Keri ♥'s ❄: More Snow and a Tribute to the Infamous Snowsports Van

After the wind blew away our last snowfall, I sat back and waited for the next. The last few weeks I've been looking up at all the hikes I did last season, most of which would be virtually impossible with the lack of snow we were experiencing. Then it happened.

Another snow storm hit us about a week ago. Keeping in suit with the trend of this winter, when it came down, it came down. We had the most epic blizzard in decades, blanketing even Queenstown in white fluffy stuff.

Imagine a town unprepared for snow removal. It was pure chaos. The streets were littered with half parked, stranded cars. Businesses were closed, employees unable to leave their driveways. Flights were delayed or cancelled. Our van just powered through it all, no closed days for us.

The snowsports department is responsible for our trusty Toyota Hiace. It carries people from multiple departments that need to be on the mountain a little earlier and a little later. For a passenger its a 45 minute nap. But for the driver, its a narrow winding road covered in snow and ice. Chains on, chains off. Gear up, gear down. Can you see through the wind screen? Most of the time. Upon arrival, all the passengers thank the driver for getting us up safe and sound. But after a week like this, they deserve so much more. Shout out to Nic, Ryan and Gar; you are the unsung heroes of my day.

But enough about the details. All was forgotten as I literally choked on snow all the way down homeward bound. Amazing. Hands down, the deepest snow I've ever skied in.

Pete, Nic, Hayden (Nic's little protege/mini-me) and myself were grinning ear to ear. Hayden, cute as a button, was quiet when we arrived at the bottom of the run. Suddenly, he says: "That was the best run of my life! Stuff park!"

Hayden is thirteen.

Coming down from Fernhill, on the way into town.