tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444828313958140942024-03-13T12:07:58.546+13:00SkiMoNZSki Mountaineering New ZealandGTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-52414549733145993062010-04-19T19:01:00.002+12:002010-04-19T19:01:32.655+12:00New Web Site<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Please visit our new blog/web site-</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skimonz.wordpress.com/"><strong>www.skimonz.wordpress.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thanks</strong></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-67818869416201895372009-09-03T09:36:00.003+12:002009-09-09T21:19:58.264+12:00CraigieBurner This Weekend!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The CraigieBurner will take place this weekend in what will be near perfect conditions. The Craigieburn Range has been hammered with weather over the last 2 weeks now and things are looking great, with over 50cm of new snow!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I won't go into a heap of detail as there is a load of info on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://craigieburner09.blogspot.com/">www.craigieburner09.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are 2 course's, "Lifts" and "Lunges". </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The CraigieBurner will make for great preparation to The Tour in 2 weeks time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Looking forward to seeing you all on the start line.</span></div></span><br /></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-14685036398596628622009-08-16T21:29:00.002+12:002009-08-16T21:40:09.899+12:00Gasherbrum II ski Winner!Congratulations to John Henson in winning the Gasherbrum II ski raffle. No doubt John will be running around at The Tour with the Gasherbrums on his feet.<div>A big thanks to everyone who supported SkiMoNZ and the 2010 NZ team that will race at the World Ski Mountaineering Champs in Andorra.</div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-89637392692327246582009-08-02T21:47:00.000+12:002009-08-02T21:48:24.961+12:002009 'Burner<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">The 2008 CraigieBurner winner and organizer of the 2008 Ohau Backcountry Blast, DuncanSherratt, will be organizing the '09 Burner.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">The word from Duncan-</span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">The Scarpa Craigieburner ski mountaineering race will be taking place this year on the 5</span></i><sup><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">th</span></i></sup><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> of September at Craigieburn Valley Ski Area. As the oldest race of it’s kind in New Zealand it is certainly unique. Competitors will have the chance to use the lifts or their own steam to race around the mountain. It is</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> essentially a day’s ski touring or club field skiing condensed into</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> about 1-2 hours. The event has a really good vibe as only you could get at a club ski field in New Zealand.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0MhpRlwv5KycdwA6nJDk_wuypBEWtW0vjZINFErslrZhEjRVtpldqz_1KgIU6FURZR7oVzYHbScOIlrXfmCE7GthpKhc78PcJeKk9Ddz-ZNW0T1KXqFj0akUxs2EuttNtfEb3QcEhJuY/s400/SUC55317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365293515355855762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; ">Gary Mac getting his Burn on</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; ">We’re again lucky to have awesome support from Scarpa, Marmot and Craigieburn Valley. Scarpa have generously offered two pairs of Scarpa ski boots for prizes. As they say you have to be into win so we hope to see you all ther<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 48px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">e on the 5th</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> of September. The ski boots will be given away as spot prizes. So all the more reason to turn up and ski quite quickly (up and down).</span></i></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPdvBd5Qx2jSkTB2GTsk8SbShC2JZKfNC5Y7oU19tQiJVRFWr2tpegcNO-LLQYvx9YZrAVc7fx87icldmtvA0JJMIQoIAhk9AK4pgrR0XRKVl5OiOgqIbikYA6aavi8nuSqX0HUaAp2kR/s400/P9060247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365293524201025826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; ">The scene at the finish line of the '08 Burner</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; ">The race will be kicking off at 10am. We’ll be up there from 8.30am taking registrations. We’ll have a few beers and laugh about the day later on in Koroheke Lodge.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 48px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">If you have any questions about the event check the blog, </span></i><a href="http://www.craigieburner09.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">www.craigieburner09.blogspot.