Students: Ane, Bianca, Derek, Elise, Muna, Nick, Shannon, Tim
Instructors: Jake, Sach
With ten eager people and the gear for all packed into two overflowing cars, Beginner Snow School 3 had officially begun.
It was off to a rough start when Shannon realised that she had left her rain jacket at home, and we went to fetch it on the way down, but from then on it was (mostly) smooth sailing as we made our way down to National Park. Stopping at a fluorescent service station just north of the Bombay Hills, we properly met everyone else over dinner and got the feeling that things were about to kick off.
It was still three and a half hours to National Park, and as we drove through the foggy night we chatted about studies, tramping, climbing, the weekend ahead — the usual pre-trip car ride conversations. A sense of excitement ensued as the pearly white slopes of the Central North Island volcanoes came into view, shining beneath a full moon and a cloudless sky.
After Elise’s blue Hyundai arrived a full half-hour later than Jake’s (partner’s parents’) white Toyota Rav, due no less in part to missing two exits and having to do a U-turn before we went on the road to Taupō, we sleepily clambered out of our cars, extracted our gear from the boot, and shuffled into the warm (perhaps a little too much) National Park YHA.
It was slightly concerning when we realised that there was some guy in the room that supposedly should have been booked just for our group. Regardless, we were all very eager to get a good night’s rest before the big day tomorrow.
Waking up to the silhouette of Ngauruhoe against a backdrop of golden skies and dark clouds, we had our breakfast, distributed gear, packed our bags, and set off for Whakapapa. After a briefing at Whakapapa, spirits were high as we geared up (quickly realising how difficult it is to put crampons on with ski gloves) and set off into the long-awaited snowy landscape.
As we gazed up, we noticed the slopes were much barer than expected, with only a light dusting of snow clinging to the higher reaches. A pang of disappointment hit us; we had been looking forward to navigating through snow and ice. But mountaineering, like life, often throws curveballs, and this was just another challenge to embrace. Determined not to let this minor setback dampen our spirits, we decided to press on. We unpacked our gear and strapped on our crampons, the metal spikes clinking with a reassuring sound.
Navigating towards the hut, everyone showed a dogged determination to pick up the newly learnt snow skills. As we stood on the final slope behind the hut, we looked at each other with a strong sense of pride and camaraderie.
The huts drying room was met with pure ecstasy, and after refuelling we set out for the afternoon. Descending the familiar slope wasn't as easy as expected, and humbly reminded us of the changeable nature of the mountains. Self-arresting was definitely a fan favourite, but as the sun sank low, tiredness from the day began to arrive and so we made our way back to the warm abode.
The evening brought about much merriment despite a long day of snow-filled fun. The night was filled with weather forecasting and theory, a glorious (sweaty) battle on the multi-pitch traverse, and immaculate banter as we devoured bowls of curry.
Ready for a full day of avalanche rescue and self arrest we were all eager for an early start. Throughout Saturday's activities, each person experienced many different challenges from learning the importance of tight crampons and a well assembled avalanche shovel to mustering confidence during the day's worsening weather conditions.
With penguin huddling, a precarious ice axe wielding snowman, and the support of our group and amazing instructors we all returned safely after an epic day. After dinner and a fun, salty science experiment, we reflected on our weekend so far. The hut was warm with both a feeling of personal achievement and the spicy aroma of mulled wine.
As we geared up and opened the hut door on Sunday morning, we were ecstatic to find the sunrise lighting up a beautiful, clear sky. After a sick day of snow science, self-arresting, and ice axe skills, we returned for the final time to the hut. Packing up quickly after lunch, navigation down to the cars was our final task. Employing all the skills we had learnt, our group cheered with triumph as the sight of brightly-attired skiers at Whakapapa carpark slowly appeared.
Cramming into our cars, Ruapehu slowly drifted into the distance as we made our way towards the long-awaited hot pools and kebabs. Giving our “highs, lows, and lessons learned” for the final time, the shared sentiment, personal growth, and fulfilment from our weekend together was a recurring theme. On behalf of our entire group - a massive ngā mihi nui ki a koe to our awesome instructors, and to all those involved, for your passion and hardwork in helping make BSS #3 the fantastic experience that it was!
Comments