Chips opened yesterday, but I missed the opening, so I did a few Chips exploratory runs this morning to get a good look see at the pack over there. Snow making efforts have been ongoing on that side of the hill, targeting the high traffic areas and sections that have rock outcroppings that need a lot of cover. I stayed with the prepared lines closely, giving any idea of venturing to the untracked areas out of my mind. Many folks had began the process of further exploratory efforts, which seemed to focus on the fat lines staying clear of the edges. Smart move in such low tide conditions. Coverage was quite good on the prepared lines with no rocks to speak of anywhere I went. I did, however, take the traverse across the hill via Rothman’s Way and took the Wibere ridge to the return cat track to The Tram. Traffic was fairly light and the visibility was excellent with the Sun out.

Tomorrow, look for weather to have moved in as the next storm cycle begins with weather out of the South. With that direction, expect high density snow to add to the pack, with rain in the valley. I think this is the beginning a long cycle that will make up for a lot that we have missed so far. I don’t think for a second that The Yellow Jackets early aggressive behavior was not a strong sign for a big season. Visibility will be an issue, so stay with the prepared lines for the next while as the pack fills out and in. Still keep an eye for black ice in the lower Canyon, it was really shining this morning. Happy New Year!!!

There was some sun shining for the morning session, reflecting some light back on the prepared surfaces. The snow guns were blazing, offering soft traction that let you dial in some nice turns and keep things real. Traffic was moving up the hill, and there was a concentration of seekers looking for the line top to bottom. The bonus round today was the soft opening of The Peruvian Gulch. I was obviously not paying attention to the announcements and missed the call… DOH!! Reports were mixed, however, there were tales of fresh lines and staying with the gut so as not to test the margins too closely.

Tomorrow, look to a bit of exploration on the Peruvian side of the hill. I’ll be using max caution and staying where the fat lines live. Follow the signs and keep a sharp eye out for abrupt transitions. It will be so great to get some fresh lines down the hill to help with the training shift. I think we can look forward to some very nice quality snow behind the machines, but I’ll be testing the off trail for consistency. See you dark and early for another great day at The Bird. Remain Standing!!!

It was a cold start this morning, so I dressed for the occasion and put on an extra layer. The main runs had freshly tilled surfaces and, with the cold, the snow guns were blazing adding a nice soft layer of Gun Powder to the surface in areas. Traffic was moderate, with walk on Trams after the initial push that was sent up the hill in short order. Getting to dial in some turns on that soft pack felt good underfoot after the hard surfaces of recent days. The Little Cloud Chair was turning adding to the uphill mix that made fast turn arounds fast and easy.

Tomorrow, look for more top to bottom machine worked lines that will let you dial in some solid turns. Keep your eye on the board for possible variations on a theme becoming a possibility. I expect cool temps, but there will be a warming trend as the High moves in. Be careful in the lower Canyon in the AM as that inversion layer seemed to be affecting the road surface with the cold temps. Black Ice may be lurking. More weather is predicted beginning later in the week, so get a good look at the visible features as you ride up the lifts to log into your inner navigation template. See you early for the smooth silky start. Dial it up, Dial it in!!!

It was a sunny Sunday morning with freshly tilled prepared lines top to bottom, added snow on the off trail sections and quite cold air to keep the product consistent all day. The Faithful were, again, fully represented, with a full court press for the Tram right out of the Chute. The Little Cloud Chair was turning and loading, so after an hour or so the tram line went away and there were walk on trams later in the AM. It is so great to have new freshness on the hill to bump up the stoke.

Tomorrow, look for continued cold temps, but expect some warming as a High Pressure System moves into the front for the next few days. Expect freshly prepared lines for the best traction, though I would still expect some thin sections off trail after it has been worked today. Expect still strong attendance, so plan on using the chair options to keep the momentum going. See you there dark and early for the fast roll into the New Year. Straight Ahead!!

The hill received a wonderful installment with this last impulse that came through last night and into today. The Faithful were in full attendance to unleash the pent up stoke that has been building for weeks. All those training days paid off, with the timing and quickness firing on all points. The medium density product will be a welcome addition that will help build a solid base going forward.