</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><wbr>com</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">. The blog will be updated with information, course details and entry information closer to the event."</span></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Cheers Duncan</span></i></span></span></div></div></span>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-81531881369976112162009-08-01T21:41:00.001+12:002009-08-01T21:41:17.261+12:00THE TOUR- entry open!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:-webkit-monospace;font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Entry for The Tour Backcountry Ski Race is now open!</div><div>Click <b><a href="http://thetournz.com/entry_form_wavier.html">HERE</a> </b>for the entry form.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SnQLMwTwR_I/AAAAAAAABrI/gKcyhz0bjBE/s400/CIMG7584.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364925369859196914" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Expect the young fellow in the white & red suit in the photo above to be near the front of the pack at The Tour</span></b></div></span>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-27381530127111858132009-07-19T21:20:00.002+12:002009-07-19T21:23:41.757+12:00Scarpa CraigieBurnerScrapa has again come on board as a sponsor of the CraigieBurner and this years organiser Duncan has set up the following blog for the '09 version- <a href="www.craigieburner09.blogspot.com">www.craigieburner09.blogspot.com</a>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-37064567254640229812009-06-07T20:03:00.006+12:002009-07-19T21:26:43.515+12:00SkiMoNZ/Dynafit Raffle<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SkiMoNZ/Dynafit Raffle-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;">Ski Mountaineering New Zealand, in association with Dynafit, are raffling off a pair of Dynafit Gasherbrum II skis, as a fund raiser for the SkiMoNZ race team that will compete at the 2010 ski mountaineering world champs in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;">Andorra</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;">.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Raffle tickets are only $15 each; with all proceeds going to the 2010 SkiMoNZ race team. The lucky winner will get a pair of 172cm Gasherbrum II ski's (dimensions 102-73-89). </span></span><div><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To get your ticket go to deposit $15 in to the SkiMoNZ bank account, using your name as the reference/code.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;">SkiMoNZ bank account details- <a onclick="javascript:getTranSummHREF('!dDg7Z3b3Ru3aZ9tQJPdYOBep%2fFYquoBJ7ucBG%2fNC68pNenTuNIlXq710g7hMZz8t4DbaRL%2ftt8MuC2WVFEau3NSdO0GX59BT7hFEa2FQjzlDr2Z%2bi4xex9JfIK7qjBXQshGL84VfFUs7kxcXrKTQKTLZl9UKi2Sd95MIRHcg6Jo', 'SPIDERSESSION=AAAAAgAAABcAAAADQ0dJAAAAAAAAAQBJOt50Tcdi0gAAAZoGofS8xQJExCcuatCEXEAPS4TOG%2bz6CJVgvLwDXCFerIxf7gIHqa2n2Ori1PBZGVzw%2f4u2tH0QojpVrsSQAIVuGFzexMMsrZc0fJnY49RnJOykttJOELDIMl4Bf0uQlriCVQecJ5e7PJhduOkh1d%2bY%2bjeE50UTjOwG7wia%2f3tCcbNS4BIeof8TKp7Vz1WqMoFVa3s%2bnFzpqIrEFxJSw4T9JhgOYX2q17gYidp19iNnHZpxYvegxRrGKzn5F5Q6hTbrowHC9ameD8hhjUpsOoTtbcohIS9gozcyGj1ATyxWSUFOIlkuWQK6xNmIVtweoO%2bXg1NAev5nJJYC%2bhKZg%2fWlXUKvLKDdX%2f5tHNGPe3wT3Vok22GV3LdNdG4%2faY6spyN%2bQt7w4RlJDfhMFF84y%2btpfPSi%2bK4ciK94xgHmV4NWgjhjcBB%2f9v2YTnCO9EL2tf1fF3SuPdClKb5wCR%2fHQXmYCzRlM77YphdgH04jNKLvbkqN045E31iS%2f6LN5%2bSNe%2fVy2ovNA5Z%2fh8gSV0M%2bwQ3ymKWm2VW%2b0SDZIA%3d%3d&^uniqueValue=127950164', 'TranSumm');" class="copylink" title="Click here to view your Transaction Summary" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 110%; ">06-0954-0050957-00</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Please also e-mail us at nzinfo@skimo.org and let us know that you got a ticket (or 2!), so we know who's got what and how to get intouch with you when you win!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">The draw will be made mid August.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dynafit Gasherbrum II Ski</span></span></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/Sit06JDduuI/AAAAAAAABQw/0NhPlxb84TQ/s1600-h/GII.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 91px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/Sit06JDduuI/AAAAAAAABQw/0NhPlxb84TQ/s400/GII.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344493925016910562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Gasherbrum II 172cm ski, dimensions 102-73-89 and 1190gr are the perfect blend between weight and turnablity. Certainly on the skinny side in this day and age, the Gasherbrum excels on light and fast missions. Whether its speed climbing an 8000m peak and skiing its 50 degree slopes, competing in The Tour Backcountry Ski Touring Race, or anything in between, the Gasherbrum is your ski. More details at <a href="http://www.dynafit.co.nz/">www.dynafit.co.nz</a></span>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-61934938438531683632009-05-13T20:20:00.000+12:002009-05-13T20:22:06.050+12:002009 SkiMoNZ Race Series<p class="MsoNormal">The 2009 Ski Mountaineering New Zealand (SkiMoNZ) race series is shaping up to be a cracker, with new race formats and world class racers set to lift the leave of ski mountaineering races in <st1:country-region><st1:place>New Zealand</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Both the CraigieBurner and Ruapehu Ripper, now well established races, will return, with The Tour, a multi day, team’s race rounding out the calendar.