There was a high cloud deck obscuring the Sun today.  As the Sun rose up in the sky it began to burn off improving the visibility quickly.  The Cat Crew had done some tenderizing for the morning crew, providing a very consistent morning, with the scratchiness holding off until after Noon.  There was some very nice Gun Powder around the guns that felt very luxurious and velvety.  Good man made is a treasure as well.  Granted, natural precipitation is superior, but those smooth carving turns are a real treat during this low snow beginning.  There is a change in the weather in the offing, that may improve the conditions.  Even a half inch can be significant.   Also, expect some variable lighting and continued smoothness on the Groomers, but keep in mind the very well defined terrain variations that can throw you a curve quite quickly.  Not much has changed, so I will keep this short.   See you there early!   Peace Out!

This morning was beautiful, being not to cold, not to busy, and both sides open.  I struggled my way back to the hill to keep moving and not seize up as the severe bruising begins to blossom.  It was a hard hit I took, but I am just bruised not broken.  If I had not slowed down going into that gun curtain it would have been another story.  The snow pack has really solidified since Friday, becoming seriously bullet proof, requiring a cautious approach to both sides of the hill.  There was a South wind blowing all the loose snow off Regulator, leaving it extremely greasy with precious little fuzz to grab an edge on.  With no edges, I just was keeping it real, just letting the skis slide graciously through the turns.  I could tune them up, but that extra purchase sends vibrations up to my knees, so I am just giving my knees a break by not getting serious about  trying to dig in.  Tomorrow, look for the early morning runs to provide some tenderising efforts by the Cat Crew, along with  minimal traffic pressure.  Off trail is getting very well traveled, revealing the rocks and stumps, but also sustaining the development of the medium frequency, medium amplitude interference patterns.  There was a big ring around the Sun today, indicating a change in the weather a few days down the road, so keep your

Seed Pods

eyes on the forecast for an official change.  Of course, it will come when it comes, and I am going to enjoy every day for what it is, even if it might be a tad slick.  When the time comes to let loose, all the elements will be ready to hold up the performance level.  Be careful under the guns, which by and large, are turning out great gun powder, but  the temperature variations from top to bottom can create some inconsistency.   See you in the AM.   IBBY!!

I have been convalescing all day long, hitting the pain meds to keep the functionality at least tolerable, but I figure I got away lucky.  On my Face Book page, folks have weighed in on many other individual smackdowns at that particular spot yesterday.  Today, I am sure the Cat Crew had mowed the mound down, making that section more realistic.  The Sun was out, the temps were pleasant, and the cover on the main runs continue to make this low snow start very fun.  Peruvian is very nice to tour around, looking at all the possibilities that will be present when the Essence makes it’s appearance in force.  I am not even looking at the weather these days, because I like surprises, so I like to let them sneak up on me.  The Peruvian Chair is operating now, which provides such a great seat from which to survey the lines before they begin to fill up with base.  The sharp relief of rocks on the Upper Cirque is amazing when you think of how much snow is required to get that to the point of access.   I am still holding off going off trail before we get more snow, and I probably will give it at least another storm before I will feel comfortable moving through some of those scree deposits.  Remember to keep an ear and eye on the uphill traffic, and what with the much narrower sections of the Peruvian side there is not much margin for error.  Tomorrow, look for continued full carve dancing on the Groomers to be the solid place to be.  The early morning traffic should not be

Hard Rock

too heavy, though there will be build up as the day progresses.  It keeps getting darker each morning, but I am holding on to each day, finding the early morning runs have added value.  See you there for the first Bucket!!! Peace Out!!!

