Cheeseman E-news

August has started off well and the lean patch has passed with 20cms of new snow falling in the past 24 hour period. Its currently still snowing and is forecast to continue off and on until Saturday at this stage. The new snow is a welcomed sight and has transformed the mountain back into a winter wonderland and today there should be some awesome skiing and riding. With 2 months left in the season we hope you will make the most of the new snow – August is normally a good snow month and with some luck there will be further snowfalls on the way to keep the slopes pristine.

Last Saturday we hosted the Dynastar Chill Gromfest and 20 groms had a great time competing in this fun downhill race. Swiss National day was celebrated last Saturday night by members and guests and ski weekers on Fine Wine Week again celebrated Swiss National Day (on the actual day – 1 August) last night with our Swiss Instructors.

Over the next few weekends we have a number of events running which include All Schools Race Practice Day (this coming Sunday), Secondary Schools Champs, Club Champs and Primary & Intermediate Champs. August is going to be busy and for further event info please click here.

1-8-12 – New snow falling with A Frame in the background

Tjeerd, Jan & Ueli construct a Snow Swiss cross on Swiss National Day

Gromfest 28-7-12

Cheeseman Accommodation

Staying on the mountain at Cheeseman is a special experience. At Snowline Lodge you can ski to the Main T-Bar from the lodge door and at Forest Lodge you are nestled amongst native forest. Enjoy big days on the slopes and relaxing nights in Cheeseman’s cosy lodges. Click here for more information and to book.

Snow is falling at Cheeseman and we still have vacancies in some of our premium August Holiday Weeks:

• 29 July–4 August Fine Wine Week (adults only – 18yrs+)
• 5–11 August Family 2
• 19-25 August Open 2
• 26 August – 1 Sept Family 3 (Nanny available)

Bookings are also being taken for our Spring Weeks:

• 2-8 September Spring 1
• 9-15 September Spring 2 (Nanny available)
• 16-22 September Spring 3
• 23-29 September Holiday 1

Click here for more information and to book accommodation.

Cheeseman Merchandise

Don’t forget we have a great range of Cheeseman clothing and merchandise available for purchase or order on the mountain.

Items include:

• T Shirts
• Hoodies
• Caps
• Beanies
• Wine Glasses

Click here to view what’s available and prices.

Cafe Volunteers Needed

Just one more weekend to fill so please get in touch with Vickie if you can help out in the Cafe for the following weekend:

8 & 9 September

Vickie on 0272 742-153 or Contact Us via email with your available dates and contact details.

Weekend Weather

More snow on the way and clearing Sunday – Dress up warm!

Friday 3rd

Drizzle about the foothills spreading further west at times as rain, falling as snow above 1200 metres, gradually rising to 1600 metres by evening.
Wind at 1000 metres: Easterly 50 km/h.
Wind at 2000 metres: Northeast 60 km/h.
Free air freezing Level: 1400 metres gradually rising to 1800 metres.

Saturday 4th

Rain, falling as snow above 1500 metres, easing to a few showers. Northeasterlies, strong about the tops.

Sunday 5th

Cloudy periods and fine spells. Northeasterlies, dying out at low levels and tending lighter northerly about the tops.

A Windy day is demonstrated by staff leaning into the wind!

Winter is back at Cheeseman come and enjoy the new snow with us.

Until next week stay safe.

Cam & The Cheeseman Team.

A 5cm dusting of new snow over the past 24 hours has certainly freshened up the mountain after a lean patch on the new snow front. We’ve had warm and settled weather over the past few days being the norm, with almost spring like conditions in what should be the middle of winter!. The upper mountain still has great cover and the groomer has been doing an excellent job maintaining the main runs on a nightly basis along with staff looking after the other important areas such as T Bar lines and the Hinman Highway. July is almost over and hopefully August will bring with it some more snow and cooler temps as it normally does – there’s still another 2 months to go and we are keen to share some more great Cheeseman experiences with everyone.

Unfortunately we have had to re-evaluate many of the events that were planned so please check the Events Calendar for updated info. On a positive note the Dynastar Chill Gromfest is going ahead this coming Saturday along with Swiss National night party at Snowline Lodge (see below for details on both events) and Fine Wine Week kicks off on Sunday night.

The weather over the next 3 days is again looking settled with further snow on the cards for Sunday night and Monday – here’s hoping!

