XC Ski Week Wrap Up

A great week (plus) was had by all that made it. Some character building weather at the beginning and the end, with some of the best skiing for years, in between. What is typically trying weather for the KAC Classic was picture book with only a light breeze. All events were held and well attended with a stand-out being the KCros Tour and the Snowy Mountains Classic. I say stand - out as the trying weather did not deter good numbers from being a part of it.

Saturday - 5th

The week started with the Fast & Female and the KCros Tour. A much-improved number of competitors enjoyed the snowy conditions. Thanks to the Lisa & Steve at the Altitude (The Lodge Smiggins) we enjoyed a great lunch in the warmth of this wonderful lodge. The Presentations was held and many lucky draw prizes were given thanks to Rhythm Snowports, Wilderness Sports & Mountain Adventure Centre for their donations. Please support all these stores as they support us.  

Christoph Gasche & Jeremy Hecker fight it out for a photo finish.

Sunday - 6th

Snowy conditions continued to test all. The Boonoona Open was held on good tracks (especially with the amount of newly blow snow that was present). Before the presentations at the Boonoona Open we gave thanks to the late Carl Melvey for all that he had achieved during his rich life. Officially the main lounge room of the Lodge was named - "The Carl Melvey Room". I look forward to all the future presentations with Carl’s name viewing all.

Monday - 7th

Conditions more severe with heavy snow falling. Whilst one could call it a blizzard this did not stop 10 of us from making the journey, on ski's and not by oversnow vehicle, from Perisher to Charlotte's Pass. A race was held (The Charlotte's Pass Open) and all enjoyed the great lunch and hospitality of the KAC club. The ski back was much easier with the wind at our backs.

In the evening once again our now famous Night Relays were run with a candle light (catered) dinner afterwards. All profits went to Callum, Aimee and Barbra, to help them to fund their Olympic campaign. 

Tuesday - 8th

A very social day with in the morning the "Mystery Coffee Tour" and in the afternoon the drinks and wonderful finger food at the Marritz, put on by the Perisher Historical Society and Perisher X-Country (PXC). A good role up to both events. It was too good of a day not to fit in some skiing in between.

Another beautiful day for a coffee tour 

Wednesday - 9th

Unbelievably not just good but fantastic weather. The tracks for the KAC Classic were top class for both the classical skiers and the skaters. All had a great time at the Charlotte's Pass Hotel for the presentations, before a great ski back. The trails were groomed over Porcupine so many of the crowds skied back to Perisher via this very scenic route.  

At the finish of the KAC Classic

Ken Baxters 46th return journey from the KAC classic 

Thursday - 10th

Cliffy from the Sundeck put on a great handicap race. We did not quite agree with the handicap method but then we never do. Brengun, Brendan Hyde was the convered winner of the Golden Coat. Thanks to Cliffy for all his support with funding the National Team for not just this day but for the many years previously.

Friday – 11th

A good out enjoying the Mystery Coffee tour. The weather held up for the mornings event. After that most people were in preparation for the next event, the Snowy Mountains Classic.

Saturday – 12th

Consider the dampish weather, there was a very good role up for the Snowy Mountains Classic, with 77 competitors over all the distances. The track was firm and fast, allowing for some great skiing. Again, thanks to Cliffy at the Sundeck for allowing us to have the presentations up on the hill.

The “End of XC Ski Week Presentations”, was a great opportunity to give thanks to all the helpers that assisted in making all the events during XC Ski Week a success. Many prizes were given out mainly as lucky draw prizes, Thanks to all the sponsors, this being Rhythm Snowsports, Wilderness Sports, Mountain Adventure Centre and KAC. Thanks also to the Lake Crackenback Resort where Callum Watson won the weekend for 4 and finally Salomon for the grand prize of $2000 worth of ski gear. This year the winner was Ross McKinnon of Victoria. I am sure Ross will be telling all his Victorian friends the great times that were had up at XC Ski Week.

Sunday – 13 th

The ski orienteers were out in force enjoying the now again good weather. Don’t have official numbers but it looked to be well attended.

So, ends another XC Ski Week. This was one long enjoyable week of good skiing, much fun and good memories. Whilst PXC do as much as we can to promote this great week, you can all do your bit by telling all your friends about this week-long celebration of XC skiing.  Next year see you from the 4th to the 12th of August.

Wayne Pethybridge

PXC Chair