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A date is still to be confirmed for the Ruapehu Ripper, with the CraigieBurner taking place on the 5<sup>th</sup> September and The Tour, based out of Cheeseman, over the 19<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> September. Interest in the ’09 series has already been high, especially for The Tour, which has limited spots when entry opens in late June.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The SkiMoNZ race series will act as a trail for those who are looking at making the 2010 SkiMoNZ Race Team for the Ski Mountaineering World Champs, to be held in Andorra in March next year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region><st1:place>New Zealand</st1:place></st1:country-region> racers will be fortunate to pit there skills against some of the top racers from around the world. Current World Cup winner and top female French racer Laetita Roux will spend the winter in NZ, racing and training. While Spaniard, Javier Martian, who recently ranked 5<sup>th</sup> in the Europe Champs will be in NZ for all of September. Other international racers, top Britain Carron Scrimgeour and recent Canadian Cup winner Reiner Thoni will also be racing in NZ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This top level of international competition will no doubt give 2007 and ’08 series winners Gena Sbiva and Jane Harper, as well as some strong up and comers, great race experience, as well as making for a great spectacle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Support for the 2009 race series has been strong, with sponsors quick to jump on board. The big news on this front is Singapore Airlines confirming their support via assistance with travel to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Andorra</st1:place></st1:country-region> for those who get selected for the World Champs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other sponsors are the New Zealand Alpine Club, The Climber Magazine, MountainZ.co.nz, iclimb.co.nz, Dynafit and Buff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For more info please visit www.skimonz.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></p>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-35421027730714350092009-04-15T20:33:00.002+12:002009-04-15T20:43:46.879+12:002008 SkiMoNZ Series ResultsThese have been a very long time coming, so apologies for the delay!<br /><br />Gena and Jane both defended their series titles. Of interest was the tight race for 2nd and 3rd in both the male and females categories. Also of note is that both Duncan and Jane only raced in 3 races, out of a possible 5. Only the top 4 results counted.<br /><br />2008 SkiMoNZ race series results<br /><strong>-Male</strong><br />1st- Gena Sibaev- 130 pts<br />2nd- Duncan Sherratt- 104 pts<br />3rd- Tim Ensor- 100 pts<br /><strong>-Female</strong><br />1st-Jane Harper-120 pts<br />2nd- Kath Conlan- 97 pts<br />3rd- Gillian Ensor- 92 ptsGTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-73783428724998747372009-01-22T16:11:00.003+13:002009-01-22T16:25:33.296+13:00Ski Mo Races- Euro 2009Unfortunately there are no Kiwis (no we know about, are you there??) racing in Europe this winter, but there are plenty of races taking place and you can keep up with all the action at <a href="http://www.skimo.org/">www.skimo.org</a><br />One video worth checking out is<br /><div><object width="480" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k65U1Vd1oxm0GgTXw3&related=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k65U1Vd1oxm0GgTXw3&related=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="405" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7xurb_coupe-du-monde-de-ski-alpinisme-200_sport">Coupe du monde de ski alpinisme 2009 (Civetta)</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/FFME">FFME</a></i></div><br />For summer updates I am up dating my personl blog- <a href="http://www.skirunnernz.blogspot.com/">www.skirunnernz.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Cheers<br />GrantGTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-87564119182042018652008-10-28T12:26:00.003+13:002008-10-28T15:00:46.097+13:00Noel Oien<div>Most have already heard now, but a good friend Noel Oien was found dead after a climbing accident on Thursday in APNP. <strong><a href="http://www.3news.co.nz/News/NationalNews/Warning-issued-as-Mt-Philistine-claims-life-of-another-climber/tabid/423/articleID/77347/Default.aspx?ArticleID=77347">Here's</a></strong> a story that was in The Press for those who haven't read it.