The Faithful were really letting it rip, plying those lines off the prepared areas that have been iffy in previous days, now covered and inviting. Remember, this is only the beginning and those covered features can easily reach out and grab an edge. Tomorrow, look for much better visibility with possibly some Sun making an appearance. Freshly tilled prepared lines and soft snow off to the sides will keep the stoke level high. Expect cold temps as the storm clears off. Returning High Pressure will make a quick come back before the next round of weather moves in later in the week. I am stoked for this great addition to the pack. Keep it real!!!

The wind was nukin’ again this morning, with very high velocity winds on Hidden peak. I checked at 6:15AM and decided to call it a day right there. I am quite excited for the incoming weather, which will give the pack a nice coating. It was good to get a good look at the existing pack, so that I know the areas to avoid as the features get covered.

Tomorrow, expect weather, the pack has endured very well since opening, with all the main open trails well covered. I am hoping the new accumulation will stick to the old layer and begin to bring in that soft feel I’ve been waiting for. Enjoy the day, Speed Safely!!

The wind was still nukin’ this morning, shaking The Trailer with intent as each gust hit the side. Up on the hill, The Tram was delayed due to the wind, and fresh grooming efforts had the main lines riding smooth. Coverage remains good, and with the few new inches that was delivered overnight, it was offering a bit of cushion for the morning crowd.

The main atmospheric flow continues and I think it is dropping into our zone of the river. Tomorrow, expect some weather to be in the mix. With some luck, the arrival of this next impulse will drop the temp a bit and bring more of the goodness to the hill. Check The Bird site for up to date info in the AM. IBBY!!

The wind backed off in the early morning hours, letting The Tram open on time with light traffic and still breezy conditions on the peak. The gusts were brisk but not nearly the intensity of prior days. A fresh till had been performed on the main lines down, which offered much better traction underfoot, but there were still slick spots remaining that kept you on your toes. Visibility was good, but the light was flat. Back to back Trams were happening as traffic was light, which made for more stoke to be carried back up the hill for more fun.

Weather is incoming and the rain is pattering on the skin of The Trailer as I write this, signaling the arrival of the moisture stream that is dropping down. I expect some overnight accumulation and continued accumulation of the next few days. Expect the old layer to be still an element of the flow line. Visibility will be an issue, but trust the prepared surfaces for a smooth ride. Temps will be much cooler, but the temps will be above normal for this time of the year. I’ll be taking the day off tomorrow to chill and enjoy the Peace of the Season. Dial it up, Dial it in!!!

The wind was still working the Canyon and the peak as well this morning, leaving the Tram on a wind hold for the AM. Traffic was moderate over on the chairs, but there was still plenty of room to maintain a solid line. Coverage remains good despite the warm temps, and the warm temps also softened the pack as the morning progressed. Again, with the Tram on wind hold, I retired to The Forklift to assess the options once again to see if The Tram would open, which it did later in the AM.

Tomorrow, look for the pattern to remain in its established position and the wind will still be a factor. Hopefully, the hill will open up earlier if the wind cooperates. Regulator still has good cover top to bottom, but the winds have scoured the unprepared areas leaving them very marginal. Tread carefully if you venture off the beaten path. I think traffic will remain moderate and make laps good to go. See you there dark and early for another day of early season training. Watch Your SIX!!

The wind was pumpin’ again this morning, with warm temps and scattered clouds that left the light flat but hopeful for some light on the details…. maybe. The Tram was on a wind hold, so I retired once again to The Forklift Restaurant to assess the options. Word coming off the hill was not encouraging, with a hard freeze of the pack from the residual cold of the base making the surfaces challenging. I opted to get some Holiday shopping done and stay ahead of the time line that is moving forward so quickly.

Tomorrow, look for a similar pattern. Check the Bird Site for up to date weather and temps for up to date info. The Holiday surge of guests is now arriving for the coming span of the holiday season. Be sure to keep your head on a swivel and give plenty of room to move. Even with all the warm weather and variable visibility, the pack still remains good, but there are some areas where some loose rocks are evident, but easy to negotiate. I’m going to give it another shot in the AM and hope for a break in the wind. Stay Frosty!!