On piste has still been good skiing and riding

The upper mountain still has good coverage

Gromfest – Saturday 28th July

The Dynastar CHILL Gromfest is a series of three competitions for young skiers and snowboarders aged 6-12 years. The aim of Gromfest is for the young competitors to have fun whilst boosting their snow skills.
Mt Cheeseman plays host to the second event of 2012 Gromfest series Saturday 28 July, a day of dual downhill slalom racing. The emphasis is on participation and there’s a bbq and prizes for all who enter.

If you’d like to enter simply show up on the day and say hi to the CHILL Crew who will be out on the deck if it’s nice and sunny. It’s free to enter and the more the merrier.

Registration closes at 10.00am
Downhill Racing kicks off from around 10.30

Swiss National Day Celebration – Saturday 28th July

Join us this Saturday (night) 28th July at Snowline Lodge as we celebrate Swiss National Day (actual day is 1 August) with our Swiss ski Instructors. Traditional Cheese Fondue is on the menu.

Bookings are essential as this is always a very popular night with lots of fun and laughter.

Cheeseman Accommodation

Staying on the mountain at Cheeseman is a special experience. At Snowline Lodge you can ski to the Main T-Bar from the lodge door and at Forest Lodge you are nestled amongst native forest. Enjoy big days on the slopes and relaxing nights in Cheeseman’s cosy lodges. Click here for more information and to book.

Snow is falling at Cheeseman and we still have vacancies in some of our premium August Holiday Weeks:

• 29 July–4 August Fine Wine Week (adults only – 18yrs+)
• 5–11 August Family 2
• 19-25 August Open 2
• 26 August – 1 Sept Family 3 (Nanny available)

Bookings are also being taken for our Spring Weeks:

• 2-8 September Spring 1
• 9-15 September Spring 2 (Nanny available)
• 16-22 September Spring 3
• 23-29 September Holiday 1

Click here for more information and to book accommodation.

Cheeseman Merchandise

Don’t forget we have a great range of Cheeseman clothing and merchandise available for purchase or order on the mountain.

Items include:

• T Shirts
• Hoodies
• Caps
• Beanies
• Wine Glasses

Be sure to check out this great priced gear next time you are in the Daylodge.

Cafe Volunteers Needed

Vickie would like to hear from anyone who could help on the Cafe roster for the following weekends:

28 & 29 July

11 & 12 August

1 & 2 September

8 & 9 September

If you can help out with either a day or 2 over these weekends please get in touch with Vickie on 0272 742-153 or Contact Us via email with your available dates and contact details.

Weekend Weather

Another good looking weekend coming up in the Craigieburn Range

Friday 27th

Fine and frosty. Areas of morning fog.
Wind at 1000 metres: Westerly breezes.
Wind at 2000 metres: Westerly breezes, tending northerly at night.
Free air freezing Level: Becoming 1800 metres.

Saturday 28th

Mainly fine, morning frosts and fog patches.
Wind at 1000 metres: Northwest, rising to 30 km/h in the evening.
Wind at 2000 metres: Northerly rising to 45 km/h in the afternoon or evening.
Free air freezing Level: 1800 metres

Sunday 29th

Mainly fine with increasing high cloud, but a few snow showers developing about the main divide. Northerlies, strong about the tops.

Keep an eye on the website for some more new snow next week and we look forward to seeing you this weekend – remember winter is far from over yet!

Bye for now.

Cam & The Cheeseman Team.

After 60mm of rain over a 3 day period late last week and last weekend it is actually pleasing to be able to say that we are still open! There’s no doubt the slopes have taken a hammering from all the rain and extremely warm temperatures recently, but through some careful management of snow and some good luck we managed to re-open on Tuesday after letting the snowpack dry out, consolidate and re-freeze.

The upper mountain still has good coverage and the T Bar lines and access tracks down off the upper slopes are also holding out well at this stage. We have re-built a large portion of the learners slope this morning by farming snow from the surrounding area with the groomers so whilst the Webcam may portray a grim scene its actually pretty good up here.

The temps this week have been mostly in the pluses even during the night and the weather through the next few days is looking mostly settled but keep your fingers crossed as there may be a little snow on the horizon later next week.

19-7-12 – Still good cover on the upper mountain

19-7-12 – First skier on the lift today and some excellent groomed runs.

An awesome dawn shot of the Daylodge by Ruth.

Snowride Boarder / Skier Cross – Sunday 22nd July

Unfortunately due to the present conditions we have been unable to construct a course for this event so it has been postponed until a suitable weekend later in the season – we will update you on details once them come to hand.