<br /><br />Noel was really active with in the ski mountaineering race scene here in NZ and will be greatly missed!<br /></div><br /><div>Below are a few photos that I found of Noel last night. These are all of skiing. I know that skiing was just a small part of Noel's life, but it was the part that I was most involved in and one of the ways I will remember him the most.<br /></div><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYa-x457lI/AAAAAAAAAw4/WbkhM255OJU/s1600-h/At+Temple.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261922880475229778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYa-x457lI/AAAAAAAAAw4/WbkhM255OJU/s320/At+Temple.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre race, Temple 2007</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYavn4wSUI/AAAAAAAAAww/a2nNNvsodfk/s1600-h/Booting+up+Upper+Leap+In,+Temple+Race+2007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261922620092205378" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYavn4wSUI/AAAAAAAAAww/a2nNNvsodfk/s320/Booting+up+Upper+Leap+In,+Temple+Race+2007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Booting up Upper Leap In, Temple race 07<br /></div><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYamcNUccI/AAAAAAAAAwo/hPJEdjDnLQk/s1600-h/Noel+top+of+Lyell+Peak,+2007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261922462338412994" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYamcNUccI/AAAAAAAAAwo/hPJEdjDnLQk/s320/Noel+top+of+Lyell+Peak,+2007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Noel on Lyell Peak with Avalanche Peak (right) and Rolleston (left), spring '07</span><br /></div><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYae1nY_WI/AAAAAAAAAwg/h6K7GUyYzbc/s1600-h/Striding+out+with+the+blast+sheild.+Temple.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261922331719695714" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYae1nY_WI/AAAAAAAAAwg/h6K7GUyYzbc/s320/Striding+out+with+the+blast+sheild.+Temple.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Noel testing out a new "Speed Stance", Temple '08</span><br /></div><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYZ_5fEvTI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0bp9vuHAITA/s1600-h/Turoa+Race+2007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261921800182611250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 213px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SQYZ_5fEvTI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0bp9vuHAITA/s320/Turoa+Race+2007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turoa race, '07. Despite the white out, Noel finished 3rd at this race!!<br /><br /></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-36714358869915713152008-09-09T14:43:00.002+12:002008-09-09T14:56:37.745+12:00SCARPA CraigieBURNER<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SMXlq_Ayg4I/AAAAAAAAAm4/WrlNt6dnLJE/s1600-h/P9060148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243849867774821250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SMXlq_Ayg4I/AAAAAAAAAm4/WrlNt6dnLJE/s320/P9060148.JPG" border="0" /></a>SCARPA CraigieBurner was held in great snow condtions this past Saturday. Its was the most competive race so far this winter. Full report and result scan be seen at <a href="http://www.craigieburner.blogspot.com/">http://www.craigieburner.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-52569761491363259382008-09-02T06:51:00.004+12:002008-09-02T07:03:14.300+12:00Black Diamond Ohau Back Country Blast<div align="left"> The Back Country Blast took place this past weekend at Ohau Snow Fieild. Sunny skies and a good cover of snow made a nice change from last years white out and thin snow cover that was encountered.</div><div align="left">It was great to see some new face's and thanks to Duncan for organising, the Southern Approach crew and Mike's team at Ohau for a great weekend.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241129569222653522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SLw7kxNP9lI/AAAAAAAAAmA/ykb2grBU0tw/s320/Start.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong>The Start</strong><br /></p><br /><br />A full race report and results can been seen at <a href="http://www.bdblast.blogspot.com/">http://www.bdblast.blogspot.com/</a>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-15343791651569045692008-08-25T07:06:00.002+12:002008-08-25T07:11:56.272+12:00Ohau This Weekend!!The Oahu BD Blast ski mountaineering race is on this weekend and is shaping up to b ea good one!<br />Last year this race was the biggest competitors wise and is looking to be the same this year. Word on the street is there is quite the crew from the southern lakes heading up, the usual crew from the Canterbury area will no doubt be there and a team of young French ski mountaineer's just arrived in the country this past weekend!<br />Details at <a href="http://www.bdblast.blogspot.com/">www.bdblast.blogspot.com</a><br />Look forward to seeing you there!GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-33908481513176971682008-08-05T19:54:00.003+12:002008-08-05T20:05:22.712+12:00Rainbow this Weekend!