Essex County has created an electronic petition to support the continued funding of ORDA. If you are in favor of state funding of ORDA consider signing the petition.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
ORDA Funding Petition
Essex County has created an electronic petition to support the continued funding of ORDA. If you are in favor of state funding of ORDA consider signing the petition.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/28/10
TR submitted by Xman:
This morning started partly cloudy and 18 degrees. The sun was flashing in and out until about 10am, and then the clouds moved in.
Our first 4 runs were on Gore's famed Front 4 - Twister, Showcase, Sleighride, and Quicksilver. They were midwinter groomed with some sweet corduroy. Skiing was fast and empty. There was a huge uphill wind on all sides of Gore. I hit Chatiemac and it was still all cord.
Next stop the Darkside. Lower Stielhang, Hullabaloo, and Lower Darby were in excellent shape and had not been skied off. The bottom of the High Peaks Chair was one of the few places on the hill where the wind was quiet.
Our first 4 runs were on Gore's famed Front 4 - Twister, Showcase, Sleighride, and Quicksilver. They were midwinter groomed with some sweet corduroy. Skiing was fast and empty. There was a huge uphill wind on all sides of Gore. I hit Chatiemac and it was still all cord.
Next stop the Darkside. Lower Stielhang, Hullabaloo, and Lower Darby were in excellent shape and had not been skied off. The bottom of the High Peaks Chair was one of the few places on the hill where the wind was quiet.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Whiteface, NY: 3/26/10
TR submitted by Xman:
Most of what was groomed stayed petrified all day. Some sections that had sun all day softened up. Some of the trails were corduroy and some were frozen ice balls that never broke up.
Most of what was groomed stayed petrified all day. Some sections that had sun all day softened up. Some of the trails were corduroy and some were frozen ice balls that never broke up.
- Excelsior: ok, but very hard
- Essex: groomed, hard, small bumps, ice balls
- U Northway: closed
- L Northway: ice highway
- Approach: tilted hockey rink
- Mtn Run/Thruway/Drapers: tilted hockey rink
- Cloudspin and Skyward: closed top to bottom
- Parons: OK as it faces the sun
- Victoria: 1/2 groomed, bumps were petrified
Le Massif de Charlevoix, QC: 3/26/10
by Jamesdeluxe
La Bordage
After apres-ski beers in the sun at the bottom of Mont Edouard yesterday, a cold front moved in and the bottom promptly dropped out. When I got up this morning, it was a brisk -15F.
On our way back to the Quebec City airport, we pulled into Le Massif for some photo ops, and weren't disappointed. The high temp was only 3F, so a few trails were bullet-proof, but many were top-to-bottom (2,400 verts) soft as could be.
Another cool thing about Le Massif is the trail-name theme -- most are old French sea-faring terms.
La Batture
La Misaine
That's all folks -- one of our best trips ever.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Mont Edouard, QC: 3/25/10
Posted by Jamesdeluxe:
View from Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie
Just when we thought that this trip couldn't get better, the skies cleared for a real off-the-beaten-track gem in the Saguenay Fjord region: Mont Edouard.
It has a nice, sustained pitch, lots of glades, and the best snow of the week. Paydirt.
Mont Edouard on a Perfect Spring Day
Guide Marc Durepos in Northeast Glades
Sun and Belle Gueule Beers on the Patio
View from Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie
Just when we thought that this trip couldn't get better, the skies cleared for a real off-the-beaten-track gem in the Saguenay Fjord region: Mont Edouard.
It has a nice, sustained pitch, lots of glades, and the best snow of the week. Paydirt.
Mont Edouard on a Perfect Spring Day
Guide Marc Durepos in Northeast Glades
Sun and Belle Gueule Beers on the Patio
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mont Grand-Fonds, QC: 3/24/10
Posted by Jamesdeluxe:
Breakfast at Chez Bouquet
Hard to believe our amazing timing on this Quebec visit: a second powder day after two sunny spring days. Mont Grand-Fonds is a 1,300-vert hill that's similar in size and layout to Massif du Sud.
When we arrived this morning to an empty parking lot, they were reporting 18 inches over the past 24 hours and it continued snowing lightly all day.