It was the first full day of Peruvian Gulch access for the season, and most of the traffic was focusing on the new terrain.  There was a lot of traffic exploring the off trail areas where the cover is still quite thin, but that did not seem to dissuade many folks from hitting the wide open sections, as well as some of the deep trees.  That traffic will go a long way toward revealing those hidden hazards.  The main runs are being hit hard with the snow making that continues all day.  Those snow screens can offer some very nice gun powder below them, but they also can be tricky as you pass by.  I was taken out by the very last gun on Chips, as the gun powder was more like gun chowder, grabbing my ski, ripping it off, and slam dunking me full on the hard pan.  Doh!!  A good friend helped me up, as I got the wind knocked out of me and I was not quick to get up.  I am OK, but I will be living with the fall out for some time to come.  I was just mentioning that bit of caution just the other day.  I had bled off the speed before going though the curtain, but I was not able to hold the force field!!.  Keep this in mind as you approach the guns and expect variation.  The cover on the main run is looking solid, with only minimal icy sections.  Beware of the Lower Men’s Downhill Chute, as it is very greasy and required a very cautious approach, especially when populated with folks trying to negotiate the section. Tomorrow look for the traffic to increase as expected, though the  early Trams will probably give you some rapid fire laps.  Regulator has remained very nice in the morning, getting a brake from being the only run open.  Over all the firmness is increasing, so edges help quite a bit, but I am schmoozing the turns to spite the glaze.   I will see you Sunday.   IBBY!!!

There was a cloud deck holding the peaks as I drove up the hill this morning, but they all moved off for the first Tram.   Regulator was still perfectly smooth and buffed for the first few runs before the velvet was shaved off.   The overall consistency remained good all day, but those first few are special.  At 1:30 PM. we were treated to the opening of the Peruvian Gulch for the first time this season.  The coverage on the main run was excellent, with dry chalky gun powder covering wide open sections of the run.  The Snow Curtains were a bit tricky skiing through, but the relatively cold temps. made the new snow below them slick with a minimum of gabbiness.   It was such a treat to get some new terrain to caress, with many very well defined terrain features in play.  As we get more snow those definitions go away, so it is fun to work the variations, and explore the nuances of the path down the hill.  Off trail is looking promising, but the reality is that there is not much cover, so explorations off trail should be given much thought.   Anderson’s   Hill is open, though there is a rope line with a” Expect Unmarked Hazards” sign to insure you know that you are entering some very iffy conditions.  Personally, I would not be venturing out there because I know, and I am sure you know how gnarly it is,  and what lies just there beneath the seductive surface.  Use your best judgement.  Tomorrow, look for the added terrain to add to the fun for all.   I am sure the off trial will get worked, after which it will get packed out, revealing all the  points of interest.  It will be a rock and roll frenzy no matter what!!! BE there!!   Ciao!!

It was 25 degrees F on the peak this morning as the first Tram crew hit the corduroy, which was down right balmy after the first days of the week.  The machine work was beautiful, feeling velvety and so smooth.  The limited terrain makes holding a solid fall line a plus.  There is high energy coming off of every boat and awareness of the uphill pressure is mandatory.  Some folks are carrying some real heat, so continuous monitoring of the location and line of other folks is part of the first wave.   The smoothness held up all day, though the slick spots cropped up, requiring some float zones, unless you have good edges.  I was told that Peruvian Gulch is scheduled to open tomorrow morning after all the prep work has been completed, so it may not be first boat.  Extensive snow making has been going on over there, so  the main runs will be good to go, but off trail will be sketchy and certain areas will be roped off.  You will just have to be here to see how it looks.  I am betting on some fun, as well as the fresh terrain to toss into the mix.  I love Regulator, but…..!  The Canyon Road has been showing solid signs of Black Ice both in the morning and on the way down the hill.  There were also some signs of folk having slid off the road, so my feeling is that it is a required consideration up and down.   Be careful.   See you there dark and early.    IBBY!!!

It was a full throttle morning, with much warmer temps on the peak for first Tram.  The Groomers were velvet smooth for the first hour, and good to go for a full fall line assault.  The Sun is taking longer and longer to light up Regulator as we get closer the Shortest day of the year.  The snow making has really been great, and with the opening of the Wilbre Chair, skiing the Gun Powder  on the lower mountain is very nice indeed.  You will want to be cautious going into the new area as the significant terrain features are still well defined, presenting some rather abrupt changes, so be aware.  The dry air, cold temps, and well tended snow making has really made every day a pleasure.   Tomorrow, look for continued sweet turns.  Smoothness is holding up all day, but the glaze is still coming through for the afternoon session.  I was just aiming for the dust piles, bleeding speed off in a non committal manner.  What with trashed edges, trying to lock them up is futile, though a well executed schmooze turn is definitely acceptable.  Be there early for the high energy morning session.   Ciao!!