Swiss National Day Celebration – Saturday 28th July

Join us on Saturday (night) 28th July at Snowline Lodge as we celebrate Swiss National Day (actual day is 1 August) with our Swiss ski Instructors. Traditional Cheese Fondue is on the menu and Bookings are essential as this is always a very popular night with lots of fun and laughter.

Sunday Ski / Board Race Training

Cafe Volunteers Needed

Vickie would like to hear from anyone who could help on the Cafe roster for the following weekends:

28 & 29 July

11 & 12 August

1 & 2 September

8 & 9 September

If you can help out with either a day or 2 over these weekends please get in touch with Vickie on 0272 742-153 or Contact Us via email with your available dates and contact details.

Weekend Weather

Mostly settled and fine with light cloud.

Friday 20th

Fine, high cloud.
Wind at 1000 metres: Northwest 35 km/h.
Wind at 2000 metres: Northwest 55 km/h.
Free air freezing Level: 2000 metres about the divide sloping to 2600 metres in the east.

Saturday 21th

Fine, some high cloud. Northwesterlies dying away.

Sunday 22nd

Mainly fine. Light winds.

We hope you will come and join us on the slopes over the next few days and E-News will be back next week with hopefully a good news story of new snow on its way.

Bye for now.

Cam & The Cheeseman Team.

Week 2 of the school holidays and the 2012 season has been fantastic with great snow and bluebird days. Last weekend daytripper’s came in droves to enjoy some of the best snow in the Craigieburn’s and Canterbury for that matter and the weather with clear skies and sun did its bit to make everyone’s day perfect.

It looks as though the weather might be on the turn this coming weekend with a chance of new snow – but nevertheless we will be open for business and our first event, Gromfest, kicks off on Saturday. Gromfest is the first event in our 2012 events Calendar which you can checkout here.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our on-field accommodation at either Snowline Lodge which is located right on the skifield or at Forest Lodge which is located 6km down the access road in the peaceful Beech Forest setting. A range of accommodation packages and prices are available and can include daily ski lessons, lift passes and meals we even have linen hire available on the mountain for those spur of the moment decisions to stay a night.

Here’s a few pictures taken over recent days to wet you appetite!

Learners Slope last Saturday morning just after opening

Fresh Corduroy

“The Edge” Groomer working at Sunrise

Andy Wilson gets some air

Gromfest – 14th & 15th July

Coming up this weekend we have the Dynastar CHILL Gromfest which is a series of three competitions for young skiers and snowboarders aged 6-12 years.

The aim of Gromfest is for the young competitors to have fun whilst boosting their snow skills. Mt Cheeseman plays host to the first event of 2012 Gromfest series Saturday 14 July, a day of dual downhill slalom racing. The emphasis is on participation and there’s a bbq and prizes for all who enter.

If you’d like to enter simply show up on the day and say hi to the CHILL Crew who will be out on the deck if it’s nice and sunny. It’s free to enter and the more the merrier.

Registration closes at 10.00am
Downhill Racing kicks off from around 10.30

Snowride Boarder / Skier Cross – Sunday 22nd July

Race down an exciting course of turns, ride up the sides, over jumps.
Race against your friends
Everyone has at least 2 runs
Prizes from Salomon, Nordica, Fischer and Snowride

Swiss National Day Celebration – Saturday 28th July

Join us on Saturday evening at Snowline Lodge as we celebrate Swiss National Day (actual day is 1 August) with our Swiss ski Instructors. Traditional Cheese Fondue is on the menu and Bookings are essential as this is always a very popular night with lots of fun and laughter.

Forest Lodge Caretaker Needed

Can We are still looking for a keen person/s to fill the role at Forest Lodge as the Caretaker / Custodian. This role would be suited to either 2 individuals or a couple and is a mix of volunteer and casual paid work. Hours are flexible and the package includes food and board and of course there’s a chance for time on the slopes too. The paid aspect of the role depends on skills but includes weekly trips to Christchurch to drop of recycling and collect stores and supplies for the mountain.
Interaction with guests is required on a daily basis which includes welcoming new guests and making sure the Lodge is maintained to a good standard on a daily basis.

This is a unique chance to experience something different for a couple of months whilst enjoying a very special location with skiing, boarding ice skating & curling right at the backdoor and of course the chance to meet new people.

The role will be what you make of it – flexibility and an open mind is the key to enjoying this exciting challenge.

If you are interested or know of someone who may be please contact either Cam on cam@nullmtcheeseman.co.nz or James on ops@nullmtcheeseman.co.nz or call the mountain 03 318-8794

Evening ice skating and Curling at Forest Lodge – Friday 6 July 2012

Sunday Ski / Board Race Training

Weekend Weather

After a settled period the weather looks to be on the change and the weekend might not be as good as the last two have been but there’s a good chance of some fresh snow!

