Archive for the ‘Snow Reports’ Category

COLD START

12-29-25

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.

A close up shot of some surface hoar, illustrating the amazing morphogenics of snow from a simple flake to soft feathers of AHHHHHHHH!

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!!!

SUNNY SUNDAY

12-28-25

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.

Sunshine hitting the cables making them glow like silver threads. Such a great way to get up the hill!!

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!!

WONDERFUL INSTALLMENT

12-27-25

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.

Fresh Essence accumulating on the pines as this storm backs off for a minute. So great to have fresh product on the hill, with more to come in the coming days.

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!!!

INCOMING WEATHER

12-26-25

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.

A great shot of The Team at The Beach back in the early 80’s. So many great memories on the hill, and this tradition continues.

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!!

HAPPY HOLIDAY

12-25-25

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.

Santa watching the sky and hoping for a big dump.

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!!

WEATHER INCOMING

12-24-25

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.

Wilma and Marry on deck greeting the Holiday visitors, giving them the 411 on the days offerings. They have so much joy to share!!!

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!!!

WIND CONTINUES

12-23-25

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.

Me holding down The Table at The Forklift while assessing the options and hoping The Tram will open soon.

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!!

PUMPIN’ WIND

12-22-25

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.

This little guy does not let the wind or any other adverse condition stop his enjoyment of the environment. He is living his best life as should BE.

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!!

SPRING FEEL

12-21-25

It was 47 Degrees in the parking lot this morning with a spritzing rain, and some very strong gusts blowing through the Canyon. The Tram was on wind hold, and with the way the trees were bowing down in the gusts, I retired to the Forklift to assess the options. Word from the early Seven Summits runs spoke of soft granular surfaces that got progressively softer lower down on the hill. There was a fair turnout of The Faithful who were working the lower sections on the prepared lines.

Wind hold on the Tram this morning kept the car in the dock. The frost was light as the main flow of moisture remains to the North.

Tomorrow, look for similar conditions as today with a still warm flow moving through. Hopefully the wind will back off a touch to let us do some more early season training laps. I think, with colder overnight temps up high, the pack could be a tad crispy in the AM. I’ll be there dark and early to suit up and charge the day. Straight Ahead!!

SMALL ADDITION

12-20-25

Three or four inches was added to the pack overnight, giving a bit of cushion and extra traction to the pack. Visibility was still offering flat light with the clouds of the current flow still moving through briskly. The old surface was still fully in play, and staying with the known smooth lines was key to keeping a consistent contact and flow. Traffic was moderate, and it took a modest pace to keep all boxes checked for closing traffic.

A BRIGHT SHINING STAR SHINING DOWN ON US ALL FROM ABOVE. STEADY, POWERFUL, AND SERENE OUTSIDE OF TIME!!!

Tomorrow, look for, perhaps, a bit more accumulation as the moist flow continues out of the West. I expect moderate traffic and I am looking forward to having that fresh accumulation tilled into the mat, offering a softer feel and a bit more traction underfoot. Temps are still moderate with this pattern, but dress for variations. Remain Standing!!!