This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper in October 1999
Club Ski Sports
4 September 1999
The annual weekend fixture at Whakapapa took time to attract interest; several regular participants were unavailable this year, and the snow arrived late. Eventually, eight determined souls set off up the mountain, with skis and poles and armfuls of racing equipment.
The course was set above the Waterfall Chairlift and to the left of the Knoll Ridge T-Bar, on a well groomed slope near Te Heu Heu Valley. The snow was good, but still a bit icy in places. With the variable visibility, it was necessary to wait for the cloud to clear before careering off down the mountain.
The racing was close and competitive. The men's giant slalom and downhill competitions were both won by Alan Knowles, whose speed on the course looked like a suicide. In the women's field, Diana Munster took first place in the same competitions, with an appreciative exhibition of careful skiing.
Besides the actual racing, this year's ski sports will also be remembered for the small number of people who took part. A grand total of eight participants equalled the total number of major prizes, and although it was quietly suggested, we resisted the temptation of each helping ourselves to a silver trophy without having to win a race!
By mid-afternoon it was all over, and this proved to be an advantage, because it allowed everyone time to get value for money from their lift pass.
I would like to thank Cherie Marshall and Ian Howat for their help in organising the trip.
Anthony McNamara
Men's Giant Slalom: lst Alan Knowles; 2nd Andreas Kubisch; 3rd Ian Howat. Men's Downhill: lst Alan Knowles; 2nd Andreas Kubisch; 3rd Ian Howat. Women's Giant Slalom: lst Diana Munster; 2nd Vivienne Healey. Women's Downhill: lst Diana Munster; 2nd Rosemary Wilson; 3rd Vivienne Healey.