Stay tuned to the daily snow reports for the latest weather on the day.

Friday 13th

Rain near the Divide with some heavy thundery falls. Scattered rain further east. Falling as snow above 1600 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres: Northwesterlies, gusts rising to 100 km/h in the afternoon.
Wind at 2000 metres: Northwesterly rising to severe gale 80 km/h in the afternoon.
Free air freezing Level: 2100 metres.

Saturday 14th

Heavy rain near the Divide, lighter falls further east. Snow above 2000 metres. Northwesterlies, severe gale 100 km/h in exposed places.

Sunday 15th

Rain, with heavy falls near the Divide. Falling as snow above 1600 metres. Severe gale northwesterlies easing a little.

Thanks for reading this weeks edition of E-News. We hope you enjoy the last few days of the school holidays and look forward to seeing you all on the snow very soon.

Bye for now.

Cam & The Cheeseman Team.

Whow what a great start to the season so far!

We opened for business last Friday and with sunny weather all weekend Cheeseman was the place to come be. The first week of the school holidays is almost over already and those who have been lucky enough to stay on the mountain enjoyed clear sunny days at the start of the week. Skies have turned a little overcast for the second half but that certainly hasn’t dampened anyones enthusiasm and there’s still plenty of skiing and riding going on.

Next week we have both Lodges full for the second week of the school Holidays and at this stage the weather is looking good so if you’re looking to escape the gloomy Christchurch weather why not come to your favourite ski area – Cheeseman.

A shot of the field prior to opening the lifts on opening day.

Opening day 2012 – The Upper Mountain cover is awesome

Cheeseman Events

We have a busy events calendar lined up again this year with the first event weekend kicking off on Saturday 14th July. To check out the full list of events please click here.

Upcoming Events

DYNASTAR / CHILL Gromfest – Saturday 14th July

The Dynastar CHILL Gromfest is a series of three competitions for young skiers and snowboarders aged 6-12 years. The aim of Gromfest is for the young competitors to have fun whilst boosting their snow skills.
Mt Cheeseman plays host to the first event of 2012 Gromfest series Saturday 14 July, a day of dual downhill slalom racing. The emphasis is on participation and there’s a bbq and prizes for all who enter.

If you’d like to enter simply show up on the day and say hi to the CHILL Crew who will be out on the deck if it’s nice and sunny. It’s free to enter and the more the merrier.

Registration closes at 10.00am
Downhill Racing kicks off from around 10.30

SNOWRIDE Boarder Skier Cross – Sunday 22nd July

Race down an exciting course of turns, ride up the sides, over jumps.
Race against your friends
Everyone has at least 2 runs
Prizes from Salomon, Nordica, Fisher and Snowride

Swiss National Day Celebration – Saturday 28th July

Join us on Saturday evening at Snowline Lodge as we celebrate Swiss National Day (actual day is 1 August) with our Swiss ski Instructors. Traditional Cheese Fondue is on the menu and Bookings are essential as this is always a very popular night with lots of fun and laughter.

Cheeseman Cups

Can members who won cups as last seasons club champs please organise for them to be returned to the ticket office on the mountain. The club champs are scheduled to be held on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August this year so we would appreciate if they could be returned in good time before this event. Don’t forget to make sure your names are engraved on the cups for the record.

Weekend Weather

The weather through the weekend is looking good so we look forward to seeing you up here at Cheeseman.

Friday 6th

Fine near the Divide, cloudy periods and some early morning drizzle about the foothills.
Wind at 1000 metres: Light southeasterly.
Wind at 2000 metres: Southerly 30 km/h.
Free air freezing Level: 1200 metres.

Saturday 7th

Fine and frosty near the Alps, morning cloud about the foothills then fine.
Wind at 1000 metres: Light southerlies.
Wind at 2000 metres: Southerly 30 km/h.
Free air freezing Level: 1600 metres.

Sunday 8th

Fine and frosty, but areas of fog or low cloud developing at night. Light winds at low levels, southwesterlies about the tops.

Thats a wrap for this editrion of E-News after our first week of operation – we look forward to seeing you on the slopes soon.

Regards
Cam & The Cheeseman Team.

Yes thats right we are opening tomorrow for the 2012 season and the mountain looks awesome after a 35cm top up of fresh dry snow on Tuesday. The weather for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is looking good so here’s you chance to kick off your season with us at Cheeseman. Be sure to check the website snow report or call the CSA snowphone on 383-8888 (option 2) for up to date snow, weather and road conditions.

