Otago Climber September 2011 - New Zealand Alpine Club

and we were distracted by glorious views of the Crown Range mountains
to the west and north.
Our second downhill of the day was welcome relief from the undulating
but gradually upwards progress now northwards to Quartz Knoll 1593m,
our highest point of the trip. We were a little disheartened to realise that
we were still less than half the distance to our endpoint. The doctor – Jono
was beginning to feel the pace on his first ski-tour and wearing downhill
boots but he soldiered on impressively.
Another 3km on we finally reached Queensberry Hill 1531m and gladly
stashed our skins for the last time and set off gleefully downwards on some
lovely firm packed snow. it was not all free and easy though as we had a
long traverse trying to maintain height on a gentle slope before being able
to see straight down to Tuohys Saddle. Now we had our reward with some
nice skiing on relatively easy-angled slopes although the snow conditions
were variable and not ideal. Not surprisingly the snow got heavier and
trickier as we descended and our legs got more and more tired. Skiing on
the path proved tricky for Martin and me although Matteo and Jono made
easy work of it.
Our day ended – as ski tours often do – with a long trudge down a muddy
track in heavy boots with weary legs. Jono was glad to get his boots off
and his trainers on. The sun was setting just as we got back to the car – a
great end to a superb day out. Our reward was a welcome feed and liquid
refreshment at the cozy and iconic Cardrona Hotel.
Thanks go to Martin for offering to organise this tour and for arranging for
us to use the hall as a base. A really worthwhile trip which would only be
bettered by more snow. Highly recommended.
Kenny Lang
Martin, Kenny and Jonno skinning up the mountain; Crown peak in the background (left); Jono
dropping into the Cardrona Valley (right). Photos Matteo Scoz
Otago Climber
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