Update from Hanmer Springs Ski Area

words by Julia Atkinson-Dunn and image by S Sleight

We are approaching the time of year when weather forecasters and long-time snow lovers haul out their crystal balls and have a go at projecting the season ahead. As always, we at Hanmer Springs Ski Area eye the approaching winter with the same attitude as always – if the snow gods favour us, we’ll be ready, if they don’t, we will still be ready but our snow dance will be more eager. Being the first ski area to open in the Southern Hemisphere in 2021, then again in the first bunch for 2022, we hadn’t quite imagined that last season would be one of our longest in years! Within the team, it became the ‘never ending’ season seeing us being in operation for 69 days with just seven of those closed. Something of a record for our little mountain!

Aside from the perfectly timed series of snow-giving storms, we saw an abundance of fresh faces and a surge in our club membership. Visitors, some new, some returning after decades away, were reminded of the special casual and friendly culture that exists on our hill. Our day hut hummed with friends and families mingling between runs or sharing food in the communal kitchen.

The cosy carpeted mezzanine was a refuge with a view of the slopes while the deck hosted the happy faces of those that had ridden until they couldn’t. Non-skiers and tobogganing children were as connected to the action as much as those with shaky thighs from one-to-many runs down the Bordeaux basin. Our on-mountain accommodation was full at times (and we suggest booking ahead when possible) with our bunkrooms and family-style rooms offering a special trip away high up under the stars. As we look down the barrel of this winter, we are excited to welcome our returners, members and new snow lovers from the Hurunui. Hanmer Springs Ski Area remains a grassroots snow experience without the showy bits and their accompanying expense. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates as our crystal ball isn’t something we like to rely on! www.skihanmer.co.nz

Who’s taking Who for a Walk?

When you take your four-legged friend for a walk do you find it’s actually him taking you? Is he straining at the leash to catch a scent and pulling you with him for that special smell that’s in a place you’d rather not go such as your neighbours driveway or a muddy berm?

Do you look away embarrassed when he jumps at a friend who stops for a chat or won’t stop barking at a visitor?

It doesn’t have to be like this … both he and you can change!

My name is Steve Kenmare and I run classes designed to help both you and your dog understand that there is a better life and friendship to be had together.

Well-behaved dogs get to go places like cafes and visiting interesting venues. Many of our local cafes have outdoor seating and welcome our four-legged friends with some even providing free treats for them. You may even have seen some of my classes out and about as we go for walks around various shopping areas and will often stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat, an impressive sight with up to 10 dogs of all shapes and sizes lying obediently beside or under tables.

If you have a dog with a reliable recall, you can be happy to let them off lead (where permitted) because you know they will return no matter whether they are distracted by another animal, a ball being kicked around or any number of things.

A well-socialised dog is also important so they can cope with the different types of people, dogs and environments that they will meet throughout their life. This means if you get invited to a social occasion, they might invite Fido as well!

Following intensive studies in the workplace, employers have identified the presence of a well-behaved dog’s affection boosts productivity as they help diminish stress levels in the work place. Dogs can help employees feel more resilient dealing with problems and lessen their reactions to stressful situations. Lower stress equals lower blood pressure and fewer heart problems. Having a dog that is focused on you because they see you as where all their good things come from, not just treats, but also leadership, play and affection, will build a bond between you that will enhance both your lives. So if you would like to build a better relationship with your four-legged friend get in touch.

Steve Kenmare | 022 071 8065

tevradogtraining.co.nz stevenkenmare@yahoo.com