SKI-RUNNING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22182, 27 August 1937, Page 18

SKI-RUNNING

CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MOUNT COOK

ACCOMMODATION TAXED TO THE FULL

[From Our Own Reporter.]

BALL HUTT, August 26.

The increasing popularity of skiracing and ski-touring in the Mount Cook area has never been better demonstrated than during this week. By to-morrow the Hermitage, and the Ball Hutt and the Malte Brun hut will be full, while a large party of schoolgirls, returning to Oamaru this week-end from the Ball Hut, will be unable to find accommodation at the Hermitage. The party will return therefore dirfict from the Ball Hut.

The Springboks will be among the guests for a few days from Sunday, and if the weather holds, as is indicated, they will see New Zealand's principal ski-ing area in almost perfect conditions.

A further party of 20 left the Ball Hut this morning for Malte Brun hut on a two-day ski tour. Cross-country touring on skies is the most marked feature of the increased interest this season. This development is interesting, as it was forecast several seasons ago by many prominent overseas visitors, and has more recently been championed by Barry Caulfield, Colin Wyatt, and the American ski team. The development has been delayed by an original enthusiasm for ski-racing, but now touring is being combined with racing visits, and large parties from both the North and South Island are out traversing the Tasman Glacier and its environs. The weather has settled and snow conditions are first class. At the Ball Hut on the Ball Glacier, ski-ing is po.ssible in perfect conditions right down to the hut level, with a wealth of nursery slopes in preparation for the inter-club and individual open Mount Cook championships to be held for two days starting tomorrow. Several small parties have been making the trip to the top of the Ball Pass each day, and practising running on this, the most interesting and strenuous downhill course in New Zealand. Coming from the Gut through the "Little Slam," and "The Breather" and then down "Elworthy's Run," calls for good technique and judgment. H. Wigley and A. Wigley, two sons of Mr R. L. Wigley, who are members of the New Zealand team to compete in international ski racing in Australia in September, are still here training intensively both in downhill and slalom work, and are at the peak of their form. The downhill championship will not be held until Saturday, when the relay events will also be held. L. Mahon (Timaru) is defending the individual t'tle. A feature commented on by all is the great improvements in conveniences and amenities at the Ball Hut.

RUAPEHU SKI CLUB'S CHAMPIONSHIPS

(press association teleoram.)

THE CHATEAU, August 26.

The Ruapehu Ski Club's championships were begun to-day. The weather had been unsettled for the last two days, but the sun shone during the races. The course, for club members only, consisted of two runs each. The results were:—

Sadies' Slalom—Miss S. E. Macpher(Palmerston North), 75 2-ssec, 1; Miss J. Harrison (Auckland), 77 l-ssec. 2; Miss E. Smith (Wellington), 88 l-ssec, 3. Ladies' Novice Race—Miss R. Schmidt (Auckland) 1, Miss E. Hunter <Te Awamutu) 2, Miss T. Rowe (Auckland) 3.

It is expected that the men's downhill and possibly the men's slalom will be held to-morrow.

The Tararua Tramping Club's races will also start to-morrow. Events open to all comers will be held on Saturday.