Today was quintessentially STUDIO!!!  The faithful responded to the snow report in large numbers, pushing the Tram line out to the Plaza at 8:30 AM. despite the road restrictions.  The 18” of  5% ESSENCE- and ESSENCE it was-  was overhead blower amidst a snow and wind storm going on during the entire day.  Two of the main areas remained closed, but there was plenty of room to explore the true depths of the hill.  On one particular North facing aspect, where the wind was blowing the product in as fast as it could get skied out,  I encountered a fully shoulder deep – this is no exaggeration- pocket of depth that , had it been higher density would have stopped me cold, but I blew through it effortlessly tunneling out the other side.  WOW!!!The density was so light that the under laying rumble was fully in play, so a nod to the smooth sections paid off, though it did not seem to matter that much to most people, but my knees were screaming for mercy.  As Noon passed, the South wind really started kicking in, smoothing and filling in the shots, making each run another untracked run.  This is the kind of powder day that keeps on giving.  Now there were plenty of folks who were rating this the best day of the year, and it was certainly the deepest lightest day of the year, but the rumble underneath was cause for me place just a slightly lower rating.   I just don’t want to rate things like that;

FULL FACE INVOLVEMENT

I will just say that the snow was STUDIO in the truest definition of the word.  Tomorrow, more of the storm is predicted to move in with a vengeance, so check the road report before leaving to head up the Canyon.   The day was so wild that I was not able to get shot that captured the feeling. Here is a shot of Robert, who graciously let me take his picture to illustrate the total involvement everyone was experiencing.  Thanks Robert, you got all of it!!!  So did everyone else!!!   I will see you Sunday after a days rest.   IBBY!!!!

As anticipated, the early Trams offered pristine Grooveliciousness top to bottom, with a back to back pace.  Lower Primrose Path was going off, as well as an extra special buff on Regulator. Fully 3cm of fresh essence covered the dance floor, making those early trams untracked perfect.    The wind was massaging the off trail shots, smoothing, filling, and preparing the field for the next installment, which is at the door step.   This next stretch will certainly be interesting, as it comes on the heels of last week, once again adding to the legend of 10/11.   “It was so deep…….”!!!   You know the rest, and the rest will be legendary.  It is certainly a good time to be here.  With the wind smoothing things out, any additional essence will just make it that much better.   Some medium amplitude interference still inhabits the heavily traveled shots, but any significant accumulation will make short work of that, though their presence can be expected.  Check the road report for restrictions just in case.  To make up for the the marginal visibility today, here is a shot of yet untrammeled Essence out in Boundary Bowl, which is still leftover from the last installment.  PERFECT!!!    Peace Out!

Boundry Bowl

The 2”  snow report did not draw the attention of the faithful, who were still resting up from the last installment and power frenzy.   The ones who chose to attend the opening were treated to  a unsuspected treasure, as an impulse hung on the hill dropping up to 10” of ultra light Angel Dust in Mineral Basin, and the High North aspects on the front of the hill.  Curiously, the lower mountain did in fact see 2”, but the bonus round was going off in a big way.  No crowds, no pressure, no hype, leaving the untracked realms track free fully till Noon.   Even the late afternoon held  some very deep pockets that just added to the bonanza this day held.  The wind had indeed filled the High North aspects, which made those shots consistent and hard drive ready.  Tomorrow, look for the Groomers to offer some perfect carvelocity top to bottom.  The South facing did not absorb too much radiant heat, due to the fairly brisk temps., but they may seem a touch set up in the AM.  You can expect continued softness on most of the other  aspects, with only very sparse reminders of the old crust layer still lurking.  No worries.  With the next system moving in, the light may be an issue, so be sure to get there early for best visibility if we get a break in the approach.  Mineral was just majestic with this morning’s sunshine.   Here is a shot of the Book ends just before they opened it, offering fully boot top depth for the lucky ones who were there.  Don’t let the goods find you napping!!! Peace Out!!

Hilary Step

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The valley was clear this morning, but there was a thick cloud hanging on the range, slowly depositing a light dusting of essence all day long.  The visibility was fairly good, though at times it got a little sketchy, with the snow and an increase in  the wind.  The wind is the key for working the hill back into smoothness.  The harbor chop is firmly set up from the medium density installment over the weekend, and has been sending me back to the Groomers to give my knees relief from the pounding.  The  Groomers were the ticket this morning, providing some very consistent traction, and they were covered with the slight covering of essence that was falling continuously.  The wind has been brisk here at the Trailer all afternoon, so I will be looking for some transported goodness to  be on tap for tomorrow’s opening.  As the wind has been out of the South, look for the Northern aspects to be getting the accumulation, which will begin the smoothing process, eliminating the chop below.  This is what happened last time around, but there is also more weather predicted for later in the week, so we can expect improved softness.  The North facing is still the softest call, and  additional accumulation will only add to the fluffulecence.  It was cold today, preserving the overall quality, so South facing will only be marginally affected, and the rest of the aspects are holding up well.   As I said before, the rumble is the only issue for  me.  The holiday traffic has abated quite a bit, with very little wait for the lifts, but the slopes themselves are crowded with folks working their way down.  In the congested areas I was slowing way down to accommodate the clutter, but that is only an issue in the choke points.   Here is a shot of the Valley with the

View from the Peak

fresh frosting wall to wall, nice and clean!  See you there for the first Bucket.  Ciao!!!

