02 February 2004

Avalanchewarnings
Its been an eventful January. The snow has continued to fall with excellent powder skiing especially at the beginning of last week. Unfortunately conditions were also extremely dangerous for a time with quite high winds & huge fluctuations in temperature. There was massive avalanche on the Rothorn face which is a popular off piste area.

Some people had been skiing there earlier in the day & reports came in that skiers were still there when it came down. Several helicopters, a dog team & probers searched for the whole afternoon which was a very sobering spectacle. Fortunately no one had been caught & the people that set it off had not reported the incident probably for fear of being fined.

Chinese downhill
Thursday last week saw the now annual 'Chinese Downhill'. This is a workers race open to all abilities & disciplines, it is held at 8.15am in order to ensure there are no people on the slopes. Due to high winds several crucial lifts were closed so adjudicator Chris decided on Trockner Steg - Furgg with the short lift in the middle to Schwartsee before finishing at the usual spot, a great plan which made for an added element of excitement.

Lawrence was never in danger of being caught but it was a close finish between Inghams Paul & Pocket Rocket Harris for 2nd place. The boarders as usual had the disadvantage of several flat spots Mickey winning the mens with Jess & Lara arriving together for the girls.

Off the piste
The Central bar has really been happening this season with guest D.J. Ed from Inghams spinning some tunes on a wednesday night.

Australia day was celebrated on two occasions; the 26th of course with a barbie on the mountain but due to workers days off the big boat races were scheduled for Tuesday in the North Wall Bar. Eight teams fought valiantly for the coveted title, the compulsory tequila shots added to the mayhem.

A controversial refereeing decision compromised one of the early rounds with Ashers team losing by a cats whisker. Scott Dunn had a surprise win against the Swedes but the 4 non blondes were never really in any danger with every member of the team having a long history of serious alcohol abuse.

A great night was had by all with many in fancy dress with the 3 guys in the blondes team all looking a little too convincing.

Report by Marcus - Natives Resort Reporter in Zermatt
W ith Redeye - Natives reporter official beanie sponsor

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