<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SJgJW_A0hvI/AAAAAAAAAhI/qdQtwq-o160/s1600-h/Rainbow_logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230941257667479282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SJgJW_A0hvI/AAAAAAAAAhI/qdQtwq-o160/s200/Rainbow_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Rainbow Randonnee Race is this weekend!</div><div>It should be a great event, Rainbow Ski Aera, in the Nelson Lakes, is a magic little spot. There is amazing ski touring from the ski area, so after the race prize giving at 1330 I am sure there will be a crew out touring.<br />The race is the 2nd race of the 2008 SkiMoNZ series and will be about 700-800m of vertical. Maybe more is we have good weather and lots of helpers to be on the course.</div><br /><div>Hopefully we will see you this weekend, if not for the race, for the ski touring afterward!</div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-10322304064436604082008-07-30T06:48:00.002+12:002008-07-30T07:29:03.298+12:00Cheeseman Race Training Clinic 2nd AugustRace training clinic taking place this weekend at Cheeseman. It will be a pretty casual affair, here's a rough time table-<br />0900-0930 meet up at the Cheeseman day lodge<br />0930-1000 Talk about the days plan and have a look at gear.<br />1030-1230 Work on transitions and techniques.<br />1230-1330 Lunch<br />1330-1530 Small tour, practicing what was learnt in am.<br />1630 Very short relay race. Teams of 2 or 3.<br /><br />Bring all the stuff you normally would when ski touring. The relay race maybe in the dark, so make sure you remember a head touch!<br /><br />If you want to stay at Snow Line Lodge DBB call to book- 03 318 8794 ex720<br /><br />Hopefully we will get out for a ski tour on the Sunday also, but the whole weekend is weather dependent.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing here on Saturday.GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-75922001470376592162008-07-28T12:43:00.006+12:002008-07-28T13:19:35.140+12:00TranstionsNoel and I went up to Temple Basin on Sunday and made these small transition videos.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyLrUj1ReH3b6VgbWGcoO0AU8mESiyIqOzX8lcnCrLL7qTfr4MauJEOGK0Z4D67eNzhtNEN050Xs1WbvCAbjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><strong>Skins Off</strong><strong><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcjzeT7bbKw_bDkQCV5zqVFLTm4kyiNwsIiOHCfFDX1nf0C_SkUiMuT9uB1gS3DOVOO2YIYNgDQG9FQy9u2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Skins On</strong><br /><p>This will be the kind of thing we will cover at the Cheeseman race clinic this weekend. I hope we will see you there as every one (esp me!) can learn something new or how to improve on exciting skills. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227868079241317202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SI0eUdPIS1I/AAAAAAAAAgw/2fIelNd-lLQ/s320/P1010438.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Here's Noel working on a new, faster stride............</p>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-74554806572755081272008-07-27T11:45:00.006+12:002008-07-28T12:41:20.673+12:00Speed Up-Post Race<div align="left"> After the <a href="http://portersspeedup.blogspot.com/">Porters/Dynafit Speed Up Race</a> yesterday Jane, Noel and I went for a ski out back of Porters, making the most of the great conditions currently in the Craigieburns.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227479009724728754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SIu8doV0BbI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/baq2ou9xRQ8/s400/SUC55028.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Jane and I skinning above "Uli's Role"</strong><br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227480020577349394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SIu9YeD27xI/AAAAAAAAAgY/VRCZdLqMflg/s400/SUC55031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Jane skiing the top of "Crystal Valley"<br /></strong></p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227480444970376562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SIu9xLDCnXI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Qb18SvegJfQ/s400/SUC55036.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Noel and Jane skinning out of Crystal</strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227857806502044882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SI0U-gTOpNI/AAAAAAAAAgo/4MZ7hw8pY48/s400/SUC55037.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong>Jane making turns on the western side of the Craigieburn Range.</strong><br /></p><p align="left">All up we did about 1000m of vert.</p><br /><p align="left">Looking forward to seeing you all at Cheeseman this weekend for the Ski Mountaineering Race training clinic!</p>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-31976577117753886572008-07-09T21:35:00.004+12:002008-07-27T20:44:34.276+12:00Men In Tights.......