Forum
Ruapehu 2010
*edited 02 Jul 2010 11:16
Originally posted by: Blunt
I'm up Turoa on Sunday if weather holds.
^ ditto. Fingers crossed.
--------------------------------
Gaper.
It is true, whakapapa seriously needs a lift upgrade, u cud walk up rg faster.
--------------------------------
Summer sucks!
Originally posted by: Jude
Ski patrol have just been putting up ropes behind the lodge (drop off to Skippers about 10 m from kitchen window). Offered him a coffee and anzac bikkie - he was tempted but thought he'd better get on so they can open RG at 11
Edgehi's been diligent in warning them of your ways! Fatten them up before you shove them in the AGA eh?
if they covered tennents valley with snowmaking and got a whole lot more snow guns a new lift up the rg would be more beneficial than on the upper mountain. The ts really aren't that slow, just some people hate them.
Originally posted by: Jude
*edited 02 Jul 2010 07:54Originally posted by: gavspad
I cant wait to see the results of the Drug and Alchol Checkpoints that the Police are planning to do in the area over the next two weeks. Captive market coming down from the Mountain
Thanks for the warning Gav = you have just blown that operation
Not really it happens every year and not limited to just that two weeks, no secret. Godsquad will be about no doubt checking the bus/shuttle drivers and the 3 new speed camera vans will be making a killing on the local highways. All good if you have nothing to worry about.
Back to subject the conditions look about average and the open lifts about normal for the time of year, be good to see a bit more heavy snow that may be coming Tuesday next week.
Originally posted by: impreza50
if they covered tennents valley with snowmaking and got a whole lot more snow guns a new lift up the rg would be more beneficial than on the upper mountain. The ts really aren't that slow, just some people hate them.
Last year they were firing snow guns into the Tenants Valley. Once enough snow is made on the rocky the guns may well be turned into the valley, limited water supply is a problem.
Originally posted by: gavspad
The 3 new speed camera vans will be making a killing on the local highways. All good if you have nothing to worry about.
rozboon's public service announcement: The new camera vans are a collection of moderately ugly silver Hyundai peoplemovers/van things. All the windows are blacked out except the rear one. They have a kinda strange towbar which can make them a little easier to spot but as a rule of thumb if you're the sort that pushes the tempo a little you should be slowing for anything on the side of the road anyway.
They use a slightly shifted version of K band radar. If you're using a detector chances are they won't alert unless you're running something fairly high end. My Bel 985 only alerts at a barely useful range. Bel STi and Valentine will give you a slightly useful alert but you've probably spotted it by then anyway.
At the weekend there is always - almost no exceptions - a speed camera van parked just south of the Junction on the corner with the huge overhanging gum? tree or somewhere on Goldfinch street. Watch out, just in case you're in a convoy from the mountain road doing 60 odd. In the morning they occasionally park it near the tennis courts/those A-fram chalets, pointing towards town.
Originally posted by: impreza50
if they covered tennents valley with snowmaking and got a whole lot more snow guns a new lift up the rg would be more beneficial than on the upper mountain. The ts really aren't that slow, just some people hate them.
I couldnt disagree more! what half decent skier or boarder would rather ride tennants valley than the upper mountain accessed by a new high speed 6 seater? I dont mind the T's, but in comparison to the new lifts they were meant to build, they are slow as, and cant upload anywhere near the ammount of people the lift would in the same amount of time. You enjoy the current que lengths to get on the T's in a busy weekend? Didnt think so!
--------------------------------
I am the freedom breeder!
Back to subject the conditions look about average and the open lifts about normal for the time of year, be good to see a bit more heavy snow that may be coming Tuesday next week.
Spose I'm curious to see what the mountain is like early season as well. Nothing like building up experience. Its crazy to think it nearly been a year since I first strapped on snowboard.
--------------------------------
If you don't like my fire don't come around.
Originally posted by: rozboon
They use a slightly shifted version of K band radar. If you're using a detector chances are they won't alert unless you're running something fairly high end. My Bel 985 only alerts at a barely useful range. Bel STi and Valentine will give you a slightly useful alert but you've probably spotted it by then anyway.
