Inge had eight male coordinators along to escort her on the Birdwood Smuts traverse! Pretty cold (-23 C) at the Burstall parking lot and too warm! going up to Smuts Pass (the snow was clumping on skis and skins). But bluebird weather and excellent snow made for a great day.

I could write at length about this trip and post way more photos but it would take too long (to write and read).
I had decided to wait until Wednesday to call the trip because the forecast called for nicer overnight temperatures, but as we drove, we watched the car thermometers with dismay as they dropped to -23 and -24. Once we were skiing this actually wasn't too bad, mainly because of the mental effect of bright blue skies.

A snack break in the sun after a -24 degree start

The rock band about halfway up from the Burstall Pass route to Birdwood Pass was a little tricky and pretty bare. Most took their skis off for a few steps.


Manfred saving his skis from the rocks

Looking down from above the rock band (Burstall passes in bkg)

Philip and John above the cliff band with Snow Peak in the background

Above that, the snow was a little wind hammered.


Heading up to Birdwood Pass (Mt Sir Douglas at right)

But once down maybe 100 meters on the north side of Burstall Pass we found some really excellent skiing.


John making turns on the backside of Birdwood Pass

Turns on the north side of Birdwood pass

Inge showing off her style

At lunch break we broke up into groups with two heading up for a short "yoyo" run on the slope that we'd just skied, four heading up for a longer run and three starting the up track to Smuts pass (thank you very much).


Lunch break in Birdwood drainage

Manfred leads

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And Philip follows

The area before and after the lower of the two Smuts passes was very rocky and all had to remove skis for stretches.


Descending from the Smuts high col to Smuts Pass

There was a lot of trail breaking to be done, hearty thanks to those who did more than their share.
We didn't get back to the cars parked at Commonwealth creek access until around 5:30 making for an 8 1/2 hour ski day.

Many thanks to Inge, Damian, David, John, Kevin (photos), Manfred, Philip and Terry for joining me, Carl (C/S).
Thanks also to David and John for sending me more photos. Between them and Kevin and me, I could have posted 30 great shots.