Cromwell, New Zealand, 22 July '97 |
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Cromwell, New Zealand, 22 July '97 |
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Cromwell, Central Otago, is a huge fruit growing area and home to the largest fruit display in the world. Today it is the starting point for this weeks backcountry mission. From Cromwell we drive up into the alpine to 1300 meters above sea level, on a road not much more than a farm track. It's certainly easy access to the snow and from here its on with the snow shoes and a solid grunt for an hour or so in search of pow pow. The landscape is barren and ominously lacking in snow but we forge on in search of the "Old Woman Hutt". As we reach the top of what seems like endless ridges we finally see what we are after- A wicked little hutt nestled at the bottom of a snow filled valley. Running down one side is a 200m long cornice and a small band of rocks begging to be jumped off. The snow was beautiful frost dried, and made for the perfect playground. After a great session it was time for an impromptu Boarder X on the many short downhills back to the car. Another perfect day........ But whatever you do....... Don't forget your snowboard boots. |
 "Click on the fruit.... it's for real."
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"Easy walking on the ridges"
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"Base camp for the day" |
"Our reward for the day was sweet"
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"Winner of the first ever Old Woman big air"
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