Ski-ing at Broken River

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Ski-ing at Broken River "Shh, quiet everyone; come on, how to tame the engines that operated Humphrey, eat it up." them. It was apres-ski at Broken River and Instruction in groups was provided one cheeky little Kea, braver than his during the weekdays by Roman, a sunmates, was nibbling a titbit of butter bronzed Austrian from Salzburg. We from Sue's fingers outside White Star all gained something from the classés, Lodge. so watch out for those jet turns on Inside the hut the atmosphere was Ruapehu, folks! On occasions Roman relaxed and friendly as sunburnt faces joined us for the evening meal and proved gathered round the table for pre-dinner himself a dab hand at making gluwein. drinks. Heather and Ursula were busy On the Thursday the weather took over the stove concocting yet another a turn for the worse, and eight of gastronomical success whilst Roman, our us took off in one of the combis on ski instructor, and others from the hut a sightseeing tour which turned out "up top" wandered in to join us for to be rather more energetic than planned. the day's post-mortem, noisy game of Our first stop was at Arthurs Pass 500, battle over the scrabble-board or with a visit to Oscar's, the post-box what-you-will. and Park Headquarters, before Paul led Undoubtedly the 1971 Skiing Trip to us on a "constitutional" along one of Broken River was a tremendous success the well-tracked nature walks with fine with just the right ingredients to make views of waterfalls and peaks. Time a perfect holiday. Brian's organisation remained for a drive to the top of the of transport, food, drink and accom- Pass and a quick walk up to Temple modation was faultless; weather and Basin, where a temporary thaw was snow conditions were far better than playing havoc with the ski fields. Howmost of us had anticipated; the hut ever, shorts and tramping boots made was comfortable and, most important a change from ski gear, and the tramp of all, we were a compatible group was worthwhile for the views of Rolof individuals who lived and skied to- leston and her neighbours. The day was gether for nine days and laughed and rounded off with a sing-song, in the laughed until we ached. lodge "up top" with our neighbours The journey down south was made from the Canterbury Ski Club. by the inter-island ferry to Lyttleton The final three days passed far too and thence by two combi vans to Lyn- quickly with sufficient snow remaining don hut, some seventy miles from Christ- for quite enjoyable skiing and time taken church. This was our base during the off for visits to the nearby forestry weekends whilst the week itself was research station and a fascinating cave. spent right on the skifields at White My first visit to Broken River has Star Lodge, owned by Canterbury Ski left me with many memories, all of Club. The snow for the first five days them pleasant and most of them hilwas fantabulous (powder on a firm larious; steep slopes and moguls, crashes base) and we all of us, guns, bombers and sitzmarks, laughter at bedtime and and snowcrashers, enjoyed full days of things that go crash in the night! As whooping downhill in our own styles a non-club member from Auckland, may with positively no queues on the tows. I say a warm thank-you, Tongue and There are three efficient rope tows at Meats, for having me along. Broken River and the boys soon learnt Sue Webb. Club Ski The girls' fastest time went to Miss Sports B. Wheeler, and Mens fastest time to The Club's Ski Sports were held this D. McNair. year on the National Downhill on Satur- The "Most Improved Skier" Trophy day 18th September. The course was was awarded to N. Jennings. set by a Ski Services Instructor near A full list of results will be published the Downhill Poma', and the races were in the next journal. run in misty conditions. Each competitor I would like to express on behalf had two runs. The winner in each race of all those who raced, our thanks to was:the time keepers, Bill Rice and Gary Lund, the gate watchers and the Ski Senior: D. Gazley; Instructor who set the course. Intermediate: L. Mason; It was much appreciated. Junior: N. Jennings. Ron Fayle.