SPORT IN THE SNOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22197, 26 August 1935, Page 13

SPORT IN THE SNOW

RUAPEHU SKI MEETING PREPARATIONS FOR FIXTURE LARGE PARTIES AT CHATEAU [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] THE CHATEAU, Sunday Nearly 150 ski club members from all parts of the North Island as well as many private visitors are now assembled at the Chateau to watch or compete in the annual winter sports meeting to be conducted this week by the Huapehu Ski Club. Large parties are present from the Kuapehu Ski Club, tho Tararua Tramping Club and the Aorangi Ski Club, as well as representatives of several other clubs. Apart from intermittent falls on the higher levels yesterday there has been no further snow since the blizzard last week. Tho snow below the Chateau is disappearing gradually, the road having been passable for vehicles without chains for several days. The road up the mountain to Scoria Flat is still deeply covered, however, and has been impassable for buses even over tho lower portions of the journey. The snow plough was brought into service to-day, but the snow on the road has consolidated to such an extent that it was unablo to proceed moro than a quarter of a mile above the Chateau. Further progress with the plough is hoped lor \\hen some of the snow has thawed.

The drifts were still so soft and deep yesterday that many people did not make the journey to Scoria Flat, but were content to find their "ski legs'' 011 the lower levels. To-day a harder track had been worn by the passage of previous parties and there was a larger crowd at the grounds. Perfect weather prevailed and the snow is still many feet deep. Providing tho fine weather continues splendid conditions should be experienced for the meeting. The first events have been fixed for Tuesday.