Juliet on Des Bouleaux
Juliet's legs are dead and wasn't able to handle the knee-deep snow without her fat skis, so after I lapped a bunch of untracked runs, we spent the rest of the day skiing the softest groomers of the season.
How great is it to go on a destination trip at the end of March -- planned several weeks in advance -- and nail conditions like this?
Breakfast at Chez Bouquet
Hard to believe our amazing timing on this Quebec visit: a second powder day after two sunny spring days. Mont Grand-Fonds is a 1,300-vert hill that's similar in size and layout to Massif du Sud.
When we arrived this morning to an empty parking lot, they were reporting 18 inches over the past 24 hours and it continued snowing lightly all day.
Juliet on Des Bouleaux
Juliet's legs are dead and wasn't able to handle the knee-deep snow without her fat skis, so after I lapped a bunch of untracked runs, we spent the rest of the day skiing the softest groomers of the season.
How great is it to go on a destination trip at the end of March -- planned several weeks in advance -- and nail conditions like this?
Gore's Midweek Lift Operations
I had a some back and forth with Mike Pratt via email:
Harvey: Hey Mike ... did the High Peaks Chair run for two weeks straight?
Mike: Actually Harv, it was 18 consecutive days - from March 4 through March 21.
Harv: Does that represent a shift in strategy?
Mike: It was simply great snow and our belief that this was the most likely operational strategy to both offer great experiences and attract the most visitors.
Harv: But I mean you KNOW how cranky it makes Gore diehards when the Dark Side is down right?
Mike: It is a difficult decision when we limit operations mid week, but we are developed on 9 sides of 4 mountains and obviously the lift and trail capacity is much greater than the midweek crowds.
Harv: So it's a purely an operational decision, and has nothing to do with the importance of the terrain to the Gore Core?
Mike: The High Peaks side is a key component of both the winter and spring operational strategies. Snow cover, weather, and the size of the crowd are all considered when we make our operational decisions.
Harv: Ok. If you're going to open DS for 18 consecutive days in March... I'll take it. But I swear I saw you over there on Saturday with a big grin on your face. Thanks for the time.
Mike: Anytime.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Le Massif de Charlevoix, QC: 3/23/10
Posted by Jamesdeluxe:
After yesterday's sunny blue skies and warm temps, there couldn't have been a bigger market correction. It started nuking early this morning accompanied by 25 mph winds and this kept up the entire day. Le Massif's well-known views were nowhere to be found; today was all about storm skiing.
Denis on La Pointue
We met up with guide Denis Robichaud, who had us laughing the whole day while doing 2,500-vert laps on Le Massif's three high-speed quads.
We learned a lesson about trusting long-term weather forecasts. We were expecting the entire week to be warm and didn't bring any cold-weather gear.
After an hour of our faces getting machine-gunned by stinging precip, we bought some masks and skied in comfort the rest of the day.
When he heard that I was going into the boutique to buy that accoutrement, Denis called me the French-Canadian variant of "big fairy."
After yesterday's sunny blue skies and warm temps, there couldn't have been a bigger market correction. It started nuking early this morning accompanied by 25 mph winds and this kept up the entire day. Le Massif's well-known views were nowhere to be found; today was all about storm skiing.
Denis on La Pointue
We met up with guide Denis Robichaud, who had us laughing the whole day while doing 2,500-vert laps on Le Massif's three high-speed quads.
We learned a lesson about trusting long-term weather forecasts. We were expecting the entire week to be warm and didn't bring any cold-weather gear.
After an hour of our faces getting machine-gunned by stinging precip, we bought some masks and skied in comfort the rest of the day.
When he heard that I was going into the boutique to buy that accoutrement, Denis called me the French-Canadian variant of "big fairy."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mont Sainte-Anne, QC: 3/22/10
Posted by Jamesdeluxe:
After a fun, but occasionally scratchy outing at Massif du Sud on Sunday, we headed to that ski area's polar opposite: Mont Sainte-Anne. We were set up with Marc, a really talented mountain guide who showed us why MSA is considered Quebec's go-to spring-skiing area.
