I have been snowboarding the Southern Alps of New Zealand since 2005, first riding superpipe in Snowpark then later exploring the mountains near Wanaka and Queenstown. I’ve seen the ups and downs of southern winters. Down there getting the goods is a waiting game. Last fall was different to all others, because El Nino delivered an all-time winter in New Zealand. We headed for the Minaret range, which we know from previous sorties, and its long lines and lower elevation bowls. It ended up being one of the best trips I have had in the Kiwi mountains! photo: Rami Hanafi