Weekly Blog 12
On the field
Your club captain missed last week’s blog but apparently awesome hot dog weekend with plenty of antics around the lodge and skiing off the roof! Still lots of snow up top this weekend with powder and wind blown powder, and a big dump forecast this week!
In Koroheke
It was much quieter this past week and staff muscled in on accommodation due to lack of heating in staff HQ (that’s MY bunk – no that’s MINE) – only the hardy Kevin and Iwao remained in their rooms. There is still plenty of accommodation available during the school holidays. We celebrated Kevins 30th birthday in style in the bar (thanks to everyone who contributed to his jacket – he LOVED it and I am trying to upload a piccy) on Saturday night and we said farewell to Ewoi who leaves on Wednesday. Lets make the end of the season a big one….
Weekly Blog 11 – Springtime
On the field
Snow softening to spring conditions as we staged our own big mountain event down the chutes most of the weekend. Still good snow up top but the rain down below means take care below 2nd tow. Nymphs spotted in the waterfall late last week!!! HOT DOG day this coming weekend so practice your old style turns and blow the dust off your retro ski gear. There will be plenty of prizes for stunts on the mountain.
In Koroheke
Last weekend was another busy one in the lodge with entertainment from Acoustic Solution – thanks again guys for a great night and for driving up from and back down to chch in one night despite the ongoing aftershocks. We said goodbye to staff member Aaron as we slow down for the season. And goodbye to long term regulars Dinah, Al and Malcolm Braddock. Be prepared for the DJ set this coming Hot Dog weekend.
Pamper weekend cancelled
Due to the earthquake effects on those running the pamper weekend we have had to cancel this. The band will still be playing on saturday night as planned unless you hear otherwise
Weekly blog 10
The earth moved and the snow fell
On the field
Despite being the beginning of spring we had the best snow of the season this week. Fortunately no avalanches at all were triggered by the earthquake and we heard whoops of joy from the day lodge deck as clubbies swooped down middle basin in the soft squeaky snow.
In Koroheke
This week the lodge had a more subdued crowd and the bar actually closed before 10pm (unheard of). Undeterred by the earthquake, several members escaped from the carnage to ski and take advantage of our hot showers and electricity. ‘What earthquake’ said some (Sophie) who slept through the mild tremors felt on the hill.
Head up this coming weekend for women’s pamper package and Acoustic Solution will entertain us in the bar – bring a $5 note for cover charge plus don your dancing shoes!
Two weeks till Hot Dog day (18th Sept) – come up and try out for a prize in individual and team events for best hot dog run and best nude runs. Chill in the bar after with DJ entertainment.
Still plenty of accommodation for the school hols.
Weekly Blog 9
Cracker of a Week
On the field
Club Champs went well – the snow fell around competitors with great Slalom and GS courses followed by big air comp. Older FEMALE members wowed the youngsters by landing big jumps (go Julie Morris and Sue McLeod). For a full report see this months towline. Thanks and goodbye to Owen Braddock for helping out and welcome to Ben our new volunteer fresh from Rainbow skifield . Congratulations to Matt Cotterrell and Jack Morrison who passed their level one instructors under the tuition of our Sophie. Snow is accumulating again should be good skiing this week.
In Koroheke
Overflowing lodge for the party with food, colours galore and dancing, plus the odd drink or two! For pictures and report see this months towline. Ski lessons were cancelled due to the inclement weather…..yeah right. The snow is falling as the week commences – looking forward to lodge entertainment over the next few weeks with womens pamper and Acoustic Solution in the bar w/e 11/12 Sept.
Women’s Pamper Weekend
Register, book and stay w/e 11/12 September for a women’s pamper package. Cost $50 for weekend (excludes lift passes and accommodation). Our classes will be taught by Averil Drake – specialist in Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Kung Fu.
ON SATURDAY – Ski/arrive as you wish, if weather poor or field closed just meet at 3 in Koroheke
Optional Extra – ten minute Sports massage 3 till 4 pm book at ticket office (limited slots available both days) – $8
3pm – Meet at the Pamper Snow Bar outside Koroheke (weather permitting) for nibbles and free pamper cocktail (choice of Brandy Alexander, Strawberry Daquiri or Manhattan – or non alcoholic version) and view exclusive brand clothing FLYLOW (http://www.flylowgear.com) and purchase/order (cash only sorry)
4pm ish – Après ski belly dancing class in the dining room
6.30pm – Tea in Lodge as usual
8pm till late Cover charge is waived for live band ‘acoustic solution’ in the bar
ON SUNDAY
Early – Pilates class in the bar – time to be confirmed – please let us know the areas you would like to work on before hand
PM – Ski Tuning/Repair Workshop from field staff – time to be confirmed
More optional sports massage times from 3pm
Weekly blog 6
Winter Wonderland
On the field
What can we say! Well over 40cm over 24 hrs and its still snowing. Falling asleep to heavy snow, no wind, waking on Sunday morning to the sound of bombs, and skiing by 10am in POWDER – the field staff worked hard to give us an amazing beginning to the week (Apart form Amanda who manned the ticket office with gritted teeth!). Come on up this week – only bottom two tows were open today so there is a whole mountain out there to be had. Best skiing of the season!! Kevin and Ewoi had their first boys night out in the day lodge on Saturday. Welcome to Aaron – our new staff member for the day lodge, Logan finally got to see the weather! Oh and Soph had a day off!
