It seemed the season was going to be a slow one as we waited for the snow to fall. After finishing the Two Thumbs Range ski traverse it was obvious we would need some powder to cover the ice. Finally the next storm arrived and we decided to head out to the Craigieburn Range and more specifically Porters ski area to see what all the talk was about.
As we drove up the Porters ski area road we were happy to see a bit of new snow. With clouds in the sky we didn’t know how the visibility would be but we had License to Chill passes with included Porters
As we drove up to the ski hill our car was swarmed by Kea’s. You had to make sure you were watching your ski gear as they wanted to destroy it.
The Mad Dash for Powder at Porters Ski Area
Making our way to Porters ski area they were opening the upper lifts for the first time in the season that day. It was pretty flat white conditions with too many people in too small an area so we made due before skinning out to favorable conditions.
The moment the upper lift opened it was a mad scramble for powder. Everyone was rushing up and straight lining back to the T bar.
Within 30 minutes the upper slopes of Porters ski area were all tracked out but I was happy to take a few good laps. As time went on we just kept traversing out further and further. It was a bit sketchy as there were rocks hidden underneath but the snow was good.
For our final lap we decided to skin to an area that is normal inside the resort but with no snow the only access was skinning.
Our final lap of the day was the best line as it was an uninterrupted powder field all to ourselves. While we couldn’t see much in the flat light it was a good day. I would have to return when conditions and visibility were more favorable.
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