The staff began their induction on Monday and arrived on the mountain on Tuesday where’s its been all go with final preparations over the past 2 days. Today the sun is shining on the slopes and the lift inspector is here for final sign-off on the lifts, other final tasks are being completed as I write this in readiness for tomorrows opening.

27-6-12 – The new groomer laying down some fresh corduroy.

Base Area and learners tow looks great

26-6-12 – Staff arrive at Forest Lodge

Cheeseman Events

We have a full Events Calendar this season. These events bring up new skiers and boarders. They are busy and fun. We need your help to run these.
You do not need to have special skills, just give your time. It’s fun working on an event so join us. If you still need to do your Work Party days you can work on these events for your two days.

Please click here to view our events Calendar and Contact Us to book in when you are available.

Upcoming Events

DYNASTAR / CHILL Gromfest – Saturday 14th July

Kids come and have a go. Dual Downhill – come and race your friends. No entry fee – anyone can have a go

SNOWRIDE Boarder Skier Cross – Sunday 22nd July

Race down an exciting course of turns, ride up the sides, over jumps.
Race against your friends
Everyone has at least 2 runs
Prizes from Salomon, Nordica, Fisher and Snowride

Cheeseman Cups

Can members who won cups as last seasons club champs please organise for them to be returned to the ticket office on the mountain. The club champs are scheduled to be held on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August this year so we would appreciate if they could be returned in good time before this event.

2012 Posters

The marketing team have come up with some new and exciting posters for 2012 and these will be available on the mountain at the Ticket Office and Cafe during the season. There will also be some available at the Pre-Season function next Monday night.

There will be a new T Shirt design this season which will be available by order on the mountain and we are looking at producing some Cheeseman wine glasses that will also be for sale on the mountain for around $15 each.

Events Calendar Poster

Fresh lines on Cockayne Poster

We look forward to seeing you all on the slopes as we kick off the 2012 season tomorrow.

Regards
The Cheeseman Team.

There’s now just over a week until our 2012 opening on the 30th June (or possibly 29th – stay tuned) so the waiting is almost over! All the hard work over the summer will be all worth it when the lifts open and we will finally get to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Accessing the mountain after the big snowfall a fortnight ago was a little tricky – a helicopter was arranged to fly some of us in from the gate after we discovered at least 50cm on much of the access road but due to un-satisfactory weather on that morning, which prevented the helicopter flying, we gave driving up a shot! The mighty Landcruiser managed to forge a way in (with 4 Chains on) to the last Zig-Zag until becoming stuck on a fallen tree and it turned out just it wouldn’t have got much further anyway as just around the next corner the snow got even thicker! So it was a case of walking to the top from there (in at times thigh deep snow) to get the road clearing machinery fired up. After clearing huge snow drifts and natural avalanche debris off the upper road we finally had vehicle access restored by about 7pm that night – just another action packed day at Cheeseman!

9-6-12 Snow up to the doors

9-6-12 – Paul & Cam in the deep snow at Landrover Corner

The mountain is still looking good – check out the webcam on the homepage which is now up and running again. There have been a few overnight dustings over the past few days and lets cross our fingers for a fresh snowfall before opening day which will compliment our already solid and settled base.

10-6-12 – Freshly Groomed Learners Area – Adrian Grierson

10-6-12 – Snowline Nestled in the Snow – Adrian Grierson

9-6-12 – The New Groomer half buried after the new snow – Cam Lill

Pre-Season Function

Monday 25th June from 5:30pm onwards at the Ferrymead Speights Ale House, 2a Waterman Place, Ferrymead (off Ferry Road near the Woolston Fire Station)

Come and meet the 2012 staff and catch up with fellow members before the season kicks off. to help you know who’s who on the staff team we will have staff introductions at around 7pm.

A full range of drinks,meals, or snacks are available.

www.ferryalehouse.co.nz

Cheeseman Voly Patrol

This is an amazing opportunity to learn new skills and be involved in the Ski industry.Cheeseman welcomes skiers and boarders to join the Voluntary Ski Patrol group.

Have you thought about being involved?

