MOUNTAIN SPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21882, 18 August 1934, Page 15

MOUNTAIN SPORTS

TONGARIRO PARK FIXTURE THE SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS TAX UPON ACCOMMODATION [by TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] THE CHATEAU. Friday Ski-ing enthusiasts from all parts of both islands will be meeting at the Chateau Tongariro, National Park, this week-end. The following clubs will be represented:—Ruapehu Ski Club, 85 members; Tararua Tramping Club, 65: Taranaki Alpine Club, 32; Aorangi Ski Club. 20; Victoria University College, 16; South Island clubs, 30. The occasion is the annual winter snow sports period, terminating with the New Zealand ski championships, to be held on August 27 to August 29. Unfortunately snow conditions are not good, owing to heavy rains, and the level of the snow is higher than at the corresponding time last year, no ski-ing being available below Salt • Hut, on Scoria Flat. In spite of advice to this effect from the manager, Mr. R. Cobbe, no clubs have cancelled any reservations, and the Chateau accommodation is taxed to its utmost. So keen is the demand for accommodation that the party from the Victoria University College has sought permission to "camp out" in the Chateau cook hut.

The new road, which is metalled for a little over two miles to the skiing grounds, is proving a great boon to those using the Chateau. Disappointment has been expressed by some club members, however, that the road had not been completed. While the uncompleted portion of approximately a milo is not a deterrent to those used to the conditions, it is not conducive to encouraging older people or tourists to visit the actual ski-ing grounds. The road from the National Park Station for a mile or two is in need of repair, and in its present state cars and buses to the Chateau have to travel slowly to avoid large pot-holes.

A MEETING POSTPONED POOR SNOW CONDITIONS Poor snow conditions caused the teniporary abandonment of the fourth winter sports meeting of the- Alpine Sports Club, which was to have been held yesterday on Scoria Flat, Mount Ruapehu. This decision was reached by the sporting committee in the Ruapehu Ski Club's glacier hut at 6000 ft. on Thursday afternoon. Rainy and foggy conditions have prevailed since Wednesday, preventing any but the expert from ski-ing. Snow is expected in the higher altitudes, and if a fall is experienced the sports will be held to-day. The party of 22 will return to Auckland on Monday morning.