Day 2 of the Red Bull Cold Rush went down on Mt Roberts at Red Mountain today. Stage 2 was the Big Mountain competition, and in true Roberts style it almost looked like the weather day would come into effect with dense fog sticking to the center chute venue.

Patrol had plenty of avalanche control work to do, and found a sweet spot that triggered a deeper instability from December and sent half a winters snow and the 20cms of fresh from yesterday rumbling toward the bottom. They did an awesome job and locked everything down whilst still leaving plenty of snow for the athletes to huck into.

All venues at the Cold Rush are allowed to be inspected by the athletes, but they can�t actually ski their lines. That leaves take-offs, spines and landings fresh and allowing them to go bigger than your usual packed out freeski comp.

Skiers managed to make it work with low visibility, but the camera teams who were filming the event for the athletes to review and judge weren't having much fun in the mist. The day hung in the balance but the forecast for tomorrow didn't look much better, so organizers decided to hedge their bets and ready for a start.

It wasn't mythical or divine, but it was welcome. The clouds lifted minutes prior to first athlete and while it was still gray, it gave filmers and athletes the window they needed to put on a show.

Dave Treadway laid down the biggest line off the top, followed closely by Riley Leboe. Mike Hopkins came up short and nearly took a photographer, a tree and himself out. Dane Tudor skied fluid and strong showing that Red really is his back yard. Sean Petit spun a gargantuan 3 off the gap at the finish and everyone else spun or flipped their way down Roberts in some capacity.

That leaves the skinned ascent for tomorrow. The guys who know they are in with a shot at the prize will be panting and sweating their way up Roberts, and the rest, well, we will just have to see.

For more information on the event go to the Cold Rush website or the Red Mountain Resort home page.

A big thank you to Red Property Management for the beautiful condo we are staying in.