If the hell-raising drive, the wet mist in the air or the punters in extremely loud clothing didn't warn me that I was back up at Hotham, the perfectly groomed Aussie slush and the first shout of 'Safety Bar' certainly did. Conditions are pretty impressive for this time of year but we definitely should not stop praying for more snow... keep burning those skis, please! I had a good couple of hours lapping the Village and Road Runner on my oldest and most bashed up board as there are still some rocks poking through the slush, though the misty rain and wind eventually got the better of me and I thought it was time for a well deserved Milo and toastie.
I was looking at all the ski maps that Mum has collected and put up on the walls - Fernie, Whistler, Telluride, Steamboat, Val d'Isere, Cervinia, Niseko... - I might of skied them all, and have memorable moments or runs from all of them but it is really this little hill that I'll always love like home. Plus there is some really great terrain here, especially in years where we have a good base, like this year. I can't wait for Heavenly and the 'EXTREME' Skiing to get covered!
I thought I would take this opportunity to update my few readers on plans for this season, let me know if we will run into each other anywhere. I'm always looking for more company on the slopes.
June/July: I will be a weekend warrior up at Hotham, trying to get back in riding shape while focussing on being at full steam in the gym.
July 21st - 24th: Victorian Intervarsity Championships, Mt Buller
August 5th - 7th: Australian/New Zealand Cup, FIS Races, Mt Hotham
I'm then considering heading out to NZ to train with coach Rachel, who travelled on the Nor-Am tour with us over January and February for 10 days. Alternatively, I will do the Hotham Banked Slalom on August 13th (a great even for all comers... lots of fun!)
August 19th: NZ Winter Games, Australian/NZ Cup, FIS Race, Cadrona, NZ
August 28th: Beer-battered Rider Cross, Mt Hotham
August 28th - September 2nd: Australian University Championships, Thredbo
September: Back-country touring up in the Main-Range and Buffalo areas!
Typing all that out made me very excited, I love this time of year... with everything yet to come.
Please stay tuned for an update on the fabulous people who will be sponsoring me this winter...
Get excited folks... it's snowing!
Smiles.