Speed cameras angle their beam across the road(in line with the camera) This has the effect of lowering the amount of overspill that detectors can pickup.
Road Patrol vehicles fire their radar straight up and down the road, emitting boatloads of excess radiation, which makes them make detectors light up like X-mas trees. (hence their move to switch on and off and pick off cars they are interested in)
Radio guy in Ohakune said the Express should be open this weekend 
No update on the RAL facebook page to confirm as far as I've seen. That page is full of laughs and various troll posters.
--------------------------------
Europe 2011 - living the dream
Whoever's going up tomorrow (whaka or turoa) can you give us the heads up on how busy it is.
I'm planning a mission next week but am very apprehensive about noobs galore due to the school holidays.
Originally posted by: kingkarl
Whoever's going up tomorrow (whaka or turoa) can you give us the heads up on how busy it is.
I'm planning a mission next week but am very apprehensive about noobs galore due to the school holidays.
I'll be reporting live from Turoa every day for the next 9 days, I'll let you know how the place is looking
Nice work rozboon. Look forward to the reports.
--------------------------------
If you don't like my fire don't come around.
Originally posted by: kingkarl
Whoever's going up tomorrow (whaka or turoa) can you give us the heads up on how busy it is.
I'm planning a mission next week but am very apprehensive about noobs galore due to the school holidays.
Yeah its a bit of a worry, but probably worth it when you consider what you would probably be doing instead!
--------------------------------
I am the freedom breeder!
*edited 02 Jul 2010 15:16
I remember reading on this forum last year that everyone thinks the same thing. First weekend of school hols is always zooed out so no one goes meaning uncrowded trails.
I'd imagine those going up the mountain with their groms for a few days will travel Sunday to hit it midweek. Both my kids are knackered at the end of a term and would be a nightmare to take away the first day into the hols. Better to wait a few days.
Big weather system coming in from the west looking like it could upset plans for Sunday anyway 
--------------------------------
If you don't like my fire don't come around.
im calling freshies and good weather for next weekend lets see how it turns out...
--------------------------------
I am the freedom breeder!
Had great day on RG (if that is possible). Skiied like a muppet over a few rocks but there were places to go and not too crowded. Tomorrow will be a nightmare as there will be 10x the people. Got soft (perfect bluebird day) enough to get off trail but bound to freeze overnight. Not going to ski the Express - was told it is 5 cms snow over ice. Could bring a new meaning to 'on the rocks'
Here'a pic. Couloirs face looks good - saw someone head out - took them a while to travesre though. I'll stick to the Valley I think. No rush
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Couloirs looks not too bad there aye. Used to ride that a lot back in the days of the old staircase T.
--------------------------------
Wait For The Ricochet
A few brave souls when over Olafs which is largely rocks at the mo. I did Olafs lite to the skiers left
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: rozboonOriginally posted by: Jude
Ski patrol have just been putting up ropes behind the lodge (drop off to Skippers about 10 m from kitchen window). Offered him a coffee and anzac bikkie - he was tempted but thought he'd better get on so they can open RG at 11
Edgehi's been diligent in warning them of your ways! Fatten them up before you shove them in the AGA eh?
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: kingkarl
Whoever's going up tomorrow (whaka or turoa) can you give us the heads up on how busy it is.
I'm planning a mission next week but am very apprehensive about noobs galore due to the school holidays.
Its kind of a given that its guna be packed tbh, just avoid rockgarden wherever possible.
--------------------------------
Summer sucks!
Originally posted by: ski_mufflerOriginally posted by: kingkarl
Whoever's going up tomorrow (whaka or turoa) can you give us the heads up on how busy it is.
I'm planning a mission next week but am very apprehensive about noobs galore due to the school holidays.
Its kind of a given that its guna be packed tbh, just avoid rockgarden wherever possible.
Hardly anyone staying at the lodge so might not be too bad. Second week booked out so IMO that's the week to avoid.
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
^^ WTC is the same jude...i was looking at staying there up til the 18th July, had to cut my trip short due to the weekend being booked out.
poohs!