<strong>I just came across this story on PisteHors.com and wanted to share it with the first race of the 2008 season only weeks away. Enjoy!</strong><br /><br /><em>"It is a big thing in Europe. Rubbing embrocation on your legs, wearing a skimpy lycra suit and climbing up your local mountain to ski back down on gear so flimsy that you wouldn’t let your kids learn on it. It is the antithesis of freeride and now even snowboarders are getting in on the scene.<br />The concept. You race over mountain terrain using </em><a href="http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Gear/Ski-Touring"><em>ski touring gear</em></a><em> – either lightweight skis or snowboards and snowshoes. Checkpoints are established at key locations and you might even get a mug of tea and a piece of cake. It is not just brute uphill speed that separates the winners from also rans. In general the uphill is not that technical but you will need to make conversion turns on the fly. Efficiency is the key, competitors can fix and remove climbing skins and ski crampons without removing their skis.<br />Equipment is super lightweight. Trick </em><a href="http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Gear/Dynafit-TLT-Speed"><em>Dynafit bindings</em></a><em> (weighing just 700 grammes) are heavily modified to save a few more grammes. </em><a href="http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Gear/Dynafit"><em>Dynafit</em></a><em> has launched a featherweight Titanium version of their binding this year to respond to this specialized market. Boots and skis weigh in at the 2kg mark whereas a typical touring ski is more like 2.8kg (pair) and boots 3.5kg. Over 1500 meters of climbing you might make 9000 steps, saving the equivalent of lifting 25 tonnes! The flipside is limited downhill performance. Although events are usually staged close to ski resorts for logistical reasons most of the course will be off piste and the flimsy equipment might have to cope with windpack, crust, crud and powder. A 1500 meter course will be covered in less than two hours with climbing speeds in excess of 1000 meters per hour. Something to aspire to on your next tour.<br />Apart from the obvious competitors will carry the usual </em><a href="http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Gear/Avalanche-Gear"><em>avalanche safety gear</em></a><em> of beacon, shovel and probe although organizers will do their utmost to ensure the course is safe. Helmets and sometimes crampons are required."</em>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-44858437895022292912008-07-08T15:52:00.002+12:002008-07-08T21:23:05.461+12:00Early Morning Training<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SHLlITBJM7I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/PTf9HEWaiI0/s1600-h/SUC54967.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220486848782611378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SHLlITBJM7I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/PTf9HEWaiI0/s320/SUC54967.JPG" border="0" /></a> Been getting out skinning the last few mornings and evenings at <a href="http://mtcheeseman.co.nz/">Cheeseman</a>, making the most of the great snow cover and conditions!<br />Check out the valley floor, that's Flock Hill covered in snow.<br /><div></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-10315069592069967042008-07-03T17:52:00.005+12:002008-07-03T21:41:08.294+12:00<div align="left"><strong>Been a while since we've updated the SkiMoNZ blog, so here's the latest-</strong><br /><br /><strong>-SkiMoNZ.com-</strong> Our flash new web site is now up and running, check it out- <a href="http://www.skimonz.com/">http://www.skimonz.com/</a><br /><strong>-Ski Mountaineering New Zealand Inc!</strong> Yeah, we're just like a real club now and your invited to join. To be honest, we're still working out the details, but if you are keen to join or want to help out fire us a e-mail at <a href="mailto:nzinfo@skimo.org">nzinfo@skimo.org</a><br /><strong>-Rainbow Rando Race 9th August.</strong> Open male and female divisions, around 700m vertical climbing and series points are up for grabs- <a href="http://rainbowrando.blogspot.com/">rainbowrando.blogspot.com </a><br /><strong>- Taranaki Rando Race 16th August.</strong> Open male and female divisions, around 700m vertical climbing and series points are up for grabs- <a href="http://nakirando.blogspot.com/">nakirando.blogspot.com</a><br /><strong>-Porters/Dynafit Speed Up. </strong>Details are online for the first race of the 2008 SkiMoNZ race series. <a href="http://portersspeedup.blogspot.com/">portersspeedup.blogspot.com</a><br /><strong>-Amazing early season conditions! </strong><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218669056057460354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SGxv21agxoI/AAAAAAAAAeo/hIeTkV7DC0Q/s320/SUC54958.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://mtcheeseman.com/">Cheeseman</a> 3rd July, fresh tracks all day!