In Koroheke
It’s the busy season, and Tom has a great range of ‘Chuters’ now in the bar – all personally sampled by him. He is trying for a record time to make all of them at once. Lucie is still cooking up a treat in the kitchen and sadly Erin leaves next Sunday to go back to varsity – he will be missed by all of us.
Three weeks to club champs party!
Girls pamper weekend – 11/12 Sept with acoustic solution on the Saturday in the bar, info will be posted up on web this week
Week 5 Blog
On the field
First closures but BEST snow!
Comments from the Freeride Programme Guys – are how awesome Sophie is and how she builds on skill acquisition and tailors their individual needs. Jack, Mark and Robbie tell me they are all loving it!
See the notice on website for this weekends up and coming Femmes Clinic (7/8 Aug)
In Koroheke
What a brilliant night on Saturday 31st and what a treat to be entertained by ‘Acoustic Solution’ in the bar. All the lodge guests were there and some even cut some groove moves! These guys really rock and loved meeting us all PLUS we are lucky they will be returning on Sat 11th Sept. Talk to staff and anyone who was there and book in that weekend to secure your bunk – we expect a packed lodge!
Its now countdown to Club champs so sort out your colours for the Rubik’s cube party and entertainment from ‘Shiver’ on 28th August. Rumour has it some folk are practising their jumps.
Watch this space for more band news – ‘Duchess Swift’ jazz/blues covers originals in September.
Girls come up on w/e 11 Sept for a pamper weekend – massage, pilates, belly dancing and treats (plus ski of course) – more in next blog.
Weekly Blog 3
CV3 continued with bluebird beauty days
On the field
Our ski weekers have enjoyed a classic ‘mixed bag’ of weather and snow conditions this week starting with beautiful days before Tuesday night’s snowfall. With just a few in the lodge there’s been freshies for everyone all day long, and more is expected.
The mountain’s looking much fresher after our top ups, try to remember where the big rocks were before the storm! This coming weekend is the OFF PISTE clinic (see Off Piste Blog), FEMMES CLINIC weekend is now postponed to 7/8 Aug.
In Koroheke
After the mayhem of last week it was quieter this weekend but there was still fun to be had. Movie night on Saturday was akin to paying to go to the cloisters at the arts centre (we have a huge library to suit all tastes). Girls outnumbered the boys on and off field (about time). Nick learnt something but I am not allowed to say what. Logan’s catch phrase = FUNKY.
Entertainment in the bar on Saturday night 31 Jul c/o Acoustic Solution (from the snowball) so book yr accommodation for a fun night – remember still off peak rates so good value.
Week 2 | Grom’s Week
CV2 began with sunny skies and smiles
On the Field
It’s been a busy start to the week with kids running loose all over the mountain. Watch out for the booters they’ve been building unless you like getting launched half way through your run!
There’s still plenty of fun to be had before the end of the holidays come on up and check it out.
In Koroheke
The lodges were packed for the beginning of week 2, only one spare room for those who needed to escape from snores! Old and new friends met and welcomed first time rope tow users without incident. The teenage members outnumbered the adults four to one and took over the bar for a movie, unaware of the plotting adults downstairs who organised games night. Curtains upstairs and ceiling fan have created a very warm atmosphere in the lodge. New staff members have been demonstrating their extra talents in Baking (Lucie), Poker (Doug) and Art (Tom), and Kevin even allowed his beanie to be washed.
Week 1 | Opening week
CV opened last weekend and we are looking forward to a full season of on and off mountain activities.
Look out for the weekly blog which will be sent out each week and will summarise the past weeks events and news, plus wet your appetite for the following week. We welcome any fun photos or info from the week from you to include in the blog – see Sophie up the mountain or Club Captain Sue Mcleod if she is up there or send to events@craigieburn.co.nz
Staff Introduction for CVSC
Amanda Barg – Ticket Office
This is my first season at Craigieburn Ski Area and my first time in New Zealand . I am from Seattle , Washington in the United States . My university education background is in Biology and Chemistry and I worked at the University of Washington in Seattle as a researcher until last March. I have worked in customer service in ski industry in Seattle for a retail shop called evo, as well as been a beginning ski instructor for children at Snoqualmie Pass. I look forward to a great season and getting to know all the club members!
