Day 2: Fun In The Sun

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Today Makenzie turned 17, and was told it's all down hill from here; down a really big hill known as Mt Hutt. After a quick breakfast, and not so quick bus ride, it was time to collect our boards, boots and skis in preparation for the first of our lessons. We had 18 first timers in the group and, after just two hours with their instructor some had progressed from the Magic Carpet to Highway 72, a green run! Morning conditions were picture perfect; the sun was shining and it wasn't long before thermal layers were shed. Jackets were hung on fences, proving just how tough this bunch of North Queenslanders are. We all thought that Paris had had enough when she overshot the beginning of the Magic Carpet, landing in the car park instead. However, it was a just minor detour and she made a note to ask her instructor about braking in tomorrow's lesson.

The afternoon session meant free time on the slopes. After a failed snowman making attempt, Sachin and Patrick waged warfare, snowballs being their weapon of choice. No one was safe, not even the boys as their stocks were raided by small children who quickly turned the tables on them. Some of the more experienced students explored the summit and more challenging runs. In fact, Cohen went so hard that he needed a nap before dinner. Cooper, Riley and Ryan expanded their skill set, learning how to ollie on the slopes. An impressive feat for our first day on the Mountain.

This evening's programme began with cake for our birthday girl which was promptly followed by card games and some intense ping-pong matches. The annual Methven Open is sure to be quite the event this year if these early games are anything to go by.





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