BILL’S BASIN (Mt Blimit)
This snow-field is usually used as an extension to the Temple Basin ski-field. It is accessed by ascending the slope adjacent the true-right rope tow, above the accommodation lodges, then sidle northwards towards Page Shelter. Once in the "down-hill" basin area, zig zag your way onto the ridge that flanks its southern side.
Crossing this ridge enters the Bill’s Basin area; Mt Blimit forms its eastern wall. The basin contains several small tarns that theoretically should be frozen over. It is possible to tour along the ridge to Mt Cassidy (1850m) being aware that its summit is normally a cornice block in winter. Continue a descent along the ridge that borders Punchbowl Falls Creek, staying on the western slopes to avoid obstacles and fearsome drops. To venture any lower requires local knowledge of the Con’s Track route, and it cannot be skied safely.
Avalanches are a problematic feature of Bill’s Basin area, including the very steep descent gullies that link it with the main ski area.
BEALEY SPUR (Jordan Saddle)
This area is very popular with ski-tourers and telemarkers. Ascend the Bealey Spur track from the car-park at the road-end of the Bealey Spur settlement. Usually you can fit your skis near the tarns, skinning your way to the Bealey Spur Hut. The hut is small, but good snow camping abounds inside the treeline near the hut.
The 1545m point above the hut provides reasonably good runs, though stay away from its southern slopes as these dive off cliffs into Power Stream. For tourers it is possible to traverse Hut Spur to Jordan Saddle, then onwards as far as the tarns at the head of Jordan Stream. There are some steep, narrow slopes in this route, and parties should always be avalanche and cornice aware.
An alternative route, is to turn south towards Bruce Saddle from the 1875m point, then traverse the Black Range to Lagoon Saddle. This traverse must be undertaken on a combination of ski and foot, as the terrain is very steep in places. Iceaxe and crampons may be required, and avalanche assessment skills are essential. Exit via the Lagoon Saddle track to Cora Lynn Station.
WHITE VALLEY (Kahutea Col)
This area is rarely visited by skiers, mostly due to the slow trip into Carrington Hut. Generally the snow, if any, between Klondyke Corner and Carrington is not skiable due to its non-compacted nature. However in a normal season, reasonable conditions prevail above the Taipoiti River confluence with the White River. It is recommended to ski mid-way up the slope on the true-left of the White River. This avoids the erratic boulder field in the river-bed, and gives you a fighting chance of avoiding the massive avalanches that spew randomly down off the Kilmarnock, Davie and Cahill Glaciers. These avalanche paths are generally obvious to the trained eye, but they are fed by
|