SkiMoNZ/Dynafit Raffle

SkiMoNZ/Dynafit Raffle-

Ski Mountaineering New Zealand, in association with Dynafit, are raffling off a pair of Dynafit Gasherbrum II skis, as a fund raiser for the SkiMoNZ race team that will compete at the 2010 ski mountaineering world champs in Andorra.

Raffle tickets are only $15 each; with all proceeds going to the 2010 SkiMoNZ race team. The lucky winner will get a pair of 172cm Gasherbrum II ski's (dimensions 102-73-89). 

To get your ticket go to deposit $15 in to the SkiMoNZ bank account, using your e-mail address as the reference/code.

SkiMoNZ bank account details- 06-0954-0050957-00

Dynafit Gasherbrum II

The Gasherbrum II 172cm ski, dimensions 102-73-89 and 1190gr are the perfect blend between weight and turnablity. Certainly on the skinny side in this day and age, the Gasherbrum excels on light and fast missions. Whether its speed climbing an 8000m peak and skiing its 50 degree slopes, competing in The Tour Backcountry Ski Touring Race, or anything in between, the Gasherbrum is your ski. More details at www.dynafit.co.nz

2009 SkiMoNZ Race Series

The 2009 Ski Mountaineering New Zealand (SkiMoNZ) race series is shaping up to be a cracker, with new race formats and world class racers set to lift the leave of ski mountaineering races in New Zealand.

Both the CraigieBurner and Ruapehu Ripper, now well established races, will return, with The Tour, a multi day, team’s race rounding out the calendar.

A date is still to be confirmed for the Ruapehu Ripper, with the CraigieBurner taking place on the 5^th September and The Tour, based out of Cheeseman, over the 19^th and 20^th September. Interest in the ’09 series has already been high, especially for The Tour, which has limited spots when entry opens in late June.

The SkiMoNZ race series will act as a trail for those who are looking at making the 2010 SkiMoNZ Race Team for the Ski Mountaineering World Champs, to be held in Andorra in March next year.

New Zealand racers will be fortunate to pit there skills against some of the top racers from around the world. Current World Cup winner and top female French racer Laetita Roux will spend the winter in NZ, racing and training. While Spaniard, Javier Martian, who recently ranked 5^th in the Europe Champs will be in NZ for all of September. Other international racers, top Britain Carron Scrimgeour and recent Canadian Cup winner Reiner Thoni will also be racing in NZ.

This top level of international competition will no doubt give 2007 and ’08 series winners Gena Sbiva and Jane Harper, as well as some strong up and comers, great race experience, as well as making for a great spectacle. 

Support for the 2009 race series has been strong, with sponsors quick to jump on board. The big news on this front is Singapore Airlines confirming their support via assistance with travel to Andorra for those who get selected for the World Champs.

Other sponsors are the New Zealand Alpine Club, The Climber Magazine, MountainZ.co.nz, iclimb.co.nz, Dynafit and Buff.

For more info please visit www.skimonz.blogspot.com

2008 SkiMoNZ Series Results

These have been a very long time coming, so apologies for the delay!

Gena and Jane both defended their series titles. Of interest was the tight race for 2nd and 3rd in both the male and females categories. Also of note is that both Duncan and Jane only raced in 3 races, out of a possible 5. Only the top 4 results counted.

2008 SkiMoNZ race series results
-Male
1st- Gena Sibaev- 130 pts
2nd- Duncan Sherratt- 104 pts
3rd- Tim Ensor- 100 pts
-Female
1st-Jane Harper-120 pts
2nd- Kath Conlan- 97 pts
3rd- Gillian Ensor- 92 pts

Ski Mo Races- Euro 2009

Unfortunately there are no Kiwis (no we know about, are you there??) racing in Europe this winter, but there are plenty of races taking place and you can keep up with all the action at www.skimo.org
One video worth checking out is

Coupe du monde de ski alpinisme 2009 (Civetta)
Uploaded by FFME

For summer updates I am up dating my personl blog- www.skirunnernz.blogspot.com

Cheers
Grant

Noel Oien

Most have already heard now, but a good friend Noel Oien was found dead after a climbing accident on Thursday in APNP. Here's a story that was in The Press for those who haven't read it.

Noel was really active with in the ski mountaineering race scene here in NZ and will be greatly missed!

Below are a few photos that I found of Noel last night. These are all of skiing. I know that skiing was just a small part of Noel's life, but it was the part that I was most involved in and one of the ways I will remember him the most.

Pre race, Temple 2007

Booting up Upper Leap In, Temple race 07

Noel on Lyell Peak with Avalanche Peak (right) and Rolleston (left), spring '07

Noel testing out a new "Speed Stance", Temple '08

Turoa race, '07. Despite the white out, Noel finished 3rd at this race!!