Ski Lessons Begin

Our schedule for the day included a two hour lesson for Ella, Josh, Mia and myself beginning 9am at the Blue Cow Terminal. Unfortunately these lessons did not cater for 5 year olds which meant Katy would ski with Andy instead. Now although Blue Cow Terminal is located approximately 1.5km away as the crow flies, for us to get there on our skis would involve a 3 km ski and catching a couple of lifts. We estimated that it would take us about an hour to get there. Seeing though the lifts didn't open until 8.30am plus we all wanted to be fresh for our lessons we decided to search for another option. Turns out that there is a complimentary over snow transfer via the snowcat from Guthega to Blue Cow each morning which can take up to 12 people.

So it was up at the crack of dawn on a mission to catch the 8am snowcat! A little challenging getting everyone fed, clothed, equipped and up to the Burning Log that early in the morning but we managed. The snowcat drove straight uphill alongside the Blue Calf T bar, then down and along Guthega Way to the Blue Cow Terminal taking about 20mins.

 

With 40 mins before the action began, the kids kept themselves entertained on a small slope adjacent to the terminal. Nicely grooved (from previous children!) slides provided an opportunity to toboggan on their bums! Eventually time ticked by and with skis on, the kids were soon lining up ready for their lesson. Meanwhile there was no sign of Andy and I was unable to leave Katy to join my group. So Katy and I headed towards the Pony Ride slope and magic carpet which had just been turned on.

 

 

We were sorting ourselves out when Andy appeared. Despite it being 9.08, the instructor suggested I could join a beginner group who were making their way down Pony Ride which I did. While in my lesson, I watched Andy and Katy ski down this slope several times before moving off on their adventure.

Our group stayed on this slope perfecting our technique for a fair chunk of time. Ella, Josh and Mia's class soon appeared so I was able to watch their progress too! Thankfully we moved over to the Early Starter which was much better to improve our turning and test out our control.

Meanwhile Andy and Katy made their way down Amaroo trail joining Easy Rider before catching the Pleasant Valley quad chair to the top. Then it was another lovely run down Easy Rider with Katy happy to follow Andy's trail. While waiting for the quad chair, Susie and Patrick appeared so they continued the adventure together.

At the top they took the Pleasant View Trail back towards Guthega which definitely lived up to its name. The trail rolled through the snow gums all topped off with views overlooking the main range. The trail eventually finished at the Freedom Quad Chair dropping them at Blue Cow Way where it was another long gentle slope ending back at Blue Cow Terminal.

After my lesson I gathered up the kids and headed into the cafe (our pre arranged meeting spot with the others) for a much need lunch break. Despite being tired the kids were eager to get going as quickly as possible so off we went towards Pleasant Valley.

Conditions were still great although the wind was beginning to really pick up. In fact as we crested the saddle, I was being pushed along nicely by the wind and looked over to see that Katy wasn't going to blow away!

The kids technique had improved out of sight with the lessons really paying off. Josh certainly was the dare devil taking every opportunity to seek out more - looking out for small bumps and taking the trail between rocks! Ella enjoyed going fast and Mia tried to keep up but was a little hesitant while Katy was happy to be following anyone!

We did several laps of this run before considering making tracks back home. With tiredness setting in and a now extremely strong headwind as we crossed the saddle again we knew we'd made the right decision (we found out later that the Pleasant Valley chair went on wind hold soon after we left!) The kids loved going down Pleasant View Trail until the it flattened out and then it was hard work for them without poles! The Burning Log came into view a signal for us to detach our skis and begin the short trek home.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon in the lodge. The kids had found the poker set and enjoyed  arranging and playing with the chips. I was assisted by the girls (Josh went out to toboggan) in the kitchen in making cinnamon snails which made for a yummy afternoon snack.

And as the sun sank, the conversations turned to the weather and the looming forecast of overnight rain. Depending on how low the temperature dropped (or didn't) we'd either wake up to no snow or a dusting of new snow…only time would tell….