www.skitaranaki.co.nz

Membership Nomination Form

 5 Day Snow Forecast

Unsubscribe

Change your email address

Manganui Snow Report/Webcam

Previous Issues:

Issue 20 - 25 June 2008
Issue 19 - 11 June 2008
Issue 18 - 28 May 2008
Issue 17 - 15 May 2008
Issue 16 - 26 Feb 2008

corner Smart & Riflerange Rds
The Valley Mega Centre,
New Plymouth
ph 7599300
thevalley@actionsurfsnow.com
OPEN MON-SAT 9AM-5PM
SUN 10AM-4PM

ISSUE 21            WEDNESDAY 09 JULY 2008 ....

We have exprienced a great start to our '08 season - long may it continue!

We have fantastic coverage currently on the mountain, and some fine days upon us now.

The weather is due to take a turn later in the week, with rain and warmer temperatures forecast, so ...remember to get it while it is on at Manganui - you never know how long the snow conditions will last and how the weather will shape up.

The school holidays are in their 1st week. Last week saw some great operating days on the t-bar and top tow, with firm conditions and clear skies for the early part of this week...

In this issue

• GOINGS ON' Around the Manganui Ski Area -opening weekend pics, snow.co 6 day forecast for Manganui, Lodge bookings for Manganui Lodge... 
• JUNIOR SKI RACING AND TRAINING - training in School Holidays, Primary & Sec champs...
  SMC PRESIDENT’S REPORT 
• WHAT THE SMC COMMITTEE IS UP TO…
• SNIPPETS OF INTEREST - the Wilson's Summer Vacation, Free skiing with Jucy Car Rentals...
  FEATURE ARTICLE  - the Gorge Access Track described... 
• PHOTO OF THE ISSUE - Jib Park action...

GOINGS ON’ Around the Manganui Ski Area

Manganui Opening Weekend 28-29 June

Wednesday 25th saw the field operating with a good soft snow cover in moderate NW winds, with rain/sleet prevailing most of the day. One of those days where you get wet, but the snow was soft and forgiving. Towards the end of the day sleet was coming down hard.


Monday 30 June

A reminder to all to please be vigilant in keeping personal items in sight in both the Public and Manganui Lodge. We regularly have issues with personal belongings being taken from both the lodges.
So please remember to keep the important stuff close to you at your day visit up here.
We recently have had a report of an attempted theft of some snowboards from the goods lift. As on any commercial ski area, this is unfortunately a continuing trend. If you should find yourself the victim of such a theft, please report immediately to the ski area staff and the Stratford Police, who will assist you where they can.

It is intended that this culture will easier identify members moving in and about the Manganui Lodge (and hence the general public), as well as providing a name badge for easier introductions.

The Manganui Lodge is for day use by SMC members, who pay for the privilage, however visitors are most welcome to inspect the club facilities - as we do make the lodge available to  the public to utilise our on-mountain accommodation.
And members if you have guests please pick up visitors cards for them from the ticket office, and also get them to sign the visitors book at the top of the lodge stairs.

If you are intending to stay at the Manganui Lodge we require you to book your stay in advance. This is a requirement so that our booking officer can confirm and manage bookings, to ensure availability.
It is as easy as ringing 027 2800 860, or using our on-line booking enquiry form on our website.
We are bound by regulations as having a maximum 33 guests in the lodge for overnight stays.

Look out for an article on NZ Club Fields in the July-August issue - on sale now at your local newsagent.

JUNIOR SKI RACING AND TRAINING

Please feel free to contact Clive Saleman, Stratford Mountain Club Racing Coordinator 0272906636, csaleman@xtra.co.nz

Also contact  Mr. Richard (Titch) Turner at NPBHS for further details.

SMC will provide ONE complimentary (free) lift ticket voucher for each team manager from each school …on application to the race coordinator.
SMC will provide COMPETITORS lift tickets at members rate ($15), providing that each school get their manager to buy all competitors lift  tickets (ie organize total payment for all their schools competitors).

Manganui Ski Area, 2nd available ski day after the July school holidays. Date to be confirmed. 
 
Over the last several years the Taranaki Primary and Intermediate Schools Skiing Champs have been coordinated by Philli Butt of Oakura School The Coordinator this year is yet to be announced.
The Secondary schools hold their Championships on the first suitable day of next term and the Primary and Intermediate schools follow on the next suitable day. The event is held at the Manganui Ski area on Mt Taranaki a suitable day means adequate snow cover and fair weather.

