SKI-ING AT MOUNT COOK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15706, 7 March 1913, Page 8

SKI-ING AT MOUNT COOK.

• FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. (Pee United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 6. _ Lieut. Gran, of the British Antarctic expedition, who on February 21, with Guides Pete Graham and Milne, scaled Mount Cook in the shortest time yet recorded—l 4 hours 30 minutes—informed an interviewer that one of the objects of his visit was to asoertain the prospects of introducing the sport of ski-ing at Mount Cook. He found that round about Fairlie and towards Mount Cook the conditions were splendid, and he described the hills as "absolutely perfect for ski-ing. 1 ' , "" Now as the natural conditions are so good, it simply becomes a question as to whether sufficient snow can be obtained at the best spots," continued Lieut. Gran. " But I am satisfied that the counrry is quite suitable. Of course ski-ing would not be possible in summer, but I think the prospects for introducing the sport in winter arc very good indeed, and when the new Hermitage at Mount Coo)< is completed an inducement should be offered to the lovers of mountain ranges to go in for ski-ing," Lieut. Gran expressed the hope that Government would do something to encourage the sport at Mount Cook. He went on to say that near* the Hermitage there was an excellent " jumping hill," providing a fine drop of about 30 degrees, which oould be made perfect at a very small cost.