--------------------------------
Punter Extraordinaire
@Jude how much is it to stay on the lodge on the mountain?
--------------------------------
Summer sucks!
*edited 02 Jul 2010 23:41
Sigh, for those that care... John Wall.
Colin, if you're going to make sockpuppets on Facebook, try 'liking' a few more pages than just RAL and maybe add a few friends... if you have any to add 
Originally posted by: ski_muffler
@Jude how much is it to stay on the lodge on the mountain?
Most lodges charge about $50-60 per night for non-members including breakfast/dinner. My own club charges $35 bring own food. You need to be accompanied by a member to stay at most.
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: rozboon
I'll be reporting live from Turoa every day for the next 9 days, I'll let you know how the place is looking
Great, cheers.
Thanks for he updates and photos Jude, much appreciated. If only you worked for RAL's marketing department, we might actually be updated once and a while.
Here's an album I stumbled across with a few photos to get an idea of snow coverage:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=965378&id=1614373938&ref=mf# [facebook.com]!/photo.php?pid=965362&id=1614373938&ref=mf&fbid=1414712180531
Looking good out tonight - cold and clear. Snow guns pumping all way up mtn.
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Still clear here. Bit of a breeze from the south. All go according to the reports - lifts opening at 7.30am! Going to be hard as - think I'll watch people slide around on the RG over my morning coffee before I go out - maybe 9.30. Although I could burn down now and get first tracks on the *new* snow on the RG and then go in for coffee/breakfast. Bit like a pre-breakfast walk.
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: kingkarlOriginally posted by: rozboon
I'll be reporting live from Turoa every day for the next 9 days, I'll let you know how the place is looking
Great, cheers.
Thanks for he updates and photos Jude, much appreciated. If only you worked for RAL's marketing department, we might actually be updated once and a while.
Thanks = a pleasure
I used to work in marketing and communications. Big pressure to spin. Nice that I can now tell it how it is (as I see it).
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: rozboon
*edited 02 Jul 2010 23:41
Sigh, for those that care... John Wall.
Colin, if you're going to make sockpuppets on Facebook, try 'liking' a few more pages than just RAL and maybe add a few friends... if you have any to add
Nick you ever thougt that maybe someone else other than Colin is behind those profiles? It is sport to bait the Ruapehu muppets you know
I used to work in marketing and communications. Big pressure to spin. Nice that I can now tell it how it is (as I see it).
Someone else used to tell it how it was on here, look where that got him. Funny you will be reading this assuming that it is him yet he is working up the mountain as I type
So much for lifts opening at 7.30am. Only staff on RG and Centennial. Good thing I didn't burn down as I'd have been waiting around or walking back up 
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: Jude
So much for lifts opening at 7.30am. Only staff on RG and Centennial. Good thing I didn't burn down as I'd have been waiting around or walking back up
No Jude. You neglected the word FROM. well learnt that trick. In RAL terms then a 10am start is fine...
--------------------------------
"If in doubt, straighten 'em out"
Originally posted by: jedskiOriginally posted by: Jude
So much for lifts opening at 7.30am. Only staff on RG and Centennial. Good thing I didn't burn down as I'd have been waiting around or walking back up
No Jude. You neglected the word FROM. well learnt that trick. In RAL terms then a 10am start is fine...
You're so right
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
First punters on Centennial...
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: jedskiOriginally posted by: Jude
So much for lifts opening at 7.30am. Only staff on RG and Centennial. Good thing I didn't burn down as I'd have been waiting around or walking back up
No Jude. You neglected the word FROM. well learnt that trick. In RAL terms then a 10am start is fine...
From is the most frustrating word in the english language!
Airfares FROM $299 (means one seat at $299, weds at 4 am, from an obscure airport)..all the other seats are $1000!!
--------------------------------
*edited 03 Jul 2010 16:19
Originally posted by: J_ParkinsonOriginally posted by: rozboon
*edited 02 Jul 2010 23:41
Sigh, for those that care... John Wall.
