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Previous Issues:
Issue 32 - 07 May 2009
Issue 31 - 23 April 2009
Issue 30 - 03 April 2009
Issue 29 - 04 March 2009
corner Smart & Riflerange Rds
The Valley Mega Centre,
New Plymouth
ph 7599300
thevalley@actionsurfsnow.com
OPEN MON-SAT 9AM-5PM
SUN 10AM-4PM
Lars Binsbergen
17 Curtis St. Okato
phone 06 7524424
lcbinsbergen@orcon.net.nz
Major Sponsor
of the SMC E-newsletter
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ISSUE 33 THURSDAY 21 MAY 2009...
Welcome to the latest edition of the SMC/Manganui e-newsletter.
The good news is that we have received more snow yesterday as a result of the latest storm that hit the country, and with snow showers to 1000m forecast over the next 2 days it is looking good for Thurs, Friday and into the weekend!
Our ski field certainly was in the spotlight last week, with
Manganui being the 1st field to Open in NZ, on Tuesday May 12th no less! Great to get going this early and have the field open for public and club members alike.
Some tremendous work leading up to the opening by members and staff meant we were able to operate from Tuesday right through to Saturday. Once again we thank the staff and volunteers who made it all possible for our skiing days in mid-May.
We received priceless exposure from NZ Herald, the Taranaki Daily News and TVNZ. A film crew were here on Wednesday 13 May and a great article on Close Up was aired that evening. Check out our Media Lounge page if you didn't see the press articles.
NEVER TOO EARLY FOR SKIING...
(Click image to view TVNZ video article)
The leaves haven't even fallen from the trees yet, but in Taranaki locals are putting on their boots and heading for the slopes.
It might seem a little early for it, but if you've got snow, why not ski? And the Manganui ski field on the slopes of Mt Taranaki has got more than enough of the white stuff.
So while Coronet Peaks, Mount Hutt, and Whakapapa all wait for the big drop, Close Up reporter Michael Holland paid a visit to the little ski field that could open early...
Do remember to do your best to get up there to get the snow and conditions while they prevail.
We can have big rain events on Mt. Taranaki, between our snow events, and that combined with our lower elevation (top of our ski area is basically the car park elevation at Whakapapa) means we don't retain the snow on our lower field like other mountains. Coronet Peak in the south island has a similar base elevation to us, but being in the south island and further inland, they tend to have less rain than us.
Don't forget, The Annual Ski & Board Swap is happening on Thursday 28th May, at the NP Yacht Club. A good chance to pick up some kids gear or recirculate your gear the kids have grown out of!
All proceeds go to the SMC Junior Ski Racing and Training Squad.
In this issue...
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Contact Us:
06-759 4609
New Plymouth
seasons@xtra.co.nz
http://www.seasonssurfboards.co.nz/
http://www.cheapskates.co.nz/
Get all your winter gear here.
New season Icebreaker now in store!
Kiwi Outdoors Centre
18 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
Phone and Fax (06) 7584152
kiwioutdoorcentre@xtra.co.nz
 
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GOINGS ON’ Around the Manganui Ski Area
Staff & Volunteer Staff training day this Sunday at Manganui
For all those who help operate the lifts. Your attendance is required to cover safety aspects of running plant and machinery at Manganui Ski Area.
Also covered is first aid treatment and response, and Avalanche rescue. If this is you, or if you are interested in being informed and trained on how to run our plant and machinery, then please attend.
Bumper Stickers now in circulation
You should receive a bumper sticker with your returned validated season passes/membership cards. Should you require more they are available at your nearest winter sports shop - Cheapskates Burger King Complex, Kiwi Outdoors Ariki St, Ski & Sports Centre Devon St West, Taranaki Hardcore Surf & Snow Strandon, and Vertigo SH45 Oakura.
When: 6pm, Thursday 28th May
Where: NP Yacht Club, Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth
Entry: Gold Coin donation, $10 for sellers
Drinks and nibbles will be available.
All proceeds go to the SMC Junior Ski Racing and Training Squad.
This is also the last opportunity to purchase your SMC Manganui Season Pass.
A few more pics...
Annual Subs payment...
The invoice for your annual subs/season passes payment should be hitting current members letter boxes shortly.