On a sunny day like today, with three faces (north, south, west), there's no excuse for getting stuck on snow that's too hard or too soft. And with almost unlimited visibility, the views of the St. Lawrence River and the Island of Orleans were beautiful.
After a fun, but occasionally scratchy outing at Massif du Sud on Sunday, we headed to that ski area's polar opposite: Mont Sainte-Anne. We were set up with Marc, a really talented mountain guide who showed us why MSA is considered Quebec's go-to spring-skiing area.
On a sunny day like today, with three faces (north, south, west), there's no excuse for getting stuck on snow that's too hard or too soft. And with almost unlimited visibility, the views of the St. Lawrence River and the Island of Orleans were beautiful.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/21/10
Ski Day 27
Twas cold overnight. PDQ, Pam, EDeO, Russ and Perilous all did the rational thing, arriving fashionably around 9:15. Of course, I was on the first Gondi to ski the hard stuff.
When we connected at 9:30, we did some high speed cruisers on the bottom. The sun came out, and by 10:15 the south side softened, and we headed up. Trails were good.
Twas cold overnight. PDQ, Pam, EDeO, Russ and Perilous all did the rational thing, arriving fashionably around 9:15. Of course, I was on the first Gondi to ski the hard stuff.
When we connected at 9:30, we did some high speed cruisers on the bottom. The sun came out, and by 10:15 the south side softened, and we headed up. Trails were good.
PDQ and Russ on Chatiemac
Massif du Sud, QC: 3/21/10
Posted by Jamesdeluxe:
I finally figured out a way to get back in my wife's good graces... take her to Quebec for a week.
Amazing what being around piles of great restaurants, a cute old town with a decidedly Euro feel, and spring skiing in the sun will do to brighten her disposition.
I finally figured out a way to get back in my wife's good graces... take her to Quebec for a week.
Amazing what being around piles of great restaurants, a cute old town with a decidedly Euro feel, and spring skiing in the sun will do to brighten her disposition.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/20/10
Ski Day 26
It's not going to be possible to recount the day. Usually I can go through the pictures and grasp the day in my mind. I just can't do it tonight. Today was too ... multifaceted.
Matt on Uncas
I ran in to Matty out front and we got into the Gondi. We hit Uncas. Carvy in the single swath that was groomed, and crunchy on the sides.
It's not going to be possible to recount the day. Usually I can go through the pictures and grasp the day in my mind. I just can't do it tonight. Today was too ... multifaceted.
Matt on Uncas
I ran in to Matty out front and we got into the Gondi. We hit Uncas. Carvy in the single swath that was groomed, and crunchy on the sides.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mad River Glen, VT: 3/19/10
Posted by Jason:
Since my daughter Zoe had no school on Friday, we decided to head to Vermont - Mad River Glen was our destination. Considering Mad makes NO SNOW, the coverage was excellent.
Since my daughter Zoe had no school on Friday, we decided to head to Vermont - Mad River Glen was our destination. Considering Mad makes NO SNOW, the coverage was excellent.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Gore Mountain Timeline
Harv's Note: I'm trying to compile a timeline history of Gore. Below is what I have so far, taken from the Gore website. If you have additions, post them in the comments, and I'll add them.
* * * * * *
Monday, March 15, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/15/10
by Chris
Almost didn't get out of bed this morning. 46 degrees in Scotia at 6:50. Arrived to an eerily empty lot around 9:30. Temp was 41 at the base. We knew that it was going to be soft - we were curious about how much of Sunday's reported 6 inches remained.
First tracks in Killkare
The truth is ... not too much, but that was just fine - the remaining snow was heavy, but really made the skiing great. About 5" of 'cream cheese' as another blogger has reported. It was thick today, and a bit difficult down in the Straightbrook valley - but a good way to work on balance. This was some of the slowest "pow" ever. Fun none the less.
Riding up the Quad, the Summit was frosted in some clouds. It was damp today and it didn't take long to get soaked.
Great coverage on Hawkeye
Into the Straightbrook Trees and laid down some fresh tracks. The snow was slow, but it was cool taking lines that would normally be too fast. Never worried about carrying too much speed.
