Message from Julie Forsyth
Hello Everyone
Well what a season we have all had – some really stunning ‘powder’ days and yet some long spells of ‘cabin fever’ from blizzard weather.
I am disappointed that I needed to spend nearly 3 weeks away from the lodge this year. Thank you all for your support and understanding during these days. Some of you will have used the time to ‘practise’ opening up and shutting down the lodge. To my knowledge this all went really smoothly, still I hope there won’t be a repeat of this situation in 2013.
This year as always it was heaps of fun to have so many children in the lodge. Thank you all for being happy chappies and making my grandson Dylan so welcome. Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you all again next winter.
Such a shame to have the season finish with still over 2mtrs of snow that we could have enjoyed. Those of you with skins, hiking and safety gear may have still been eager enough to ‘do it’ after Labour Weekend – if so you are heroes! I hope some of you also got to use the lovely days that Turoa put on for the ‘final blast’.
RAL kept us enthusiastic by selling 2013 season passes in October – I have mine – I expect most of you will have bought yours also. We are ever the optimists for ‘more skiing next year’.
For those of you who know I have alopecia (hair loss) I have included a photo of the ‘new me’ – hope you like it !! Yes I will still be wearing my helmet I just have to decide which beanie !!
Wishing you all a happy, safe summer and excellent Christmas.
Cheers Julie
Freestyle Nationals Results
Two Taupo Ski Club free style skiers Fraser McClellan and Fin Norris competed in October at the Snow Sports NZ Junior Ski and Snowboard National Championships held at the Cardrona ski field.
The boys aimed to compete in all five disciples of slope-style, big mountain, skier cross, giant slalom and half pipe however the later was cancelled due to high winds. While the weather conditions proved to be a challenge on some days, other days allowed competitors and spectators to enjoy blue skies, sunshine and fantastic spring snow. The highlight of the event was the Big Mountain competition where firm snow, high winds and steep, gnarly terrain tested the skiers but awed and at times frightened the spectators, particularly their parents! Competing against a strong field, the boys enjoyed the event and comradeship. Overall the events in their respective age groups, Fraser finished 5
thand Fin 4th.
During the winter Fraser and Fin trained every weekend at Mt. Ruapehu, with their awesome coach and mentor Rhys Forsyth. They wish to acknowledge the generous funding received from the Mizuno Half Marathon Sports Fund that assisted them to attend the competition and the support from Hendon and Kim Gillies at Gordon’s Outdoor Equipment.