Kevin Thomas- Field Staff
Hello everyone, yes I have returned and yes I still like long walks in the forest or on the beach. I had a great summer frolicking around New Zealand a few tramps here and there good surf and awesome pies. I reckon JB’s in Bulls has the best kebabs in the country. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Logan Cookler – Snow Safety
After only a few days here in the valley I must say that I have fallen in love with your ski area. I am originally from Colorado , but have lived and worked in the mountains of Utah for the last 6 years. My background includes mountain guiding, river guiding, and avalanche forecasting. It was great meeting some of you at the snow safety weekend, and I am excited about the winter and looking forward to some great skiing with you all.
Lucie Bernardova – Day Lodge
I am originally from Czech Republic ; however I have been living in a variety of countries for last 12 years. I love New Zealand and Craigieburn; whereby Craigieburn and its character remind me on my childhood. Due to many interests, I have studied 3 different studies – agriculture, police academy and tourism and lately worked as an environmental educator. Learning about different cultures, photography, outdoor sport activities, animals and sustainability count between my hobbies. I can’t wait to meet you all up in the day lodge.
Tom Horne – Bar Man / Ski Instructor
Hi Guys, I’m your Bar Man for the season, so I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot of you all this season, especially with the renovations to make it nice and toasty up there.
I’m originally from Cornwall England , but have spent the last 6 years hoping over to Canada working as a Ski Instructor with the likes of Sophie, Colleen, Jen, Krissi and Caroline(my predecessor). It’s great to be back up here at Craigieburn after a 6 year absence (last time I was here training with Sophie) and I look forward to a great season and lots of fun times.
Sophie Norton – Ski Instructor
Hi everyone I’m back again, and as ever will be running our ski week lessons, kids programs, etc… Sadly with Caroline’s departure music lesson will be on hold for the season. Look forward to seeing everyone up here.
Iwao Yokoyama – Field Staff
Konichiwa everyone! This is my 3rdseason. I hope Craigieburn gets lots of snow for my pretty shovel. See you soon.
Erin Crockett – Assistant
Growing up in Newfoundland , Canada , I first learned to ski on an old rickety rope two. I have been living and skiing in Canada ’s west coast for the last several years, but have been hanging out at the University of Otago in Dunedin for the last few months on a university exchange. As a first-timer this season at Craigieburn, I am looking forward seeing what the season brings, the deep powder, and cheerful company. See you on the mountain!
Douglas Coffen – Cookie
I was born and raised in Adelaide and learnt to ski at Mt Hotham on the “Big Island.” and currently vacationing from the North Island ’s Mt. Ruapehu , Whakapapa Ski Field.
I look forward to mastering the rope tows and experiencing your world famous South Island “cold smoke”. How nice not to hit a black volcanic rock, or hear a Lahar siren, I love all the trees you have planted. and my new pet I have called Kea. She likes my food too!
On the Field:
It’s been a solid opening week in the valley with some good skiing on upper mountain and beautifull weather on the day lodge deck. The pre season crust is chopped up and good to go, and our clubbies and guests have been getting great turns off of Ham Peak. Come on up amd say hi to the 2010 team.
In Koroheke:
Bring a guitar, chill, or groove to the music – new setlist courtesy of our new bar manager Tom (he’s the dark one with the funky T-shirt). Also checkout the new big flatscreen TV and soundsystem which will be playing snow movies and music DVDs plus shots of the day from up the hill – our roving camera will be catching your best lines, jumps or comedy rope tow behaviour. Future bar entertainment: bands booked for 31 jul, 28th Aug (club champs), 11 Sept, with more to come. Watch this space for weekday quiz nights from the end of CV3.
Pre season | Snow safety weekend
[singlepic id=315 w=320 h=240 float=left]The snow safety weekend took place on the 26th and 27th June. Tony had prepared a great mix of snow, avalanche and weather awareness as well as practical skills on transceiver use, probe and search strategies and shovelling techniques. New snow forecaster Logan arrived the night before and fought off jetlag to compliment Tony’s local expertise with the latest avalanche technologies from the US. The weekend started with information about avalanche prediction and mountain awareness, which included slope aspect and angle, terrain, weather conditions and decision making.
[singlepic id=316 w=320 h=240 float=right]A sobering video of a man caught and buried in an avalanche was then shown, giving us a real-life reminder of why avalanches are best avoided! The afternoon was spent on the mountain practicing transceiver searches and search strategies. Everyone was catered for, from those who had no experience of transceivers to those wanting to learn more about multiple burials. The bar was warmed up for the 2010 season that evening and everyone was well feed. After information on terrain traps and travel, the rest of Sunday was spent on the mountain practicing safe snow travel, probe line searches and going through the emergence rescue kits at the Club and how to respond in emergence situations. The weekend has something for everyone and is worth inking in your diary for 2011.
A big thanks to Tony for organising and coordinating the weekend and to CVSC for making it possible.