Colin, if you're going to make sockpuppets on Facebook, try 'liking' a few more pages than just RAL and maybe add a few friends... if you have any to add
Nick you ever thougt that maybe someone else other than Colin is behind those profiles? It is sport to bait the Ruapehu muppets you know
Originally posted by: J_ParkinsonI used to work in marketing and communications. Big pressure to spin. Nice that I can now tell it how it is (as I see it).
Someone else used to tell it how it was on here, look where that got him.
yes, he had to create 18 difffernet logins to avoid detection in the end
by the way sunbathing in a bus is hardly work
Had reasonable day out. Valley in the mornining. Beer at lunchtime. Edgehi in the afternoon. Trails narrow which made things a bit nore interesting, Waterfall Express was Crash Palace
Snow icy/crusty off piste, improved slightly from the slick conditions in the morning. Watched people brave Front Stage - almost everyone I saw had a 'sit down' at one point. Think I'll wait that one out.
The T's were constantly breaking down - Edgehi blamed me but it was his ovine companions that were causing all the trouble
Front Stage
Pinnacles from top of Valley T
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Snow icy/crusty off piste, improved slightly from the slick conditions in the morning.
Thats why you get some big fat skis. Was struggling one day on my normal twins then blew through the sh1t that was worse than the day before
--------------------------------
"If in doubt, straighten 'em out"
Good to meet you Jude.
Gnarly detailed conditions at the moment, narrow trails and no way to go fast. The loading area of the valley T is a minefield, but generally everywhere else wasn't bad. A small amount more snow will make a big difference.
Dodging all those sheep on the way down was a minor nightmare! But I'm still alive.
--------------------------------
One good turn deserves another...
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
so what was the packed powder on trail report all about then?
more ruapehu spin
--------------------------------
^^^ Maybe it was at Turoa? Certainly not Whaka
--------------------------------
reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: Freshie
so what was the packed powder on trail report all about then? more ruapehu spin
Thats Ruapehu speak for "man made slush on trail and 1/2 inch thick wind swept sheet ice off trail"
--------------------------------
Punter Extraordinaire
just think about the term packed powder for a second freshie.
packed to ice..na it was definitely whaka
--------------------------------
by definition once snow becomes packed its no longer powder. the statement makes no sense
by definition "powder" should not even be there....as it is fundamentally a "dry substance..."
Dry snow actually doesn't exist, however dry ice does, just to confuse those that are easily confused.
--------------------------------
My worst fear is when I die my wife sells my ski equipment for the price I told her I paid for it.
maybe it doesnt in oz
Dont piss the ozzies off or they wont come over any more and pay tourist prices...
MACS
--------------------------------
My worst fear is when I die my wife sells my ski equipment for the price I told her I paid for it.
good, id rather have seppoes
LOL what are seppoes???
--------------------------------
My worst fear is when I die my wife sells my ski equipment for the price I told her I paid for it.
Mmmk Turoa 03/07/10
Beautiful weather. Some breeze, sunny all day, cloud rolled in for about 2 minutes then buggered off again.
Snow was wind crust over a quantity of soft heavy snow. Sketchy goings, especially if you were trying to go for it.
Yahoo was interesting, reasonable quality snow where it wasn't stripped back. The groomer was quite nice in the early morning.
Freeway, as usual, was pretty bad. Lots of loose large crystaline snow over extremely firm hardpack.
Whynot and the valleys out past it were the place to be today. Snow was still firm as hell and the entrance to whynot was sketchhhy. But the huge variety of features both big and small made it great fun.
Giant was running today and the queues were very reasonable.
And now I'm going to fall asleep.
Originally posted by: macs
LOL what are seppoes???
'mericans
--------------------------------
Punter Extraordinaire
thanks for that Roz, now i know what I missed
We got almost fresh tracks on the alpine meadow sliding area. After a couple of hours we had the grom on skis sliding down a wee slope at the bottom. I was pretty exhausted after 3-4 solid hours of 3 year old action.
PS: Fancy bumping into you in the carpark too!
Fattrav,
Ahhhh got it...
So americans are preferred over aussies as visitors it appears...time and distance is against that argument then...
MACS
--------------------------------
My worst fear is when I die my wife sells my ski equipment for the price I told her I paid for it.
exchange rates and seasons arent though