Ohau good?

Ohau fantastic! Actually.

Left early heading south to Lake Ohau and Ohau Snow Fields. Arrived at the lodge around 11, had a quick meeting, then headed up the hill to check out the snow.

Lots of discussions with staff and then around 1 we headed out for a run. NO visibility, so we retreated back to the café. Hung out, drank some coffee and then braved the conditions again close to 2. Still no viz, but great snow, so we decided to do another run. The cloud cleared and we had epic powder, in perfect conditions.

Several more runs, and then the are closed. Time to get people off the hill as the road was less then perfect.

Being industry veterans, having driven mountain roads hundreds of times, we elected to not fit chains for the downhill drive. Low ratio 4WD, got to be good. Sadly, no. Just before "icy corner" we slid, low ratio 1st gear and no brakes. Car slid and there was no stopping her. Ended up doing a 180, on a narrow piece of road, settling in the ditch and thankfully not over the edge (with a very large drop!). However, Mike and I both had seatbelts off and doors open, so we were all good!

Once the nerves settled, chains were dutifully fitted, with some difficulty as we were in the ditch and facing uphill! And finally we freed ourselves, drove up to a turnaround point, and headed back down. To the bar. And a quiet ale to reflect on the plonkers that we were.

Lesson learned. Fit chains.

Big ski industry night in the lodge tonight. Off to go socialise. It's (part of) my job ;-)