</strong></p>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-12568379374974595252008-05-06T16:36:00.003+12:002008-05-07T09:25:39.489+12:00First tracks for 2008 experience on coronet peakJust got the following from Gary who manged to get some turns in this past weekend. Good to hear Gary wasn't the only one out. Sounds like at least one other person in the Southern lakes is training for the SkiMoNZ series.<br /><br /><em>"Following the recent dump from the southerly blast that hit the whole of NZ, looking up towards Coronet Peak from Queenstown on Friday afternoon, you could see there was a good covering of snow on the trails. Fortunately for us the field had tested the snow canons on the days leading up to the snow fall and a good base had formed in a matter of days.<br />Dragging all me gear out of the various hiding spots in my house, I finally got myself in shape for heading up the hill. It was a beautiful blue bird day and on arriving at the field carpark I was welcomed with views of kids and adults alike having a good time on the new snow. I quickly donned my F1's, clicked into my Dynafit bindings and started skinning up a 4 wheel drive track to access one of the main runs. This was easier said than done as there was a little negotiation required to get around the building site, which is to be the Main Station of Coronet Peak. You'll be pleased to hear it has a roof.<br />The snow was light and travel easy, as it turned out I wasn't the first to skin up and I followed freshly made tracks, noting areas of poor cover on the way up. The snow depth ranged from 25cm to 10cm in places, but looked skiable. At the top, the skins were ripped off, jacket put on, I savoured the view for a few minutes, but I was keen to get sliding, so quickly got going. The skiing where there was enough snow was good...., I would love to say "pow pow", but don't want to exaggerate the first sliding experience of the year. The snow conditions improved as I made my way down the hill and some good turns were had in 25 cm of new snow. I quick traverse above the 'building site' took me to the 4 wheel drive access track and I was able to ski to within 30 metres of my car. A good result.<br />It was great to get back on my ski's and I am looking forward to the season starting for real. Just got the Routeburn Challenge to get through this weekend.<br />Sorry I have no pictures of the adventure, but will make sure I bring the camera next time</em>."<br /><br />Got a early season story to tell? Send it in-nzinfo@skimo.orgGTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-5701338887449833902008-04-16T19:47:00.008+12:002008-04-16T20:32:46.999+12:00More Spring SkiingBack in NZ now and along with a few other super motivated folks, we're starting to put together this coming winters SkiMoNZ race series. I wanted to do a small post on my last ski before returning from France.<br />I meet up with Pierre, Eric and Manu around 0730, hoping to beat the heat. We started on the southern end of the Belledonnee and climber to the col du loup and then went up to the summit "l'antecime de la Grande Lance de domene".<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW1jC8TOBI/AAAAAAAAAdU/h_6t9Q-HeN0/s1600-h/SUC54671.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189753759304202258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW1jC8TOBI/AAAAAAAAAdU/h_6t9Q-HeN0/s320/SUC54671.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Eric near the top of l'antecime de la Grande Lance de domene</strong><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW0_S8TOAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/lfTwW8ALE2g/s1600-h/SUC54675.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189753145123878914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW0_S8TOAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/lfTwW8ALE2g/s320/SUC54675.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Then we climbed to la grande Lauziere</strong><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW0dy8TN_I/AAAAAAAAAdE/l1UWmQFN7v0/s1600-h/SUC54678.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189752569598261234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAW0dy8TN_I/AAAAAAAAAdE/l1UWmQFN7v0/s320/SUC54678.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Manu harvesting some very nice Belledonne corn</strong><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAWz_y8TN-I/AAAAAAAAAc8/y3c7Lyma3Aw/s1600-h/SUC54681.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189752054202185698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAWz_y8TN-I/AAAAAAAAAc8/y3c7Lyma3Aw/s320/SUC54681.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>l'antecime de la Grande Lance de domene and la grande Lauziere. Photo taken from summit Le Grand Colon.</strong><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAWztS8TN9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/jGcVOSl4r00/s1600-h/SUC54682.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189751736374605778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/SAWztS8TN9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/jGcVOSl4r00/s320/SUC54682.