To be part of this valuable system you need to:

• Be aged 16 yrs or over
• Have advanced Skiing / Boarding ability – able to ski confidently all Cheeseman runs
• Have minimum a current 16 hr First Aid certificate
• Your own ski/board equipment
• To have either spent one year as a “junior volunteer” or have acceptable experience as agreed by the Coordinator
• Or become a Junior volunteer this year

You will be expected to :

• To attend minimum 2 half days training annually
• To commit to 4 days volunteer patrol on the mountain

Pre-Opening Meeting and Training:

Sunday June 24th 6pm
Unit 3 , Amuri Park, entrance is 302 Bealey Ave, just after the corner of Bealey Ave and Churchill St
Bring paper and pen

For further info during the season see Stu Haslett on the mountain or email patrol@nullmtcheeseman.co.nz

Family Ski Weeks

Have you booked your ski week yet? There are some weeks that are especially designed for those of you with young families.

FAMILY 2

August 5th – 11th. This week is one of Cheeseman’s best. August is the month you can reply on for great snow. The week encourages families to meet and ski together. Many Cheeseman families meet on these weeks and re-book year after year. One of the best things about a Cheeseman Ski week is living on the hill in the snow. Many young skiers have as much fin making snowmen, having snow fights, playing in the snow at night and playing on the toboggans. The Club Champs are held on the weekend so that all the ski lessons and snow time give everyone perfect practice and skills for the club races.

FAMILY 3

August 26th – September 1st. For those with younger children this week has the added extra of a Nanny. The Nanny is available every afternoon to occupy your child if they do not want to ski. This is where Cheeseman excels. Your child can ski all day but in the afternoon has the pleasure of being able to play under supervision while you get to ski with other adults. Meal times are also peaceful as the children eat first and then have story time while the adults enjoy their uninterrupted meal.

SPRING 2

September 9th – 15th. Another week with a Nanny for your young child. The advantage of skiing in September is that the weather is warmer and more pleasant for your child. All the advantages of the Nanny and plenty of sunshine as well. The last day of this week is “Pirate Day”. There will be a treasure hunt and plenty of games for children and adults.

2012 Posters

The marketing team have come up with some new and exciting posters for 2012 and these will be available on the mountain at the Ticket Office and Cafe during the season. There will also be some available at the Pre-Season function next Monday night.

There will be a new T Shirt design this season which will be available by order on the mountain and we are looking at producing some Cheeseman wine glasses that will also be for sale on the mountain for around $15 each.

Events Calendar Poster

Fresh lines on Cockayne Poster

Youth Training Programme

We are seeking expressions of interest from families that are keen for their kids to do freestyle snowboarding/ski lessons in the Sunday youth training programme, (which will incorporate race training too)

Interested parties should contact Helene on 332-4302 or email helene.haase@nullslingshot.co.nz

Cool Pic

This very cool picture of Castle Hill Village was taken by Amanda Power after the big snowfall – nice one Amanda.

Catch you again next week just before we open with an update.

Don’t forget to check the snow report at or call the CSA Snowphone on 383-8888 for daily updates on snow, weather and road conditions.

Regards
The Cheeseman Team.

Winter is officially here and opening day is less than 4 weeks away!

Yesterdays snowfall is certainly welcomed and its looking good for our opening on Saturday 30th June in time for the School holidays. Our popular ski weeks have already filled and others are filling fast so book now to avoid missing out click here for further Cheeseman winter holiday info.

Cantabrians woke yesterday morning wondering if the forecasted snow had magically appeared overnight – it hadn’t. But as daylight broke it began and continued for much of the day depositing a white blanket over the city from the mountains to the sea. 40cms was measured at the Cheeseman town office in Hornby and the below picture shows the Landcruiser in the carpark surrounded by the good white stuff!

With SH73 Porters Pass being closed we have been unable to venture up the mountain yet but having caught a glimpse of the snow covered mountains and they sure look inviting! As soon as we can a team will head West to begin the task off clearing the road to gain access to the Ski Area and then it will be action stations with the groomers to pack down the new snow and continue the preparation work.

Work has contiuned on the mountain to get ready for June 30th opening with the Springboxes being hung on the Main T over Queens Birthday weekend along with other pre-season organising and jobs cracking on at pace. Looking back its been a busy summer and we hope the improvements will all contribute to making our mountain services even better.

Paul & Cam hanging springboxes – Queens Birthday Weekend

Pre-Season Function

Monday 25th June from 5:30pm onwards at the Ferrymead Speights Ale House, 2a Waterman Place, Ferrymead (off Ferry Road near the Woolston Fire Station)

A full range of drinks,meals, or snacks are available.

www.ferryalehouse.co.nz

Family Ski Weeks

Have you booked your ski week yet? There are some weeks that are especially designed for those of you with young families.

