A new carpet is on it’s way!

We have had some fantastic skiing and riding in the past weeks with generally cold stable weather but things have now changed and we are getting dumped on!  Weather systems have been predominantly from the South and we are now experiencing our first westerly system in 8 weeks. While the westerlies usually knock the ski areas around they provide us with some of our best powder snow conditions. This storm is short lived and the weekend is looking very promising as high pressure moves onto the country producing clear stable weather.

Our great Pilot!

At Methven heli we pride ourselves on having  some of the most experienced heliski pilots in NZ. Chief Pilot Philip Todhunter has been flying for 26years which includes 17 winters for Methven Heliski. He knows the region like the  back of his hand as he not only flys in the mountains in winter but owns some of the land we ski on which he farms during the summer.
He is one of the few people that fly’s to work each day! In the morning he is up helping make weather calls from his base at Lake Heron which just happens to be the neighbouring farm to Glanfalloch Station where our helipad is situated. Yes that’s why the heli just seems to show up and disappear at the end of the day! Philip has a great web site which is well worth checking out and will save you starting the conversation with “what are you doing in the summer” when you meet him at lunch!  Check out : www.lakeheron.co.nz

First day in the Palmer Range this season

We had our first day in the Palmer Range this season and found great snow conditions , good cover and good stability! Over the past week we have now visited most of our terrian and are very excited about the early season conditions to date. July has been very cold for NZ and more cold weather with snow to low levels is forecast in the next few days. Next week hold lots of promise!

Toby from Travel Plan Australia discovers Methven Heli!

I met Toby from Travel Plan Australia at (www.canadianmountainholidays.com) the company I have worked for in the northern hemisphere over the past 21 years! That was a long time ago but finally Alan Green managed to get him away from the office for  three brilliant days of heliskiing in NZ! Early season conditions are fantastic this year with great coverage , cold temps and good snow! Canterbury has certainly been getting good snowfalls, another 10cm today and we are looking forward to getting out tomorrow!