We’re chuffed to say our plans finally made it out of the group chat. With winter in full swing, the Mons Wānaka crew decided to dust off our ski legs and make the most of the shortest day. A ski touring mission to Snowfarm, starting with an afternoon uphill and finishing off with a slide under the stars. The perfect way to celebrate Matariki / Māori New Year and put our Mons layering system to the test.
Layering up
When tucking into a winter mission with a high-energy output like ski touring, the key to our layering system was quality over quantity. We didn’t want to be wearing lots of layers, adding bulk and limiting mobility, just the right ones. The same could be said for our snacks.
The Mons layering system weaves in the perfect amount of Merino Wool to your first on, last off base layer, insulating mid-layer, gloves, beanie and balaclava. The natural perks of Merino Wool are on full display: it breathes easily, regulates your temperature, wicks moisture and repels odour, keeping you dry, warm, and stink-free from car park to cosy hut. Wrap it all up in a weatherproof shell and you’re good to go.
The Plan in Action
We set off at 1.30 pm under a clear blue sky. Our Merino Wool base layer and weatherproof jacket combos quickly became just base layers - giving us the perfect amount of coverage and warmth, while being breathable - it's early season, and our heart rates were up!
The three-hour undulating climb took us through views of the Pisa Range, Wānaka region and Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park. Which, of course, called for snacks. Lots of snacks.
Backcountry meals at Bob Lee Hut
We slid into the hut at 4.30 pm, and it only took three goes to get the fire up and running. Out of practice, who’s to say? Though we had built up a proper sweat, our Merino Wool base layers were dry, warm, and didn’t smell even a little bit, which was nice, considering the confined space we found ourselves in.
Bob Lee Hut is an OG tunnel-style structure, with everything you need for a night in the snow-covered Pisa Range. Water, firewood, gas, cooking equipment, and solar lighting, with seven bunks for those sleeping over. Once we settled in, the insulated mid-layers and Backcountry Cuisine came out.
Moonlit stroll back to base
With bellies full and packs coincidentally lighter, it was time to head back to base. At 7.30 pm, the sun was long gone and a southerly was delivering an icy blizzard, so the layers were about to get some love. Think Merino Wool base layer, Merino Wool insulated mid-layer, weather-proof jacket and pants, then all the Merino Wool accessories - gloves, balaclava and beanie for the cold-blooded among us.
Made it!
We skied into the car park at 10.30 pm, ready for the cosy car ride home. Three-hour slide in a moonlit snowstorm? Nothing our Mons layering system couldn’t handle. However, it's also probably not recommended - that’s what the legal team told us to say, anyway.
