Cheeseman E News 12th August 2010

Snow Update

50cms of NEW SNOW last weekend! The snow started falling late last Saturday afternoon continuing during the night and well into Sunday with skies beginning to break up late Sunday afternoon. We had some wind & blizzard conditions at times during the storm period and this deposited some fantastic pockets of snow in some keys areas meaning that with a total fall of around 50cms - 60cms there is great skiing over most of the mountain. The groomer was out packing down some extensive ares for those who liking skiing the corduroy and there were heaps of freshies to be had on Monday & Tuesday. The weather has remained settled through-out the earlier part of the week and we had a stunning day on Tuesday for the Secondary Schools races which was the first time this event has been held at Cheeseman - more on this below. This weekends weather could be a mixed batch with a chance of snow at higher elevations and my pick as your best day would be Sunday.

                                                             Fantastic coverage over the entire mountain                                                                  Near the top of the Main T Bar.

On the Mountain

Last Saturday night we celebrated Swiss National night - albeit a few days late. At Snowline Lodge we had a big turn-out of members, guests and staff to celebrate the evening with some of the previuos weeks Ski-weekers staying on to join in the celebrations. The Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue was prepared and various food items such as potatoes, bread, pineapple and onions were supplied for dipping into the Fondue. There was a great atmosphere and the Swiss instructors gave us a little singing performance along with a Swiss Quiz, the party continued into the night with more dancing and singing.

This week we have our regular Wellington group staying on the mountain and next week we have another nearly full Lodge with a mix of members and visitors staying to enjoy our popular ski week package which includes Accommodation, meals, lift passes and lessons every day. Don't forget we will be running some special deals on these packages during the September spring period when the days are longer and warmer and the skiing on spring snow is great fun!

Festivities underway in Snowline Lodge for Swiss National night Swiss entertainment L - R Jan, Lukas, Karin, Ursi & Andi

Primary & Intermediate Practice Day - Sunday 15th August

This day was meant to be held last Sunday but due to the large amounts of Snow received it was postponed until this coming Sunday.

The practice day was extremely popular last year and is open to all racers who are racing the Primary & Intermediate Champs (22nd Aug.) and is a chance to brush up on your skills before the main events.
Registrations will start in the Daylodge at 09:00am and timing on the course will run from 11:00am until 1:00pm. There is no extra cost to run on the course - standard lift ticket rates apply and everyone is welcome.

Please note that entries for the the P& I Race on 22nd Aug. are now closed

Canterbury Secondary School Champs

One hundred and fifty students from Canterbury secondary schools battled it out for ski and snowboard honours last Tuesday during the Canterbury Secondary Schools Ski and Snowboard Championships held at Cheeseman.
The Boarder cross was a feature event of the day with Christchurch Boys High School winning the boys team event and Rangiora High School taking out the girls event.
Taking part were about 100 skiers and 50 snow boarders and the winners will go on to the national championships in Wanaka. Race organisers were ecstatic to be able to run the event this year in excellent snow and weather conditions at Cheeseman because the racing has not been held for several years due to poor weather.
Thanks to all the teams who entered and to there support crews we hope everyone enjoyed the day and we look forward to hosting the event again next year. Also a big thanks to Club members who volunteered their time to help run the event and to the mountain staff for there input.

                                                  Bridget Dowding heads towards the first set of gates                                                Finalists in the Boardercross at the start gates

Weekend Weather

Some snow forecast for the next couple of days with colder temps which is great news for this time of year as its been rather spring like recently! So wrap up warm and come up up for some fresh turns. Don't forget to check the weather and snow reports before leaving town.

Friday - Mostly fine with Cloud increasing during the day. Rain developing about the Divide in the evening, falling as snow above 1500 metres.

Saturday - Snow & cold Southeasterly

Sunday - Snow Showers clearing with a cold Southeasterly.

Dates for your diary - Events coming up soon at Cheeseman

Sunday 15th August: Weekly race training

Sunday 15th August: Primary & Intermediate Practice day

Sunday 22nd August: Primary & Intermediate School Race Champs

Monday 23rd August: Members Mid Season Meeting 7:30pm @ Cashmere Club - all financial members welcome

For further info on events please check the website: www.mtcheeseman.co.nz/latest_news/up_coming_events

If your planning a trip to Cheeseman for current snow and weather conditions check our website www.mtcheeseman.co.nz or call the CSA Snowphone on 383-8888 Option 2

See you on the Cheeseman Slopes soon.

Regards
Cam & The Cheeseman Team