Another cold morning greeted the morning crew.  I pulled out the Wings to take advantage of the low traffic, but was forced to abort take off down Regulator, when the combination of flat light, snow gun wash, and a lower apron littered with frozen cookies of assorted sizes, which may or may not have been frozen to the surface, thwarted my ambitions.   It was not the cookies one could see, it was the ones that were hiding in the flat light that would get you, so I killed the engines and just taxied quickly to the locker to trade out hand devices for something more traditional.  The Snow Guns were kicking out the Gun Powder relentlessly, filling in the tracks from one Tram to the next, offering some of the best snow on the hill.  The only caveat was is that there was some serious glaze to contend with as you came off the buffed area.  Chips Run offered a bit better traction for the morning session before things got skied off.  Just a look to the sides of the trail will reveal some traction to deal with the speed issues going into the congested areas.  It is rumored  that Mineral Basin will open in the morning, so that will expand the playing field significantly, though reports coming from there have been mixed, with some cautionary reports of some rocks on the Path to Paradise that might present some problems, and should be anticipated if you get that opening.  Be careful anywhere you go back there, knowing that the snow pack is still quite thin.  I will go out to

Dr. Pepper

get a good look, and will report in full tomorrow.    Here is a shot of Dr. Pepper himself taking advantage of some supplemental fortification of this popular drink that just happens to share his surname.   The good Dr. mentioned that, in his considered opinion,  I should stop using the aluminum foil hats, letting the full force of the Cosmic Communications blast through.  Hmmmmm.  That could be problematic.  I will just have to consider the ramifications.    Peace Out!!

The front moved through fast, leaving clouds hanging on the peaks as I drove up the hill.  With no snow at the Trailer, I just figured that a trace would be a stretch, but the hill had a nice variation between Zero and 4” of the ultra light angel dust, which freshened the Grooming job.  I stayed all day, getting max trams because the back to back Trams made the vertical accumulation rapid fire.  The Snow guns were working hard all day offering a nice transition between new fresh and Gun Powder.  The quite cold temps. made the man made consistent and velvety as you passed each zone, however, there was a bit of crustulation after each band of buff, so a solid directional choice was recommended when exiting the buff areas..  The off trail lines continue to get increasingly worked, making me have to abandon a couple lines I have had a hand in defining these last 2 weeks.   Tomorrow, look for a fresh mow wall to wall, the morning Trams to provide the best hard driving fun of the day, and another day of Sunny indulgence.  Not much has changed, but that last little bit of freshness did not disappoint, despite the small accumulation.  Be there for the morning festivities, or wait for the Sun to get higher in the sky for better visibility.   Ciao!!!

The way the weather people were talking yesterday, today was supposed to been overcast ahead of this next brush by that is moving in, but it turned out to be a rather sunny and pleasant day.   I was able to drive with no hat and just sun glasses all day long.  The morning session was lightly attended, making the runs uncrowded and buffed.  I took advantage of the great combination to pull out the Wings to get some fast laps in before the folks started to arrive.  Back to back Trams were going off without a schedule, so the vertical added up quickly.  The off trail is becoming pretty worked, with some very tight interference patterns built up in the high traffic areas.  The traverse underneath North Chute, coming across from the Peruvian Chair, is very difficult to negotiate lately, requiring great care to move through it.  The snow on the other side of this feature is very nice, but that bit of traverse is sketchy, so know that going in.  Perhaps, check it out from the Tram to get a better look, you will see.  The snow pack is getting firm again after the last installment, with some adjacent lines to the main runs offering some fun variation, which gets you off the Groomers and back into a more natural feel.   Tomorrow, look for what ever the weather  brings to help with the firmness issue, though an over cast day could put a bit of a harsh on the visibility.  For some reason the light is remaining flat for much longer in the morning, and is still an issue as you move from Sun to shade, so develop a sense of the line to make the transitions  a bit less like guess work while you wait for your eyes to adjust.  Fun is still available during this low snow period, but you will have to bring your stoke factor to get the most out of the day.  See you there for the First Boat.   Ciao!!!

