Perisher 7th & 8th of August 2009
Friday morning looked to be a miserable day, it was warm, blowing a gale and rain was forecast. But the Perisher Masters Slalom was on so I knew I'd at least have a good day. After some free skiing to warm up we inspected the course and snow started to fall. By the time the race started it was puking, 10cm of wonderful light dry snow fell in two hours. The snow was perfect to ski in, but made the course officials work extra hard to keep the course safe. I managed 2nd place in my age group (out of 2). After some more freshies and lunch at the Guthega hotel we skied back to Perisher and I was amazed by the clear blue sky and wonderful dry groomers on centre valley. The snow was so good I managed to squeeze in a couple of runs down the Duplex to finish of a great day.
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Saturday was another 7am start for the Masters Super G, and just like last week we got a fantastic sunrise. The course was fast and for the first time I started to feel comfortable in the gates with a 1st place (out of one competitor in my age group). I even got some more freshies before the crowds arrived. The previous snowfall on Friday and the clear skies attracted the crowds and each lift at Guthega had 15min long lift lines for almost the whole day. The GS was held later in the morning and after the two runs I got another 1st place (but I still didn't beat anyone). With the freshies almost gone Dave and I had a run down farm creek to polish off another fantastic day.
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Masters training and the races have been a ball. We need more people to join in on the fun next year (so I can get the chance to beat someone). The standard is not exceptional so don't be afraid to have a go, your skiing will improve and you'll have a blast, especially Telemarkers, with any luck we might be able to organise a Classic Telemark Race next year if there is enough interest. In the mean time telemarkers you can participate in the race at the Thredbo Telemark Classic.
Richard Hocking