FAMILY 2

August 5th – 11th. This week is one of Cheeseman’s best. August is the month you can reply on for great snow. The week encourages families to meet and ski together. Many Cheeseman families meet on these weeks and re-book year after year. One of the best things about a Cheeseman Ski week is living on the hill in the snow. Many young skiers have as much fin making snowmen, having snow fights, playing in the snow at night and playing on the toboggans. The Club Champs are held on the weekend so that all the ski lessons and snow time give everyone perfect practice and skills for the club races.

FAMILY 3

August 26th – September 1st. For those with younger children this week has the added extra of a Nanny. The Nanny is available every afternoon to occupy your child if they do not want to ski. This is where Cheeseman excels. Your child can ski all day but in the afternoon has the pleasure of being able to play under supervision while you get to ski with other adults. Meal times are also peaceful as the children eat first and then have story time while the adults enjoy their uninterrupted meal.

SPRING 2

September 9th – 15th. Another week with a Nanny for your young child. The advantage of skiing in September is that the weather is warmer and more pleasant for your child. All the advantages of the Nanny and plenty of sunshine as well. The last day of this week is “Pirate Day”. There will be a treasure hunt and plenty of games for children and adults.

2012 Events

We have a busy events Calendar lined up this season – check it out HERE.

The Primary & Intermediate School Champs is being held on Sunday 19th August. Race Practice day will be held on Sunday 5th August.

We are looking for helpers to assist with the running of both the practice day and the race day so please get in touch with Helene on 332-4302 or helenehaase@nullslingshot.co.nz if you can help.

Yelloshack Cafe

Open 7 days for yummy homemade food, great coffee and friendly service.
Gourmet Wood fired pizza’s available for dine in or takeaway (weekends only).
Fully Licensed Bar

Call in for a wine, gourmet pizza, bowl of chips or hot soup after a great day on the mountain, or ring us to place you’re order for a takeaway pizza on the way home.
Funky atmosphere and recently renovated with a lot more seating.

Email yelloshack@nullgmail.com
Ph 03 3184880
Main West Coast Rd Springfield
Open 7 days – 8am onwards

E-News will be back again next week with another update so stay tuned and keep warm.

Regards
The Cheeseman Team.

An early May snow fall last week deposited 30 – 40 cm over much of the mountain and gave them a very wintery look indeed. Since then there have been some stunning clear and calm days with very cold temps during the night which is exactly what is needed in the lead up to the season which is now only about 5 weeks away. Whilst some of the snow has since melted it is doing its bit to bring ground temps down and hopefully the next snowfalls will stick around.

Pre-season organising continues and the last couple of weeks have been a hive of activity with fuel deliveries (after the road was cleared of snow!), major road works, building warrant checks and a number of other pre-season jobs that need to be checked off before the operation kicks into full swing on the 30th June.

This coming weekend will be the last major workparty weekend so if you are yet to complete your 2 workparty days we recommend using this weekend to meet your obligations – further details below on this.

New Snow 16-5-12 – Photo: Cam Lill

The Daylodge Nestled in Snow 16-5-12 – Photo Cam Lill

Workparty – 26 & 27 May

Coming up this weekend is your last chance to complete your workparty days prior to the 2012 season.

A variety of tasks need to be undertaken with a few jobs to be completed that were started on Family workparty weekend. Jobs include plumbing, electrical, gabion baskets, erecting signs, communications, fence erection etc.

Many of these sound technical but we will have team leaders on site who have the knowledge of the projects but require labour to assist so please get in touch if you can spare a day or the weekend to help.

Contact Ali Kircher to register for the workparty on 351-5672 or 0272 672-480 or email kircher@nullinet.net.nz

Cafe News

After many years of managing the Cafe operation and the volunteer roster Rae and Van Colebourne have retired and we again thank them both for their tireless efforts.

We welcome aboard Vickie Cowie who has taken over in a part time capacity during the season and will also be running the volunteer roster for 2012. We hope that members who have previously given their time to help run the cafe during weekends and event days will continue to do so and we also hope that some of our newer members will join the roster too. A reminder that if you are unable to complete your summer workparty requirements by prior arrangement you can meet these requirements by be rostered on in the cafe during the season.
Cafe volunteers will also be eligible for workparty vouchers for giving their time to work in the cafe and for those who work a whole weekend accommodation is provided at Snowline Lodge on Saturday night and there’s always a chance for a few runs on the slopes during the day too!

Volunteers needed over the following weekends

7/8 July – 1 person reqd.
21/22 July – 1person reqd.
4/5 August – 1 person reqd.
18/19 August – 2 people reqd.
1/2 Sept – 2 people reqd.
22/23 Sept – 2 people reqd.