Bring your lunch - pies and snack food and drinks are available on the mountain. This event is all about participation - register with your school, turn up and you will be given a start!

I will be attending the event as per the last several years with radios, stopwatches, and computer and printer to record the results.

I will attend to set the race course, and we will have Safety Services on hand for any first aid requirements.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries.
Regards, Clive Saleman, Stratford Mountain Club Racing Coordinator 0272906636 csaleman@xtra.co.nz

SMC will provide ONE complimentary (free) lift ticket voucher for each team manager from each school …on application to the race coordinator.
SMC will provide COMPETITORS lift tickets at members rates ($15), providing that each school get their manager to buy all competitors lift  tickets (ie organize total payment for all their school competitors).
SMC lodge will be available to teachers, parents and kids attending the primaries. 

Upcoming Events…

The Taranaki Secondary Schools Ski/Board Champs
Manganui Ski Area, 1st available ski day after the July school holidays. Date to be confirmed.

The Taranaki Primary & Intermediate Schools Ski Champs
Manganui Ski Area, 2nd available ski day after the July school holidays. Date to be confirmed.

Sunday 06 July
pic by Rhys

SMC PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The winter skiing has well and truly started with the school holidays upon us and good snow coverage means that the financial pressure created last year due to the lack of snow is now just a bad dream.
There has been great skiing on the T bar and the top tow has had good wind blown powder in the gullies and given the time of year the build up of snow on the top tow means that the spring skiing should be exceptional.

The race training program begins this weekend with Head Coach Christina Binsbergen setting up training courses with the new poles the race department have secured via a very generous donation from NZ Community Trust added to this was also a donation from Pub Charity for the purchase of timing equipment from Europe and by all accounts it works brilliantly. All young racers wanting to join our winter race program should contact Christina, this is a great opportunity for any up and coming racers to improve their skiing technique and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Just a few house keeping items to remind you all of. Dishes have been a problem for as long as I can remember but the general rule of thumb is that you do your own dishes and put them away or load up the dishwasher and put it on, or empty it-that way those staying in the lodge overnight or the staff after a big day don’t have a big mess to clean up that isn’t theirs. There are plenty of rubbish bins around the lodge so it is always helpful to get items into it instead of around it. That’s my moan for the week.

I would finally like to thank all those people - members and non-members who have helped out over the last 8 or 9 days digging out the track, helping in the canteen, checking tickets, loading the T bar or getting the top tow going. Although we employ paid staff we rely very heavily on committee and member input to help out.  Our club is 79 years old and it’s the voluntary contribution of all members past and present that makes skiing at Manganui a very special experience.

And once more, If you have any subscription problems or you wish to correct any information please contact our subscriptions co coordinator Jenni Fletcher  on 7588879, or better still email her at fletch2@clear.net.nz.

Enjoy your skiing.   
       
Chris Burr
President SMC

METSERVICE Satellite Imagery Monday 07 July

WHAT THE SMC COMMITTEE IS UP TO…

The SMC committee is currently working on…

• Metservice Weatherstation replacement and relocation to Top Tow Shed Area (mid-mountain: 1420m).
• Snow.co Webcam/Modem replacement.
• General field operations. 
• Manganui Lodge COC signoff (finally!)

t-bar, Sunday 29 June


learners tow, Sunday 29 June

Elliot Pedley and snowman, Sunday 29 June

SNIPPETS OF INTEREST

This summer just gone Iain and Merlene headed to Fernie British Columbia on a house swap arrangement...

We went to Canada on the 16th December for 7 weeks. This was a bit of a gamble as it's very early season, but it turned out great as they had heaps of snow early on, like Manganui are having now. The season at Fernie was the best they've had for about 30 years. We didn't bother filming on the very best days, because we just went skiing. We had fresh snow every few days, but went for about a week with clear skies and temperatures down to -30ºC.
 

Iain Wilson in the Fernie pow

We did a 2 week road trip up to Jasper, skiing at Sunshine, Marmot Basin, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and then spent 5 weeks at Fernie, arriving to 44 cm of fresh snow. We did a house and car swap in Fernie which was great for both parties.
 

It sounds (and looks!) like they scored it big time. Given BC had a record snowfall season, there timing couldn't have been better...

