Hazel is a keen mountaineer, ski tourer and author. She recently released 'Solo' a book chronicling her adventures in the New Zealand backcountry.

We spin yarns about many and varied topics; sliding down Mt Ruapehu on a rubbish bag learning to ski in Germany, and summiting Ruapehu and skiing back down again. Rad!

01:20 First memories of snow

02:00 Learning to ski in Germany

04:20 What’s kept you coming back each season, uni days skiing around Otago

08:30 Favourite send

11:15 International adventures and attempts at snowboarding

12:45 Ski touring and mountaineering - getting into it

14:51 Tips for aspiring ski tourers

16:25 Reconciling risk with recreation and enjoyment

18:11 Learning from other’s mistakes, group dynamics

25:15 Gender attitudes in Skiing & Mountaineering

29:30 Ruapehu; spirituality, culture, place in the community 

32:55 Most memorable day on the snow

34:57 Backcountry snacks  

36:45 Injuries

39:45 Favourite bit of kit 

42:00 Improvements for the sport/industry at large 

43:45 Yarn about an invincible cactus backpack 

49:30 ‘Solo’ Book and other writing exploits 

53:30 If you could ski one place until you die…

The Send is a podcast for New Zealand’s skiers, snowboarders and whoever else wants to listen. Subscribe if you want to hear more!

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If you have any ideas for an episode, or would like to come on the show for a yarn, email will@thesend.nz

Theme music credit: Dirtbox Charlie 'Cat Called Charlie' used with permission. https://dirtboxcharlie.bandcamp.com