At the top we quickly ate lunch then annihilated the pristine snow, practising pigeon-holing (uphill and downhill), cutting steps and platforms, turning and changing direction in the snow. The danger of avalanches was discussed. Check your destination on-line before leaving town for weather and avalanche advice from the professionals. If the risk is low and your trip proceeds, we learned it is best to stay on the spurs and ridges, and pick travelling routes where there are some rocks showing. Although we didn’t get to practice self-arrest, our leaders emphasised “the best self-arrest is no self-arrest” and by being mindful of every step and good route choices, the need to self-arrest can hopefully be avoided.
The day was disappearing and soon it was time to head back downhill. We travelled down a lot quicker than our ascent and were soon in the cars and on our way, getting back to Christchurch at around 7pm.
Thanks to Raymond and Geoff for all the preparatory work and their guidance on the day. It was an excellent experience with lots of learning and laughter which laid the foundation for us beginners to grow in confidence and enjoy more winter snow trips.
We were: Raymond Ford, Geoff Spearpoint, Ian Beale, Graeme Nicholas, Shi-Ping Wang, Kevin & Heather Hughes, Kathy Ramsay and Eileen Mackay. (EM)