So please get in touch with Vickie if you can help out with a day or weekend at any stage during the season. She can be contacted on 03 329-6025 or 0272 742-153 or email: preyingmantis@nullxtra.co.nz

Ski Sales

The CSA Ski Sale successfully returned to Christchurch on May 5th and 6th after its cancellation in 2011 due to venue earthquake damage. Cheeseman had a busy two days at the sale running both a club stand and the Kids Corner.

From the Cheeseman club stand we provided information and gave away new 2012 brochures and posters. We also again had a very successful sale of pre-season 1/2 priced lift passes.

The adjacent Kids Corner gave balloons and stickers to children and provided the opportunity for them to sit and colour skiing and boarding cartoon pictures – a welcome break for many parents.

The same weekend Cheeseman was at the Snow and Surf Sale distributing brochures and fliers advertising the sale of 1/2 priced lift passes through the Snow and Surf Shop the following week. Again this sale had great success in providing information and initiating sales.

Many thanks to all the willing member adults and youth who helped make these sales such a great success – bring on the SNOW!

Sophia and Alexandra, the Cheeseman Cheeses, giving out balloons to kids at the CSA Ski Sale 2012

Yello Shack Cafe – Springfield

Open 7 days for yummy homemade food, great coffee and friendly service.
Gourmet Wood fired pizza’s available for dine in or takeaway (weekends only).
Fully Licensed Bar

Call in for a wine, gourmet pizza, bowl of chips or hot soup after a great day on the mountain, or ring us to place you’re order for a takeaway pizza on the way home. Funky atmosphere and recently renovated with a lot more seating.

Email yelloshack@nullgmail.com
Ph 03 3184880
Main West Coast Rd Springfield
Open 7 days – 8am onwards

Until the next E-News take care and think snow!

Regards
The Cheeseman Team.

May is upon us and it seems that the settled Autumn weather we have been enjoying has now departed as a couple of wintery blasts have made their presence felt over the country. With most of the important outdoor work now completed we welcome some cooler temps especially on the mountain which will help to lower the ground temperature for when the ever important white stuff makes an appearance hopefully in abundance before opening on the 30th June!

The Ski Sales are upon us which also signals the ski season is just around the corner. Be sure to get along as Cheeseman will have stands at both the Snow & Surf and CSA sales this year – see below for details.

Our new online booking system is nearly up and running so stay tuned for more news on this once its live on our website in a couple of weeks time. Members and visitors will now be able to book and pay for Ski Weeks or other accommodation deals online which will vastly streamline this system.

As we depart from Summer we wish to thank those who utilised the Lodges for summer activities, functions and parties. It was certainly as busy summer especially at Forest Lodge with many people enjoying the unique location we have on offer. We already have a number of bookings for next summer already so here’s hoping for even more use of our great facilities over the 2012 – 2013 summer.

Ski Sale Weekend

This coming weekend there are 2 Ski Sales that Cheeseman is supporting.

Snow and Surf Ski Sale

Horticulture Centre, Riccarton Ave ( opposite the hospital)
Friday 4th – 9am till 7pm,
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th – 9am till 4pm
Snow and Surf will be selling new ski and board equipment, clothing and accessories.
Cheeseman will be handing out brochures and flyers advertising 1/2 price lift tickets sold from Snow and Surf the following week.

CSA Ski Sale

The Stables, Addington Show Grounds
Saturday 5th – 9am till 4pm
Take in your second hand gear to be sold and view the Ski Area and retail stalls
Sunday 6th – 9am till 4pm
Sale of second hand gear and last seasons new equipment
Cheeseman will have a stall marketing our Ski Area to the public and selling 1/2 price lift tickets

Volunteers Needed!

We still need help to run these 2 events. If you can offer some time over the above sale dates please Contact Us or phone Ros Service on 0272 936-367

A four hour shift earns a half workparty voucher, or we will welcome an offer of 2 hours help.

Mountain Activity

Some pictures below from Family workparty weekend which was held last weekend. It was great to see a huge turnout of new and long standing members

Installing Gabion Baskets prior to Family workparty weekend

Mike checks over a distribution board in Snowline

Cutting up the remains of Middle Hut for Firewood

Junior members loading firewood onto trailer

Loading Gabion Baskets with rocks

Another E-News will follow shortly but until then keep an eye on our website for further updates as the 2012 season approaches.

Take care and don’t forget to check out the ski sales for some great deals at Cheeseman.

Regards The Cheeseman Team.