Should you wish to pay via your own bank's on-line banking payment facility, our bank details are on the SMC Members Info page on our website.
If you have any questions or concerns on Subs please contact Jenni Fletcher h 7588879 or email fletch2@clear.net.nz . She has been working in the canteen/ticket office of late on operating days, and is able to deal with any membership issues from there - another reason to get up and sample the May snow Manganui Ski Area has on offer! |
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The Backcountry Avalanche Advisory
18 May 2009
LOW Issued at 2114
Weather: Snow lowering to 1100m tomorrow afternoon with some heavy falls forecasted with strong winds out of the west. For the rest of the week snow showers will remain with winds turning to the south and remaining moderate.
Snowpack: Above 1400m the snow depth is about 1m and rain has penetrate deep into the pack over the last couple of days. Snow conditions will become firm as temperatures cool. An even cover exist from the last snow fall as it fell with know wind.
Avalanche Occurrences: Two size 2 avalanches have been reported. One on the ski resort, on an south easterly aspect and the other just out side the ski area on an easterly aspect. The one within the ski area ran to ground due to the rain.
Travel Advisory: The avalanche advisory is at LOW presently but conditions can change quickly on the mountain. As the week progresses watch for wind loading on leeward aspects and use good route selection. Ensure you have the correct equipment when heading onto the mountain and know how to use it. Ask for advise if you are not sure. The avalanche advisory will be updated if conditions change.
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WORKING BEES AND SCHEDULE
The late summer/autumn working bees are very important to the strength of the club, not only in getting the necessary maintenance work done by members, but also to build club spirit.
Our 2009 working bee schedule is now finalised as below, and apart from the odd break will be happening on most Sundays from early March ...organisers may be running the bee on Saturday or Sunday, so if you are keen please ring and confirm your participation.
Remember, your bee is worth 1 day skiing or 1 nights accommodation at the Manganui Lodge, whether you are a member or not!
| Date (Weekend of) |
Organisers |
Contact numbers |
Working Bee |
| May 09-10 |
Karl Lapwood
Rob Needs
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7588479
0272702932 |
T-Bar/Flying Fox M&I inspection. Set up POS system & stock ticket office/canteen |
| May 16-17 |
Mario Padrutt
Christian Padrutt |
7550236
067646845 |
T-Bar Maintenance, Put T's on T-Bar, Flying Fox maintenance, Machinery Maintenance, check Skidoo/Groomer |
| May 23-24 |
Todd Cations-Velvin
Rhys Williams
|
0276634014
7539627 |
Staff and Volunteer Staff Training |
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May 30-31
(Queen's
Birthday
Weekend)
|
TBA |
TBA |
Unofficial working bee, General, as per list in Lodge |
| June 06-07 |
Clive Saleman
Justin Keenan |
7527140
7527034 |
General, as per list in Lodge |
| June 13-14 |
Kevin Rowlands
Lars Binsbergen |
7581873
7524424 |
Machinery, Lodge maintenance |
| June 20-21 |
Clive Saleman
Mark Braddock |
7527140
7527035 |
Jnr Ski racing gear check and test | |
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We offer:
• Virus Protection and Internet Security
• Independent Advice and Consulting
• Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
• Upgrades and installations
• Internet and email support
• Hardware & software troubleshooting
COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTERS
NEW PLYMOUTH
Phone: 06 753 7113
Cell: 027 312 2629
E-mail: steveh@comptroub.co.nz
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SMC PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No president's report this issue. Kevin will report on the next issue. Needless to say he has been flat out with President's commitments. And is putting up our new recruit Brad Carpenter till he gets established on our Mountain.
A busy intro so far for Kevin, overseeing plenty of issues - Oh and the early May snow and operating days thrown in for good measure as well, to really kick start the season!
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WHAT THE SMC COMMITTEE IS UP TO
The SMC committee has a number of projects on the go.
These include…
- Top tow bull wheel containment
- Field lifts Audit
- Warwick Brown building upgrade - DoC consent, quotes and funding applications
- Top Tow get back trail maintenance
- emergency base stn radio at $5hut install
- Webcam upgrade installation, (on-going)
- Manganui Lodge Fire/Security bi-annual check.
