Conditions were pretty dire all around New Zealand without any precipitation for two weeks. Wondering what to do we started looking over the maps. It was decided to head into Porters ski areas backcountry focusing on the Crystal Bowl in hopes of finding something fun and edgeable. With the temps being so warm the snow pack was melting away making me wonder if the ski season was over with.
Hiking past the ski resort it was looking dire. The only chance of finding something good to ride was to hike along the ridge towards Crystal Bowl. Usually the Crystal Bowl holds good snow while everything else is melting away.
Even if there wasn’t any snow it was a scenic hike as we made our way across the ridge. Looking out at the stunning mountains surrounding the Cragieburn Range. As we looked across the valley we could see Mount Olympus was still holding snow.
Making our way to the Crystal Bowl
Soon enough we had our first view of Crystal Bowl and were happy to see that the conditions were much better than expected.
The wind had transported a dusting of new snow so we spent the next few hours lapping it. The day had turned out much better than expected.
After a few hours of riding the sun was starting to set so we started hiking back to Porters ski area. Occasionally I would turn back and see the sunset alpenglow.
It was time to head off to Australia as I would be joining Adam West for the NZ Splitboard festival. As the flight took off I was able to see a few lines I had rode while flying over the Southern Alps. In the photo below you can see Mount Wall in the shade as well as the Crystal bowl on the left side.
Soon enough I was flying off the West Coast and heading towards Australia.
I still had 3 months left in New Zealand so I was a bit nervous if the rest of it would be shot. I would come to find out the best was still to come but I would really have to work for it and be creative.
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