Blanko - FirstLight team - Main Range TR 26-05-13

Main Range Trip Report 26/5/13

Sunday the 26th of May. I had heard all sorts of reports following last week’s snow fall and with stable weather conditions and cold overnights temps the snow was bound to hanging around, so decided to go and inspect myself. Dawn gave way to blue bird skies. I was in two minds about heading out as I had received mixed reports. In the end I just had to see for myself. I raced up to Charlottes after a quick surf check and on-route caffeine hit at Nimmitabel Bakery. First view of the Main Range from Charlottes looked promising but hard! 

Main Range from Charlottes

High on caffeine and pre season amp, I franticly got changed and proceeded to run down to the river. Skins in place I decided it would be quicker in boots first off. I got as far as the north western arm of Carruthers were I decided to give skinning a go as walking was now impossible due to ice. Bad move, with no crampons in place I soon was descending backwards, After snapping a pole (not recommended to be used as ice axe) and losing some skin I was able to get upright and strike a pole into the ground! I decided to head back to the van and grab my crampons and try again.

Take two. Having started late (10.30am) and now having had to retrace my steps I needed to get busy. I headed up the main range track heading south over club lake creek and up to Mt Clarke from there it’s an easy get to most places of consequence. The snow conditions were the worst I’ve seen in ages. Solar radiated with sun crust to rival even the toughest armor plating. Bullet proof does not come close.

Ice on Carruthers

I had heard talk of people breaking through the crust, not today. The only thing I was breaking where my ankles. Intent on finding some salvageable runs I headed around to Northcote, Lee and Carruthers. The western faces gave way to a more vibrant backdrop. This is truly the zone. The noise of heli’s passing overhead could have almost tricked me into believing I was back in AK that was until I realised I was missing the 13 feet of dry Alaskan POW. Oh well back to reality and ice skating.

Lake Albina

The Zone

I ended up on over the north aspect of Lake Albina and Little Austria. The surface hare wasn’t much better.  I bombed a few short luge like lines downs Little Austria and peaked at the Sentinel which appears to be holding a firm and consistent cover for this time of year.  This area is the zone. All in all a good few hours spent sauntering in the mountains. My advice for the early season split boarder is to pack for all conditions. Snow shoes or crampons are a must. The northern face aspects didn’t change much during the day. Things are starting to look good out there with a ROCK SOLID base and cooling ground temps. Hope to see you out there, getting amongst it. 
Thanks to FirstLight Snowboards and Wilderness Sports for all my fine gear…..

Johnny Blankenstein