- Manganui Lodge Accommodation t's & c's review and implementation
- NZ Mountain Film Festival (formerly Wanaka Fim Festival) involvement (watch further e-newsletter issues for more developments)
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Friday 29 May 7:30pm (the evening after the SMC Ski and Board Swap!!), CityLife Church, 62C Poplar Grove, Whalers Gate, New Plymouth
The Banff Film Festival has continued to be well supported and has become a regular annual event for many Taranaki people.
This year NZAC - Taranaki Section are again bringing this popular event to New Plymouth.
The exclusive ticket outlet for this years event is Kiwi Outdoors Centre, 18 Ariki St New Plymouth.
Tickets are available on the night but it is strongly advised to pre-purchase.
Prices (to be confirmed):
$20 Adult
$15 Children (15yrs and under)
$15 NZAC members (current membership card required)
for further info please contact
K. Dwyer
Secretary NZAC Taranaki section
42A Rata Street
Hawera
ph 06 278 4004
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SNIPPETS OF INTEREST
SKI TUNING...
 
Improve your ski performance this season.
Professional race tune or just a winter touch up and wax by Finlay Neeson. National Development Ski Team New Zealand.
Get a better grip this winter.
Tuning for all ski abilities.
$15-$20 per pair depending on condition.
Contact Finlay on 0273077271 or 7527149
Finlay is an ex Stratford Mtn Club junior ski racer and Taranaki resident; and has just been re-selected for the NZ National Development Team. He will train at Mt.Hutt (leaves 13 June) and Coronet for the NZ winter. Leaving for Canada early December and Europe in late January and returning home mid March. |
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Time to snuggle into winter with...
A Winter Cocktail/Drink...
Ski Slope (alcoholic)
ingredients:
1oz Vodka
1oz Amaretto
1oz Jack Daniels
1oz Southern Comfort
2oz Gin
Sour Mix
7-Up
Instructions:
Mix in any order, serve in a glass with ice.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Snow reports on your iPhone!
SnowReports has just released a mobile version of snowreports.co.nz designed specifically for the iPhone and the iPod touch. No more firing up the computer to check the report - simply flick on your phone and tap the SnowReports icon to get an up-to-the-minute snow report from your favourite ski area. It’s the first of its kind in the world!
The application is now available for FREE from Apple's iTunes store. You can get it either via iTunes on your computer, or directly from the App Store on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Once installed, you can instantly check the weather, road and lift conditions at your favourite NZ ski areas, whether you are on the road or still lying in bed. Or, if you are trying to decide which ski area to go to, simply browse conditions at ALL of them! If you have iTunes installed, view the app here.
The free SnowReports summaries include: http://www.apple.com/iphone/appstore/
Mountain name
Weather status
Road conditions
Number of lifts open
Snow base depth
New snow depth
Temperature
Wind
Time last updated
And if you need more information, link directly to the detailed online snow report for full conditions, including webcams and five day weather forecasts.
Get your snow on the go with your iPhone and snowreports.co.nz!
Note that this application does not display club ski areas. SMC has contacted the developer, who has advised they are looking to upgrade to include NZ Club ski areas.
cost = Free!!!
WeatherNZ application - Snow fields
Now this iPhone/iPod touch application does have Club Ski Fields!
Orsome Software has just gone 'Golden Master' on the next revision of their successful WeatherNZ application for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Now, in collaboration with www.snow.co.nz, we are able to provide up-to-date reports from all NZ slopes. Simply tap an item in the list and see all the available data, right at your fingertips.
This one has surf reports as well, as on www.surf.co.nz website.
The perfect app for Naki riders and surfers!
cost = NZ$2.59 |
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If you would like to post a classified advert (buy/sell gear etc), please post it on the SMC 'Garage Sale' page of our website.
We now have a link from the Taranaki Daily News online website homepage direct to our Manganui Ski Area snow report/webcam page.
Thanks to
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PHOTO OF THE ISSUE
This from the picture taken by Clive...
"Dragged myself out of my flu deathbed and went up the Mt today...rained lots until 12.30ish then slowed down enough to get around 20 incredible top tow runs in ice cream snow...I had just made first tracks down Number Two with the sun on my back and the rainbow below."
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See you on the snow, at our next fall!
SMC Management
© copyright 2009 - Stratford Mountain Club
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