Backcountry skiing (100eight) 3:00:00 [2] 7.0 km (25:43 / km) +845m 16:02 / km
Gorge with Courtney, Russ, Vikki and Atsuko. Drove in two cars - Atsuko came with us and we wore masks for the drive. Not as busy as I expected - likely the ski hills opening have helped with the crowds. Climbed to the 17km summit and down into Happy Valley. Quite variable in the open areas (often seems to be variable here). Better in the lower trees... back up to the ridge and had a nice break just below the top in the sun. Back down to the car via the SE slopes (avoiding the direct S slopes which were a little moist). Snow quality in the shade was better here than Happy Valley. The trees in the cutblock are getting pretty big but the usual way out still works. Russ was keen on another run but first day out for the girls so called it a day with everyone feeling good.