Conditions Report
editor’s note: This Treble Cone ski resort, NZ report is brought to us by Treble Cone
A Season in Review
by Fraser McDougall
This year has been one of the best in the last 10 years with the snow being good and mostly stable through out the winter. It’s provided some great opportunities for some to get out into the backcountry and I’m sure the ski touring will continue all through out spring. The growing number of those prepared to work for the solitude and untracked lines of the backcounrty is awesome. I’m not bagging the ski field experience, especially that of Treble Cone, just stoked for those riders pushing the boundaries and showing that adventurous spirit.
Treble Cone, for many, is the place to come to on the good powder day. It has the best terrain, so it’s not that surprising. To keep those good times rolling, ski touring and hiking outside of the resort, ‘working for your turns’, unlocks more days of powder turns, with less competition and in my opinion, more reward. It gives you a work out, you still get to ski and the reward, one that I favor the most at TC, is the view. Hike the summit and tell me that it’s not the best mountain view you’ve ever seen-‐ or for the worldly traveler it’s definitely on par with some of the most famous European resorts.
(Lorraine Huber slashing in the light, Lake Wanaka providing the perfect backdrop)
A different perspective the other day opened my eyes to how awesome this place really is. Ski touring to End Peak (far peak along Sun Dance ridge) with Lorraine Huber, a top female skier on the Freeride World Tour and insanely fit, we skied a number of lines descending into the valley towards lake Wanaka before heading back to the resort; it was one to remember.
(2 hours walking and nearly at our objective, Treble Cone barely seen in the background)
(Peering over the edge looking towards the Matukituki Valley)
(Looking back to Treble Cone with Mt Aspiring in the background)
(Lorraine Huber chasing the light home)