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong> Manu skis some steeps off the SE side of Le Grand Colon</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div>All up about a 2300m vert day. Big thanks to Eric, Pierre and Manu for a great day skiing and to all those in France that made for a very memorable winter. </div></div></div></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-74034747640015606642008-04-07T22:55:00.008+12:002008-04-07T23:32:41.298+12:00Spring SkiingIn my earlier post post I asked for people to write in with their favorite thing about ski mountaineering races. I got the ball rolling with the cow bells and how much I enjoy them during a race.<br /><div align="left">The other thing that I really enjoy about racing is how fit you are come spring time, which is perfect for cranking out big days of corn skiing in the sun! Before leaving for NZ tomorrow morning I managed 2 such trips.<br />On Friday I meet up with my racing partner Thomas and his mate, also Thomas. I couldn't remember all the name's of were we went or what we skied so Thomas sent me this</div><div align="left"><em>"We started at Prabert (1250M), climbed "couloir W du Pas du Pin" (2203m), skied "couloir E du Pas du Pin" (Start 45°, then 40° on 200m), crossed south-north the "Pic de la Belle Etoile" (2718m), climb pass of the "Vouterey" (2529m) and "Dent du Pra" (2623m) and come back by the "Combe du Venetier".</em> " </div><div align="left">All up about a 1900m morning. We were back for lunch and Thomas worked in the afternoon.</div><div align="left">I remember my camera for once, but forgot to charge the batteries. Luckily a another group was behind us and snapped some shots<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186461078728609282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R_oC3z8CDgI/AAAAAAAAAcM/vtUDVhoCbD0/s400/couloir+W+du+Pas+du+Pin.jpg" border="0" /><strong>Couloir W du Pas du Pin</strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186461813168016914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R_oDij8CDhI/AAAAAAAAAcU/8uws73WXdUY/s400/pas_du_pin_grant.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Couloir E du Pas du Pin with Thomas and my tracks<br /></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186462710816181794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R_oEWz8CDiI/AAAAAAAAAcc/pgkwTFLjGX8/s400/Pic+de+la+Belle+Etoile.jpg" border="0" /><strong>2718m peak Pic de la Belle Etoile and pass of the Vouterey (2529m) to the left.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Hopefully in the next day or so I will get a chance to post the 2300m trip I did the next day with some other French friends.GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1444482831395814094.post-25009722873892934672008-03-31T07:20:00.004+13:002008-03-31T08:47:38.961+13:00Times are a changing...........<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R-_sIz8CDXI/AAAAAAAAAbA/WVsinJnu0S0/s1600-h/DSC04084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183621332251839858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R-_sIz8CDXI/AAAAAAAAAbA/WVsinJnu0S0/s400/DSC04084.JPG" border="0" /></a> So things are coming to an end here in France for the small kiwi ski mountaineering race team, as we will be heading home in the next week or so. The end of winter here means the New Zealand winter is near and before long the first race of the 2008 SkiMoNZ race series will be underway.<br />Things here on the SkiMoNZ blog will be changing up a little, with the blog going from "NZ ski mo team's updates" to "SkiMoNZ race series updates".<br />I'll try doing a few posts and updates on the per season events like when we confirm race dates and venues and maybe even some pre season training.<br />If you want to share your favorite thing about ski mountaineering racing please contact me and I can publish it here. Maybe you want to tell all the nice people why you are so excited to race this winter in NZ, maybe its some pre season training to help us all get motivated, or even just a ski touring/ski mountaineering trip you did (lots of photos please!).<br />E-mail your story/ideas to: nzinfo at skimo.org<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I'll get things started with one of my favorite things about a ski mountaineering race, in Europe anyway. No, not the skin tight suits that every wears-<strong>Cow Bells!</strong> These things are great! Nothing lifts you like the sound of cow bells banging away as you are tired and are in need of a boost. What really impresses me is the size of the cow bells and the fact that people actually skin/ski around with them! Check out the photo below of Thomas and I at the Pierra Menta. Those bells are bigger than the guys head! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183622741001112962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQFn5STpxZg/R-_taz8CDYI/AAAAAAAAAbI/HKHAmUREoBc/s400/DSC04080.JPG" border="0" />Thanks to Eric for the photos.<br /><div></div>GTGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09536511438882097998noreply@blogger.com4