Hullabaloo
After working Straightbrook we went over to the DarkSide. Lies was closed from up top. Upper Steilhang and into the woods to avoid the sticky run-out. Great coverage in the trees over there. Under the chair looked nice but we decided to take the DSW then a few runs on Hullabaloo, very fun, very soft, not so sticky until last drop ... best snow on the mountain was on my favorite named trail. Big soft bumps.
We stayed off the beaten path from here on out. The woods were unbelievable. So soft, an 1-3" of thick fresh snow. Lots of cliffs and fun little chutes.
AirJess
Just a incredible day ... Great day, still great coverage. Can't wait to go back for more tomorrow.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/14/10
Chuck G:
"Just me + EDeO in the AM. Joined by Russ in the PM. Looking for others from the gang, but no one else to be found ... all spread out or having coffee in bed and thinking it's raining up top I guess. Even heard people came to the mtn and left with rain below at base.
First tracks on everything up top...starting with the published / named trails and moving on to those to remain anonymous! It did warm and rain at the top eventually, but soaked smiling faces everywhere at the end of the day."
* * *
EDeO:
"Sunday was a gift from the snow gods! Arrived at Gore around 8:15am to find a mostly empty parking lot. Got a space right up front as the paid parking lot has been reduced in size by about 1/2.
The only person in the lodge from the "gang" was Chuck. We talked with Mike Pratt who told us that there was 6" of fresh on top. We got a private gondola - not a soul in the line. The first run was on Uncas. No tracks, we had the honors of carving up some fresh cream cheese at exactly 6" deep.
We hit the Straightbrook chair and made tracks on a Chatiemac and Hawkeye. Lies was closed. It was time to duck into the trees for better visibility.
What a pleasure. Just perfect cream cheese snow and first tracks on just about every shot we took. We were breaking trail right up to lunch time. We stayed up top until we were beat and soaked. Off to the bottom via one of our favorite tree routes.
We found Russ at the bottom having lunch. After a quick change into dry shells and gloves, the three of us headed back to the top for a full afternoon of hitting the tree shots. At one point Russ exclaimed that this was the best day he had seen all season! That is saying something because it was only two weeks ago that we were skiing knee deep pow.
The snow was great. All the previous snow was compressed and had this layer of cream cheese on top. If you could keep your speed up it carved with great predictability. But if you let your "guard down" the proverbial snow snakes were lurking to reach up and grab ya!
At the end of the day we were soaked through once again. It was an amazing day with big smiles and even bigger puddles around each one of us as we took off our soggy gear.
It was a day to be there and not to worry about what the weather was doing in your backyard. Or in the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain for that matter..."
Harv... I do have a few good videos and stills from the day. I will try and get those to you later. Sorry you were not there. But then again almost nobody was there!
First tracks on everything up top...starting with the published / named trails and moving on to those to remain anonymous! It did warm and rain at the top eventually, but soaked smiling faces everywhere at the end of the day."
* * *
EDeO:
The only person in the lodge from the "gang" was Chuck. We talked with Mike Pratt who told us that there was 6" of fresh on top. We got a private gondola - not a soul in the line. The first run was on Uncas. No tracks, we had the honors of carving up some fresh cream cheese at exactly 6" deep.
We hit the Straightbrook chair and made tracks on a Chatiemac and Hawkeye. Lies was closed. It was time to duck into the trees for better visibility.
What a pleasure. Just perfect cream cheese snow and first tracks on just about every shot we took. We were breaking trail right up to lunch time. We stayed up top until we were beat and soaked. Off to the bottom via one of our favorite tree routes.
We found Russ at the bottom having lunch. After a quick change into dry shells and gloves, the three of us headed back to the top for a full afternoon of hitting the tree shots. At one point Russ exclaimed that this was the best day he had seen all season! That is saying something because it was only two weeks ago that we were skiing knee deep pow.
The snow was great. All the previous snow was compressed and had this layer of cream cheese on top. If you could keep your speed up it carved with great predictability. But if you let your "guard down" the proverbial snow snakes were lurking to reach up and grab ya!
At the end of the day we were soaked through once again. It was an amazing day with big smiles and even bigger puddles around each one of us as we took off our soggy gear.
