High winds up at the upper elevations signaled an incoming storm cycle that is now impacting The Front. The temps were much warmer this morning with the Westerly flow, however, the wind made the chair rides a bit nippy. With the high wind, the Tram was down for the day. Mineral Basin opened this morning, first thing, for the first time of the season accessed by The Tunnel
While the prepared lines were dry, chalky, and very grippy, the off trail lines were very wind slabbed out with no real variation due to aspect. Even a trip out to the Bookends found no relief from the breakable layer and beating a hasty retreat back to the prepared lines was called for. Visibility back there was marginal at best and it made for a short day for me. Tomorrow, look for a full on storm riding day, with much colder temps, wind still a factor, and fresh Essence piling up fast. Coverage is excellent and some of the wind buffed lines are really fun. I scoped out my lines for the upcoming accumulation. This should prove to be a very good cycle for the hill and will cover a lot of some of the thinner sections. Speed Safely!!!