What does a 30 km ski run look like? Guide Mark Austin-Cheval and clients just finished a Summit to Sea which took advantage of some great weather on the eastern side of the mountains. With the snow reaching down to low elevations the group achieved a rare feat, skiing from the very top of the Tasman Glacier to the very end at Blue Lakes. Flying into the head of the Tasman Glacier they spend two days touring before pointing their skis down.
The group headed down through a huge of variety of terrain - ice falls, avalanches and snow caves were all part of the journey. Starting at 2640 above sea level the group took off their skis at 740m, a whopping ski run of 1900 m or 6234 ft.
The photo above is looking back up the Tasman at about the half way point. The Tasman is the Glacier that comes in from the right.
The Ball Hut road is subject to enormous avalanches and can only be skied when conditions are right.
The road head at Blue Lakes is the end of a Kiwi ski classic!
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