It was a day to be there and not to worry about what the weather was doing in your backyard. Or in the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain for that matter..."
Harv... I do have a few good videos and stills from the day. I will try and get those to you later. Sorry you were not there. But then again almost nobody was there!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Jason's Weather: Updated March 12
by Jason:
With a cut off low meandering around the Mid-atlantic and no cold air to the north ... r**n should advance to the Canadian border. That said, the heaviest NCP will remain south of Albany. Sleet is a possibility in the mountains.
Now too much anticipated long range. It appears that for the next 10 days or so the storm track will be across canada. This will result in a series of cold front passages. Which means a brief warm up followed by cooler air and a chance of snow showers.
The bottom line is, this pattern is not favorable for any meaningful snow. As we all know, we are getting closer to April and the end of, what I think, was a pretty decent season ...
(previous discussion)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/8/10
Ski Day 25
Temps were barely below freezing last night, but sporatic high clouds crept in and delayed the harvest for maybe an hour.
Plan was to meet Xman and Margo at 9:45 at the Gondi. Unlike other rendezvous plans from this weekend, it worked perfectly. Off the Gondi we chose Uncas. It's steep pitch, and southeast face, makes it great first choice on a spring day.
Harv and Margo Drop In
Harv on Uncas
Once again, I couldn't resist the trees. But on a cool spring morning, the trails were the place to be. Chatiemac was groomed and rippin. Lies, groomed on Saturday, had nice midsize bumps.
Xman on Lies
We worked the south side first and then moved to the north. I was surprised how carvable Lower Steilhang and Lower Darby were. Both of those runs were STILL retaining the packed pow feel, that was absent on the rest of the mountain.
It was getaway day for me, and X and Margo had an appointment on the lower mountain at noon, so we headed down Open Pit to Headwaters to Tannery to bring it in.
Margo on Open Pit
We hit Fairview to the Saddle with hopes that an early end to racing, would give us a shot at the Twister Glades. It was not to be. We closed it out on Showcase leapfrogging for photos.
Racer X
The conditions today were good, but not a match to the last two days. It seems that every perfect spring day, leads to another that is not QUITE as good as the day before.
The company couldn't be beat. Xman and Margo ... thanks for a truly memorable day. Can't wait to ski with you both again.
Temps were barely below freezing last night, but sporatic high clouds crept in and delayed the harvest for maybe an hour.
Plan was to meet Xman and Margo at 9:45 at the Gondi. Unlike other rendezvous plans from this weekend, it worked perfectly. Off the Gondi we chose Uncas. It's steep pitch, and southeast face, makes it great first choice on a spring day.
Harv and Margo Drop In
Harv on Uncas
Once again, I couldn't resist the trees. But on a cool spring morning, the trails were the place to be. Chatiemac was groomed and rippin. Lies, groomed on Saturday, had nice midsize bumps.
Xman on Lies
We worked the south side first and then moved to the north. I was surprised how carvable Lower Steilhang and Lower Darby were. Both of those runs were STILL retaining the packed pow feel, that was absent on the rest of the mountain.
It was getaway day for me, and X and Margo had an appointment on the lower mountain at noon, so we headed down Open Pit to Headwaters to Tannery to bring it in.
Margo on Open Pit
We hit Fairview to the Saddle with hopes that an early end to racing, would give us a shot at the Twister Glades. It was not to be. We closed it out on Showcase leapfrogging for photos.
Racer X
The conditions today were good, but not a match to the last two days. It seems that every perfect spring day, leads to another that is not QUITE as good as the day before.
The company couldn't be beat. Xman and Margo ... thanks for a truly memorable day. Can't wait to ski with you both again.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/7/10
Ski Day 24
Today was my best groomer day this season. But trees were good too. Temps didn't go very low last night - 26F at our place. I knew things would soften fast.
Chuck rips Lies
I ran into Chuck in the Gondi line and we went up top. The corduroy was phenomenal - carvable down to a full ski width. We did Chatiemac and Lies. At the bottom of Lies we were both laughing.
