normally get. It is a record covering over here, and we should be able to still hit the slopes around Christmas time - which is the middle of summer!! One thing instantly realisable is the ratio of skiers to snowboarders. It's at least 50/50 over here, whereas in the european alps borders are still in the minority, probably about 70/30 at most (depending on the resort). Another reason to come to NZ then!
The drive back to Auckland was a bit of a hike, but definatley worth it. I'm sure we'll trim a few minutes off the journey with a bit more practice.
Jody liked it that much that she's gone back there today (wednesday) with Kieran's girlfriend Nic. Jody starts her new job next Monday, so is making the most of her free time, especially now that our gear has arrived!! We'll write some more about that once we've got round to unpacking all the boxes - it's like Christmas, as we can't remember exactly what we packed.
Anyway, lunch is over, time to get back to work.
I'm out for dinner with work tonight.......more free food!! "I'll have the steak please". Need I say more?
James/Knighty
xx
One of the snow covered cones
That's Mt Ruapehu
View from the top
If those clouds had cleared you can see the coast!
L-R: Nic, Kieran, Jules, Jody (all borders!)
Get out of my shot, skier!!
3 comments:
You jammy lot!! russ is pine-ing as we speak in fact his eyes are a shade of GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!
great pic's - eventhough it looks like kieran has a small cat attached to his face?!?!? what's all that about eh??
missing you loads
Big sis xx
Wow. That looks amazing. Considering we've only got at best Xscape and at worst Ski Village, having something like that on your doorstep is phenomenal.
How long is the drive from your house?
It looks like you're both settling in well. Can't wait until we can come and visit.
Darrell
wow fantastic !!! kieran's growth is something else ?? as laura say's is it "mr johnson" attatched to his chin? great pic's wot about some video's ???? come on get going u two,txt me when ur hooked up,just taking my laptop to get sucked! & collect my new pc,hopefully loaded,but hey ? what
could go wrong.love u both.DADXXX
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