Yesterday was sunny and blue, with wind slab goodness wall to wall. Today started out with a few flakes, and only 2 inches to dial through, but the storm kicked in with a vengeance dumping some high density, cold, velvety, product over all the aspects. What a difference a day makes. The smoothness held out overnight, finding the Upper Cirque and the Upper Peruvian shots good to go. There were a few scoured sections to keep you on your toes, but the over all ride kept getting better and better as the day progressed. It was still snowing when I left at 3:00 PM. so I will bet there will be some freshies to find in the AM. Upper Old Ladies is very sketchy where the wind has blown off the cover, exposing the still cohesive crust that exists on the West facing aspects. Lower down the depth kicks in and you can get a grip, but the first entrance is very interesting. There was very light traffic today, so the harbor chop did not whip up too much, but a long averaged turn moved me through the variations more reliably. Tomorrow, look for continued improvement in the overall recovery from the old crust, as the continued traffic is breaking it up as time goes by. Visibility was an issue throughout the day with periods of rime ice that would lightly coat the goggles, but not so badly that a quick wipe would not clear it off. This high density snow seems to be sticking to the old layer, though the the remaining crust does resist the coverage. We will see you dark and early for another day of exceptional quality. IBBY!!!
NEW COATING
1-25-11 by dave
Hey Dave, can you take a minute and provide an overview of your current quiver? I’m thinking of picking up a dedicated groomer ski and am curious what you’re using. Reading your posts makes me think I’ve been missing out!
Hello. In regards my Quiver. I use Dynastar skis and am currently using the Sultan 85’s, which are 85MM under foot. These skis cover 85% of the conditions prevalent at the bird and totally excel on Groomers, where they really pop! For the deep, thick, breakable, difficult conditions I have a pair of the new Pro Rider 115s with the early rise profile. They are 115MM under foot and are quite soft, though they will haul ass with full confidence, as well as pull back a crank out some very supple tight aspen type turns. The Dynastar Sultan 94s is the model that straddles the two, and are probably he go to ski if you were to have just one ride. That is what I would have bought if I did not get the 115s as well. I hope that helps.
Dave,
I’m back in the frozen tundra of VT, thinking fondly of my trip to the Bird which was highlighted by our run with you. My only regret was that I couldn’t get my act together quickly enough off the tram to catch you with the wings on, you must be supersonic! I’m looking forward to next year and some more fun at the Bird. May the snow gods bless us all, East and West.