I had to abandon the summit to get Neve out of her lessons. The run down to the base was pure elation. It must look odd to see some old teleguy ripping trailwide GS turns on Sunway wailing ... Wooooo ... Hooooooooo!
Neve is diggin' the sticks. She had an hour lesson today instead of 45 mins ... and her repeated calls for "one more run daddy" added FIVE additional runs for a 90 minute lesson. Neve is linking turns all the way down the hill and throwing in mini stem-christies on her own. She still can't or won't do a wedge.
When I connected back up with Zelda ... she's like ... "yeah I was up top. It's the place to be." I like where this is heading. OK back up. She continued to pillage Lies. After her second run on Lies she says ... "I think I need to do some bumps."
Zelda on Lies
We spent considerable effort trying to connect with Jeff and Beth, and PDQ and her gang. The problem is somebody has TO STOP SOMEWHERE if you're going to make that happen. And it was warm today so no one was wearing their regular coat, which complicated matters.
Eventually we ended up with PDQ, Rochester Mark, Mark, Carolyn, Robert and DJ. They wanted trees. First a few last runs on the Straightbrook side and then over to the Darkside.
Straightbrook
Highlights were again Darkside, Twister Glades, and a long day-ender on The Cirque. The whole gang was hale and hearty. Rochester Mark impressed me with his aggressive skiing in the Cirque. It's definitely not your average glade, and it throws a lot of terrain surprises at you.
Rochester Mark
It's been PERFECT spring skiing. Cold enough to freeze at night, but not super cold. And warm enough for really soft snow, but without any real runoff or excessive water. Still ... looking for a miracle to give us another 35 inches of snow to get us up to an "average" season.
DJ brings it home
At the end of the day we came across both Beth and Zelda lapping Sagamore. They are both looking to up their game, by taking on the bumps.
No question that I didn't get the pics to describe the day. We did get some video that I need to sort through and upload. Sometimes you just gotta ski and let the pics fall where they may.
Today was my best groomer day this season. But trees were good too. Temps didn't go very low last night - 26F at our place. I knew things would soften fast.
Chuck rips Lies
I ran into Chuck in the Gondi line and we went up top. The corduroy was phenomenal - carvable down to a full ski width. We did Chatiemac and Lies. At the bottom of Lies we were both laughing.
I had to abandon the summit to get Neve out of her lessons. The run down to the base was pure elation. It must look odd to see some old teleguy ripping trailwide GS turns on Sunway wailing ... Wooooo ... Hooooooooo!
Neve is diggin' the sticks. She had an hour lesson today instead of 45 mins ... and her repeated calls for "one more run daddy" added FIVE additional runs for a 90 minute lesson. Neve is linking turns all the way down the hill and throwing in mini stem-christies on her own. She still can't or won't do a wedge.
When I connected back up with Zelda ... she's like ... "yeah I was up top. It's the place to be." I like where this is heading. OK back up. She continued to pillage Lies. After her second run on Lies she says ... "I think I need to do some bumps."
Zelda on Lies
We spent considerable effort trying to connect with Jeff and Beth, and PDQ and her gang. The problem is somebody has TO STOP SOMEWHERE if you're going to make that happen. And it was warm today so no one was wearing their regular coat, which complicated matters.
Eventually we ended up with PDQ, Rochester Mark, Mark, Carolyn, Robert and DJ. They wanted trees. First a few last runs on the Straightbrook side and then over to the Darkside.
Straightbrook
Highlights were again Darkside, Twister Glades, and a long day-ender on The Cirque. The whole gang was hale and hearty. Rochester Mark impressed me with his aggressive skiing in the Cirque. It's definitely not your average glade, and it throws a lot of terrain surprises at you.
Rochester MarkIt's been PERFECT spring skiing. Cold enough to freeze at night, but not super cold. And warm enough for really soft snow, but without any real runoff or excessive water. Still ... looking for a miracle to give us another 35 inches of snow to get us up to an "average" season.
DJ brings it home
At the end of the day we came across both Beth and Zelda lapping Sagamore. They are both looking to up their game, by taking on the bumps.
