Club Fields, Wind, Parrots & Rainbows, oh my!
Ever since I did my college internship at Silverton Mountain in Colorado I’ve been very curious about the infamous club fields of New Zealand. Jenny had explained the tow lift to infinite powder dreams, all natural, no grooming (Sorry Marky). So when I heard of the K2 Chill Series going on up north at a club field I jumped on the opportunity to check it out. Found a ride with a couple deep into the lifestyle of big mountain riding so the 7 hour drive was full of great conversation. As I checked out the trail map for Cragieburn Valley I knew this place was going to be killer. Three ratings for diamond runs: Expert, Tricky, and Suicidal. A long windy road in pouring rain and gale force winds led us to the lodge where dinner and a bunk were waiting our arrival. Cragieburn is a non-profit ski area run by members and visitors, all sharing the duties of cleaning, cooking, and rippin’ steep lines. The wind never died and the rain tried to turn to snow only to turn back to rain. While I didn’t get chance to explore the goods I did get a good peak at what there was to offer. The comp was postponed 3 days and ended with an “expression session”. Hour and a half to express yourself. Yeti, you should give this a try from time to time. I won the award of “conquering the tow”. Seriously, the most frightening lift I’ve ever used. Something to do with the high winds blowing me into a metal cable going over pulleys with which I was attached to with a contraption called a “nut cracker” tied to my harness. Another reminder that yeah, snowboarding may be easy, but being a skier is far more comfortable. Worst part was watching an employee get his hand caught in the double pulley! All in all everyone was so friendly and chill to hang out with it was hard to complain about the down time.
No messin' around!
All in bounds, as if it matters.
Kea Parrot-NZ's own, found in the Mtns of the South Island
Did I just get my nuts cracked?