The high pressure is back, and with it all the elements of the inversion begin to affect the hill.  The morning Groomers were really fun, though the low angle Sun still is not helping the flat tight situation for the fist few Trams.  The off trail is becoming better and better as the traffic works it.  I have found numerous lines that have escaped the notice of the majority.  Lower West Baldy was open today, looking like there were some consistent sections, though the low snow makes it an adventure.  The hill is becoming firmer as we move along, though the tenderizing efforts by the Cat Crew really help that entire morning session.  In the afternoon, look to the side lines to still be holding some softness, where you can scrub some speed or just lay down some smooth carves.  The Patrol is placing some plastic padding in the upper Rat’s Nest entrance.  I got a look at the material and it is like the stuff they use at the Summer Park in PC.  Any kind of

HOME PLANET

mitigation in that area will be a tremendous help, as it is really gnarly now.  Tomorrow, look for the morning session to be fast and furious, with back to back Trams to be keeping the pace brisk and demanding.   Regulator will be a bit crispy, as today got quite soft and mushy.   Perhaps scope out some of the peripheral lines from the lifts before heading out there for the best chance of nailing the goods.  The snow pack has consolidated quite a bit, so punching through is becoming less of a concern, though there are still hazards.  The day may be a bit grey, as they are predicting a brush by. See you of the first Tram.   Ciao!!

It was cold, blowing, with snow in your face  getting off the top for first Tram.  The new fresh Essence was a welcome addition, and drew the requisite response from the faithful, who have been waiting patiently for so long.  The Groomers were especially creamy, with finally something to put an edge into without wincing. The quality was very nice and resisted slabbing from the heavy wind.   The very cold temps of the morning, made the Gun Powder quite delightful and luxurious, though short lived after leaving the zone.  The hazards are covered now, and I was hearing about some altercations with the substrate that exists over at Gad 2, but you had to know going into that area, after the traffic had worked it, that it was going to be problematic.  I was asked if I had any P Tex to repair a nasty core shot, but I pulled all that from my locker quite some time ago.  As the morning wore on, the old layer  began to crop up again, but an eye for the grey white contrast indicated the variations, making them easy spot.  The wind was very strong, so there might be some transported snow overnight for the morning crew, though most of it seemed to be headed to Mineral Basin. Tomorrow, look for the Groomers to

SUN RISE

provide some sumptuous hydrovelvet for the first time in a while.  Off trail will still be offering the same go to lines as before, but variations from the known line will be a toss up.  There has been a buzz about the Rasta Chutes, but my excursions over in that direction revealed some serious ledging from the rotten snow pack, making any real fall line attack dubious and difficult.  Check all that stuff out from below before you commit to the upper section.  I am glad I did, and this new snow will not go too far in repairing it.  I am just saying.   Dress for cold as Winter is back after the Spring like temps we have had.   See you there for fun in the AM!!   Here is  a great shot taken by my good friend Mike on the early Tram.  Start of a great day!!   Peace Out!!!

There was over an inch of freshness on the Trailer this morning, signaling the long over due installment of Essence that we have been needing for so long.  This seems to be just a small freshening before we get another High Pressure, but it is still snowing and the forecast is for a bit more during the day.  The picture of the day from Snowbird’s Web site looks promising, perhaps indicating a bit more than the 7” on the official report.  Any kind of addition to the snow pack will help alleviate the firmness that has plagued us for such a long time.  This much snow will also cover all the previously obvious hazards that had been exposed by the traffic working the off trail, and the freshness will give the Cat Crew a bit of material to blend into the mat.  Be sure to remember all the off trail lines you have been working to avoid the snags.   The tenderizing efforts were greatly appreciated these past days, and the addition of the new snow will go a long way to making the traction better after having to float the icy sections, though there will still be tiles to keep in mind, as it will take a fair bit more coverage to bury the icy spots.  When the conditions get variable as they will be now, a longer averaged turn will help smooth out the variations.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the fast movers, who will be coming out to get the new snow.  You won’t be able to hear them as before, so keep an eye up hill.  Tomorrow, look for clearing, better visibility, new snow to work, and a full increment of increased fun.   I will be on first Tram in the AM., so see you there!!! IBBY!!