Merlene Wilson, waist deep in Fernie 

 
Iain blowing snow at their house-swap pad

All bookings made for travel 01 July - 30th September 2008 receive 1 free adult all lifts day pass for Treble Cone Ski field Wanaka for each day the vehicle is hired. Vouchers will be issued on dispatch of the Jucy vehicle.
Travel Period: 1 JULY 2008 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2008
Pick Up Location: ANY
Drop Off Location: ANY
*Maximum 14 days worth of ski vouchers given per booking *Only one voucher (valid for one adult) per day can be used at one time *Special only valid on all Jucy Cars, Jucy Crib, Jucy Cruiza, Jucy Chaser and Jucy Charga vehicles. Excludes the Jucy S/T, Jucy 4 and Jucy 6 *Special Terms and Conditions Apply.

Media & Marketing Contacts

If you have a question regarding marketing or press related issues please contact:

SMC Newsletter/Promotional/IT
Justin Keenan
webmaster@skitaranaki.co.nz

Contact Us:
ph 06-759 6448 b/h
ph 06 752 7034 a/h
PO Box 3271
New Plymouth

Want to Contribute?

After your visit to Manganui Ski Area, please send us a copy of your finished or any other unused work.  Manganui would appreciate any photos, articles, film/video or other media that you have for our own library and files. 

FEATURE ARTICLE

THE MANGANUI SKI AREA ACCESS TRACK

Manganui Gorge Track (25 min to skifield)

Through an avalanche alley. This track takes you through a stunning gorge to the ski field area. The entrance is from the top of the car park.(Caution: There is an avalanche risk factor on this track in winter. Do not linger in the gorge, read the warning signs and consult the Mountain Safety Council website if you are unsure of the advisory).
At this altitude, the forest of the lower slopes gives way to sub alpine scrub reflecting the zonation pattern of the mountain.
Notice how tight the canopy of the scrub plants is. The competition among them to get enough light to grow is just as intense as in the lowland forest but here any leaf that stuck too far above the rest would be exposed to the full force of gales that sweep the slopes.

One of the dominant trees at this level is the leatherwood. Also called the mountain shrub daisy because of the shape of its white flowers, it has a wonderful set of adaptations to cope with the severe frosts and biting winds that occur at this altitude. It has thick leathery leaves with fluffy underside (tomentum) and a dense low growing habit. Look also for the remains of the previous year’s flowers that are sometimes referred to as wood flowers. The long needly leaves of the inaka are easily recognised as are the hand-shaped leaves of the mountain five-finger. Look for masses of white flowers on the mountain cottonwood in summer. It has smaller leaves often tinged with yellow underneath.


The Gorge Access track, Sunday 29 June

Other specialists growing here include the aptly named Hebe egmontiana, a close relative of koromiko, with long thin leaves. Again a visit in summer will be rewarded with the sight of its long flower clusters (racemes).Another hebe (Hebe odora) has smaller leaves and fragrant flowers. If your visit is in autumn then fruit may be a feature on some of the plants including the mountain snowberry.

And further around, Manganui Monster Avalanche path in the distance, Sunday 29 June

Moving up the track your eyes will be drawn to the large features above on the slopes of the mountain. Shark’s Tooth stands out as a conspicuous part of the summit area. The strong vertical line of the East Ridge leads to a knob called the Policeman. Below this are the Ngarara Bluffs and then Warwick Castle further around to the north. The reason for these features is that the harder andesite lava of this mountain has resisted erosion more than the layers of tephra that erupted through the air and piled up under and over the lava flows. A closer look at this unstable rubble can be had around the entrance to the tunnel.
On the other side of the valley the track sidles below a cliff of hard andesite. In this area icicles hang in winter and the path surface can be treacherously icy.


Meg Williams beside icicles hanging off the southern part of the Gorge Track, Sunday 06 July. What do you call hanging icicles? Ice Stalactites?

Want to Advertise?

SMC is always open to and interested in advertising or sponsorship from companies, organizations and clubs for winter and summer opportunities. We appreciate any offers for potential sponsors and are always looking for other organisations, companies and clubs that might make a good fit for SMC and our guests.

If your company, organisation or club is interested in submitting a proposal please feel free to submit it to:

e-mail: advertising@skitaranaki.co.nz
Subject: Advertising/ Sponsorship Proposals

If you would like to post a classified advert (buy/sell gear etc), please post it on the 'Garage Sale' page of our website.

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE 

Karl Lapwood on a curved rail, Monday 30 June
sequence pics thanks Rhys

Title image supplied by
TNL Graphics

See you on the slopes!
SMC Management
© copyright 2007 - Stratford Mountain Club