No question that I didn't get the pics to describe the day. We did get some video that I need to sort through and upload. Sometimes you just gotta ski and let the pics fall where they may.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Gore Mountain, NY: 3/6/10
Ski Day 23
Today was all about the unexpected.
"Signs, signs everywhere signs...."
Actually some of my expectations were met. All of Chatiemac Ridge is now plastered with Ski Area Boundary signs. For three or four runs, I couldn't get Five Man Electrical Band out of my head.
Strategy probably should have been to stay on the lower mountain until 10 or 10:30. I expected spring conditions, with temps starting in the upper 20s ... but for some reason... I can't ski past a dropped summit rope. The top was reasonably carveable, but I'm sure the bottom was better at that hour.
We skied the sun over on the south side. Zelda is now into THE SINGLES LINE to get more skiing done. So cool. So she's chatting up some guy on the chair behind me and says .... that guy told me this was THE time for her first shot at Lies.
I concurred. I mean the guy was shouldering half the blame in advance. As we got closer she got a little nervous. But ultimately she SMOKED IT. I was so proud. When I got to the bottom of the headwall she was absolutely BEAMING. And at the bottom of the run she did the antler dance.
She lapped Lies three times in a row, while I hit Rumor, and Mineshaft. I couldn't believe that by 11am the trees were still firm. The groomers were great, so I stayed on them. I didn't expect to be doing that.
We stayed off the Dark Side most of the morning. Hey it's dark over there. We assumed that side wouldn't be ready until later. I was wrong. We got over around 11:30 and things were really good.
Packed Pow on Lower Steilhang
Soft Snow on Dark Side
After lunch, CB wanted to go over to Burnt Ridge. I used Twister glades as my route over. They rocked - soft and fast - but thin at the bottom.
Twister Glades
We did two laps, Zelda on Echo, and I went into the Cirque to check out the new work. They were like Twister... really good, but as you'd expect, thin at the bottom. The drop in to the Cirque is exciting in a heart attack kinda way.
Zelda called it a day and I headed up to finish my day in the only sun I could find ... Pine Knot. I didn't expect to find the best snow at the end of the day there ... but there it was.
The final surprise was the only unpleasant one of the day. Let's just say I finished my day walking down the bottom half of Wild Air. Still... hard to be cranky. Great, great day.
Today was all about the unexpected.
Actually some of my expectations were met. All of Chatiemac Ridge is now plastered with Ski Area Boundary signs. For three or four runs, I couldn't get Five Man Electrical Band out of my head.
Strategy probably should have been to stay on the lower mountain until 10 or 10:30. I expected spring conditions, with temps starting in the upper 20s ... but for some reason... I can't ski past a dropped summit rope. The top was reasonably carveable, but I'm sure the bottom was better at that hour.
We skied the sun over on the south side. Zelda is now into THE SINGLES LINE to get more skiing done. So cool. So she's chatting up some guy on the chair behind me and says .... that guy told me this was THE time for her first shot at Lies.
I concurred. I mean the guy was shouldering half the blame in advance. As we got closer she got a little nervous. But ultimately she SMOKED IT. I was so proud. When I got to the bottom of the headwall she was absolutely BEAMING. And at the bottom of the run she did the antler dance.
She lapped Lies three times in a row, while I hit Rumor, and Mineshaft. I couldn't believe that by 11am the trees were still firm. The groomers were great, so I stayed on them. I didn't expect to be doing that.
We stayed off the Dark Side most of the morning. Hey it's dark over there. We assumed that side wouldn't be ready until later. I was wrong. We got over around 11:30 and things were really good.
After lunch, CB wanted to go over to Burnt Ridge. I used Twister glades as my route over. They rocked - soft and fast - but thin at the bottom.
We did two laps, Zelda on Echo, and I went into the Cirque to check out the new work. They were like Twister... really good, but as you'd expect, thin at the bottom. The drop in to the Cirque is exciting in a heart attack kinda way.
Zelda called it a day and I headed up to finish my day in the only sun I could find ... Pine Knot. I didn't expect to find the best snow at the end of the day there ... but there it was.
The final surprise was the only unpleasant one of the day. Let's just say I finished my day walking down the bottom half of Wild Air. Still... hard to be cranky. Great, great day.
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