Today was another beauty from start to finish.  Clear skies, roomy Trams, and some smooth runways, provided back to back fun for the attendees.  Regulator was predictably crispy for the morning session, but that did not keep the fast movers from ripping it.  I have been holding a tight fall approach to deal with those slick conditions, giving the middle section lots of room.  I have been looking off trail as the consolidation makes the off trail at least explorable in a cautious mode.  There are various lines to work which have escaped the crowd, so look closely and find some of those hidden gems.  Tomorrow, look for the hill to maintain the basic character, only influenced by the fast moving storm that is predicted to move through, leaving up to 6 inches in it’s wake.  That can’t be a bad thing, but it will make the visibility a definite factor, so remember your lines from this week, and stay close to avoid the hidden surprises.  Big Emma continues to be quite slick down the middle, but the left hand side seems to hold up the soft snow all day, so look there to keep the turns going without having to smear the glaze.  I will be taking tomorrow off, so work the hill for me and I will see you Sunday!!  Ciao!!

The high pressure continues to deliver unusually high temperatures for this time of the season.  The Grooming Crew did a fine job of preparing the morning session with some deep tenderizing, which held off being scraped off until after 11:00 AM.  The smoothness is still holding strong, resisting the traffic in the busy sections, though the slickness persists after the fuzz is gone.  At 1:00 PM Regulator Softened up, with the right side actually getting that spring time corn feel.  You know that area  is going to be quite crispy in the AM, so expect that and factor that into the first run choice.  The off trail is providing more and more lines off the beaten path, which have consolidated and do not expose you to the punch-ability factor.  The off trail on Gad 2 has consolidated as well in some places, but care should be taken as it did not look all that doable to me.   There has been little grooming over there, so expect wide spread interference patterns on the main runs.  At 2:00PM the Sun was really warming up the air, hitting 50 degrees, making the Plaza feel like the beach.  Tomorrow, look for another Ground hog’s Day type day, one where you know that icy spot is right there, only this time you go around it etc……     My friend Dr Pepper,  AKA Mike Costanza is now back on deck for the festivities.  His arrival has usually been a harbinger of good things to come, and I think this time will not be an exception.  Thanks  Doc for bringing that special magic along.   See you all there for first Boat.    IBBY!!!

This morning was another warm one without the wind of yesterday.  Once again, the Grooming Crew had set up the hill for fun for the morning crew, who got to shave off the first fuzz of the corduroy.  The smoothness was not a “give me” by any stretch, slamming one hard charger with no mercy.  Fortunately, there was no serious injury, but another wake up call to the consequences of full commitment when the conditions are this hard.  The day warmed up, finally breaking Regulator at 1:30 PM, when the soft carvacious Sun modified goodness once again treated the afternoon crew.  Tomorrow, look for the that aspect to be very crispy indeed, so keep that in mind for the morning choice of run.  However, the Peruvian side is not much softer overall, as it does not see the Sun, and still is holding some of the glassiest spots.  The smooth is holding up all day long on the Groomed runs, but the fuzz is scrapeed off by 11:00 Am, so expect to deal with some of the variations as the day wears on.   The Sun is magic with a beautiful warmth that feels like warm honey, making a stay on the Deck a fine diversion. Not much else has changed, so I will sign out now.  BE Well!!

Beautiful untracked

The high pressure is still holding strong, with no real relief in sight.  The morning crew was treated to moderate temps., brisk North winds, and some significant tenderizing efforts by the Cat Crew just before opening.   Regulator was very crispy  after yesterday’s exposure to the Sun, but by 1 PM it started to get a bit softer.   Lower down on the hill required a recognition of the slick spots here and there.  Big Emma is still very crowded with areas of soft snow punctuated by areas of glaze.  I just am taking a survival approach there.  More peripheral lines are becoming worth the exploration as the consolidation of the snow pack makes them much more predictable.  Many lines can be checked out from the Tram or the Chair, giving you a fair idea of what you are getting.  Here is a shot of an untouched section that just looks prime.  This beautiful little line is mighty inviting, but has very big teeth, so I just left it alone for an other day.   Peace out!!   Stand by for photo.