SPORT IN THE SNOW

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 55, 2 September 1926, Page 12

SPORT IN THE SNOW

„ ♦ RUAPEHU SKI CLUB'S EVENTS GEBAT CEOWD AT THE PABK. Owing to au unfortunate and unexpected change in tho weather conditions at the last moment the annual winter sports meeting of tho Euapohu Ski Club could not be held, as planned on Saturday. The neighbourhood of the Whakapapa Huts at Tongariro National Park has been the scene of much activity and gaiety lately. The largest party of members of the club which has yet assembled at the Park gathered on Saturday and Sunday, 2.lst and 22nd August. The full party numbered 50 members, the previous largest party, that of 1924, having numbered 36. For the first time two South Island members, visitors from Dunedin, were present (states the "New Zealand Herald"). The accommodation at the huts was greatly overtaxed, the dance-hall being used as a dormitory and the overflow being then accommodated an tents. A considerable number of members of the club, as well as many other intending visitors, had to be turned away owing to lack of accommodation. SKIING AND TRAMPING. "When the party arrived there was a foot of Bnow around the huts, and members were able to enjoy the novelty of ski-ing right at the hut doors. But on the Saturday evening warmer rain fell and melted most of tho snow, the remainder of which disappeared during the week. The following days until Friday were beautifully fine, and the visitors enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Ski-ing practice, snow-balling, and tramps to various points of interest were the order of the day. The evenings were enlivened with concerts, games, and wireless entertainments, received by means of a portable set. On Monday of last week a party of seven attempted the ascent of Ngauruhoe, mainly to obtain photographs, but after getting above Tama Eidge, about half-way up the cone, the climbers weTo compelled to give up the attempt owing to- a strong wind accompanied by a heavy fall of snow. The party then visited Waihohonu Hut before returning to Whakapapa, The day's journey was commenced by moonlight at 4 a.m. and completed by moonlight at 7 p.m. ASCENT OP EUAPEHU. On Thursday a party of 32 arose at 2 a.m. to attempt the ascent of Euapehu. The party set out at 3 a.m.; accompanied by cinematographers. The whole party crowded into the tiny Glacier Hut for breakfast. After leaving the hut a strong cold wind, accompanied by heavy drift snow, was encountered, but the journey was continued and the two leading members reached the edge of the crater lake at 9 a.m. The lake was found to be frozen over for the first time since 1886. The remainder of the party, with the exception of three cinematographers, who were handicapped by their heavy cameras, reached the edge of the lake a quarter of an hour later. Several members of the party reached Whakapapa on their return journey at 1.30 p.m., but the majority spent the afternoon at the ski-ing ground. Friday was spent in making preparations for the sports meeting, which it was hoped to hold on Saturday. Intending competitors were busy waxing skis and . repairing bindings, and in the afternoon a party set out to . prepare the ski track. The snow conditions were found to be unsuitable for good ski-ing, as the surface was pomparatively hard. and in difficult condition

for novices. It was, however, decided to hold the sports on the following day. During the night about 3in of snow fell round the Whakapapa Huts, and this was followed on Saturday morning by, rain which melted the snow and formed a layer of slush in the vicinity of the- huts. •. The rain continued throughout the day, so that it was quite impossible to hold the sports. The members of the party'made tho best of an unpleasant position, and the dance-hall was made a scene of merriment and gaiety throughout the day.