SUN DOG

It was 5 below Zero on the peak this morning as the First Tram hit the dock.  The Groomers had once again set up to provide  some dry chalky carving top to bottom.  The Sun came up really illuminating the dance floor, which was smooth, consistent, and good to GO!!  There is a large contingent of excellent sliders on the hill who are really bringing the goods.  It has been fun to see them draw the center line while I am working the left side of the sections.  Back to back Trams were fun to make, with the energy level really holding up despite the limited terrain.  After Noon,  the velvet began to be moved aside revealing the Formica surface that underlies the machine work.  Good traction was available despite the slick spots, but a good respect for the variations pay off  as you move down the hill.  There are a few spots that would present some serious implications if you could not make the cut.  I remember one individual, years ago, who committed to the line a bit over the top and did not negotiate the 90 degree mandatory turn, so…… Yadi  yadi yadi yada… he hit the tree that is no longer there.  That incident always is in the back of my mind when setting up the approach to the lower section.   Tomorrow, look for continued consistency to be on tap for the morning session, and the smoothness to hold up all day.  As the afternoon wore on clouds began to infiltrate the bowls, creating some interesting lighting effects.  Here is a shot of Twin Peaks with a beautiful Sun Dog shining brightly through the mist.  Very trippy!!!   See you in the AM!!!  Peace Out!!

THE CHEF

It was quite cold this morning on a lightly dusted surface, light, micro flake snow, and a foggy haze which required a sense of inner radar to supplement the marginal visibility.  The fresh snow from yesterday had been tilled into the mat, leaving the consistency reliable, though there are some slick spots that are cropping up here and there.  As the morning wore on a low amplitude chatter developed, something like prop wash.  It just tries to knock you down if you get going too fast sideways.  Proper respect of these quick variations will prevent a Pig On Ice moment.  Of course, I have recently experienced just such the moment, having the possibilities and consequences of “Failure To Negotiate” the surprise section fly  through my mind as I scrambled to readjust the force field!!  Expecting the unexpected is half the battle, and in that light that is a non metallic edge!!!  It is snowing here at the Trailer as I write this, so tomorrow should be offering some very nice laps, with little traffic to deal with.  Though the cover is minimal, the overall fun factor is still right up there.  It is great to get acclimated before we get hammered, to be able to take the stamina to the line when it is required, and you are digging deep on the lower 1000′ .   We will have to see about the visibility, at least you can totally trust the machine work.   Nice!!!   See you there dark and early!!!  Ciao!!   P.S.  Many folks have been asking about The Chef, wondering if he is an alter ego, a dimensional chimera, or a real Chef.  Well here is a shot of his Chefaciouness, with a gesture of unmitigated enthusiasm during last season’s pounding.  This individual taught me everything I know about Saute!!!

There was an inch of real Essence covering the Trailer this morning with 2” reported on the hill.  I brewed up some coffee and just savored the sight of bright Sun reflecting off the perfect whiteness.  Of course, it would have been nice to do some serious shoveling, but in this instance I only needed my leaf blower to clear the path.  The morning cold was also a big change, as the past two weeks had not presented those single digit numbers that greeted the Faithful on first Tram.  There is nothing like fresh snow, bright Sun, and the promise of some velvet under foot to stir the juices, but today was my day off so I stood there looking vacantly into space drinking coffee.  No doubt the freshness, though a modest accumulation, improved the playing field, as the few millimeters earlier this week worked wonders.  Later in the day the clouds built up and surrounded the peaks, so visibility was probably variable.  Tomorrow, look for the new product to have been worked into the mat, creating that velvet smooth ride that is another kind of perfect, mitigating some of those slightly slick spots that were cropping up.  The traffic will still reflect the weekend enthusiasm, but I still don’t expect to see any real back up on the lifts.  Pray for snow, so we can get to take those practice turns to the rest of the hill.  I know I am ready, how about you?   IBBY!!