Spring Ski-ing Has Its Responsibilities

Press, Volume C, Issue 29638, 7 October 1961, Page 9

Spring Ski-ing Has Its Responsibilities

VOR Canterbury ski-ing enx thusiasts the weather this year seems at least to be making amends. For weekend after week-end northwest storms prevented racing and ordinary ski-ing and the snow grew deeper and deeper. After starting to retreat several weeks ago the snow came back in the last storm and at present there is probably more enow on the Craigiebura Range and the other ski-ing areas than there has been at any time during the winter.

Spring »ki-ing can be the most pleasant pastime of all. A long pull up the tow In the keen cle»r air to the top and a fast sweep down across the crisp crusted snow, followed by a sun-bathe on the hut roof or a nearby rock would delight anyone after a week's work. However, spring ski-ing has it* responsibilities. First and foremost, the skier must know the snow condition* and their danger*. Sunny slope* after the sun ha* been on them for some time may just be ready for a pair of boards to go slicing across and start a slide. If the ski field i* unfamiliar or spring ski-ing is new, don’t be foolhardy. Each of the ski club* has member* who have known the mountain* for year*. Their advice is always worth taking. The fine weather will be an open invitation to go skitouring—visiting the club in the basin next along by skiing along the top slope* and climbing over the saddle. No party should attempt this unless an experienced skier is with them—one who knows the snow. Back on the home dope* two simple item* will prevent a lot of discomfort and. possibly, seven pain. A pair of snow goggle* and a tube or t bottle of sun-tan preparation will lessen the effect of glare reflected from the sun by the snow. Without care, the incautious skier may find himself or herself being led down the mountain to spend several days in a dark room. With care, however, th* spring snow 1* here to be enjoyed, and, provided there is no prolonged north-waet rain, there should be ski-ing for five or six week* yet in the Craigisburn* at least