Once again, the Promise of the Wasatch was fulfilled, as the faithful streamed up the Canyon to partake of the Essence.   After yesterday’s ultra deep session, overnight Lake Effect Angle Dust  greeted the Seekers, who were treated to yet more of the sustaining quality, that was opened up for the first time since this installment began.  This is yet another example of the type of storm cycle  that Legends are made of, and I can tell you that the stories, which will be carried back to the far reaches of the world, will be true no matter how outlandish they may seem.  I was there, I will back you up.  The only issue I encountered- and this is just me now- was the Harbor Chop, that had been developed yesterday, made the power lines a bit bouncy.  The Mountain Smooth has been interrupted briefly, as the freshness gets worked in.  I did not encounter any of the old crusty layer anywhere, except on the high entrance to Old Ladies, but that did not present any problem, as the full depth blast below more than made up for any trickiness.  Tomorrow, look for slightly lighter traffic after the big weekend crowd has gone home, but there will be the residual traffic enjoying this vacation week. Look, also, for the Groomers to be exquisite in the AM. before they get too worked, as this depth will not hold the smooth for very long.  The cold of the day preserved the quality of the snow, and I did not see too much deterioration in the South facing aspects.  The Hill is in great shape, and you will find great shots wall to wall, so just follow your nose and let fly, so to speak.  Here is a shot of Little Cloud just before it opened .  MMMMMM!!!!   It was every bit as good as it looks.   Totally overhead and bottomless.    Feel free to lift the shot and send it to the Unbelievers, as you know the TRUTH!!!  IBBY

Little Cloud Waits

I took my time getting going this morning, as the Canyon was closed until 9ish.  The cue was backed up to 78ooS. going no where fast, so I just decided to give myself another day off.  With 2′ of snow, the faithful were anxious to get to the fresh installment that was waiting for them.  My inside sources reported super deep medium density product, that was so deep a straight line was needed to get the required speed to plane up. The flats were a trap, leaving them having to slog out after losing momentum.  As things got worked over that problem abated, but this was the stuff we have been waiting for to beef up the pack, and heal up the old crusty layer.    Tomorrow, be sure to check the road report, as there may be additional delays.  The mountain will be getting worked over by the machines, providing some sumptuous turns on the super smooth.  Off trail will be continued soft wall to wall, and we  may be seeing some additional accumulation as the system works it’s way through the area.   I expect tomorrow to be well attended as well, so be looking to be getting an early start, if the road allows, to get in line before things get too backed up.  It sure is great to have the dry spell behind us and the forecast looking good for this next week, so we will get our share of the goods in due time.  Not to worry.  I will see you tomorrow if all things go well.   Ciao!!!

A new weather system moved in overnight, adding to the recent installment.  Overnight, the 12 Hours of Snowbird was held, and I was there for the opening bell, where luminaries and cognoscenti began the long night with a run down Regulator Johnson to begin lapping the Gad Zoom chair for the first half of the night, then moving to the Peruvian side of the hill to finish things off.  It was surreal skiing in the dark, with headlamps and a crew of chargers that really were bringing it.  I found myself staying well to the side as the pace blew my doors off.  Another cool feature was the dancing lights flying down the hill, silently passing by as the fresh Groom Job did not create any sound.  Silent running!!! Thanks to  all the folks at Snowbird for making this event  such an exciting happening.   Tomorrow, expect more snow to add to this Fresh Fest that we have been waiting for.  These installments have gone a long way in healing the recent scouring, with the big North faces  being smoothed by the wind, leaving the substrate supportable and consistent.   Still be cautious of the High West facing, where the icy crust will still be lurking, though  any sizable accumulation will mitigate the harshness.  All of the entrances have improved markedly from last week, providing much more accessible lines, which let you hit these shots without all the dancing around gnarly features.  Be sure to check the Road Conditions for morning access, as the continued precipitation may cause delays in the AM.   Here is a shot of the High Wind Work out in Mineral Basin.

WIND WORKING

See you tomorrow.   Peace Out!!!

As anticipated, the Groomers were the most consistent calls for the early risers, though the overnight wind had prepared and buffed some of the off trail as well.  The South wind transported the snow to the North faces, continually filling them in run after run.  I did not cross my own track twice each time I visited my direct line.  “The wind giveth and the wind taketh away”, and for each shot being filled, there was another getting stripped.   These aspects will continue to fill up and be great no matter what.  The High West faces still have been very icy and tough to gain an edge.  Lower down on a shot you will find great snow, but sometimes getting there is a trip.  There is a storm moving in, so there might be some fresh in the morning.  The smooth seems to holding the smooth during these applications, though I did see a brisk build up of interference on the heavily visited areas.  I will be participating in the 12 Hours Of Snowbird tonight. Check the Snowbird site for specifics, as I am unsure on it myself.  Sounds like a cool thing to ski in the dark, and having never done that, I will be digging deep in the muscle memory banks for supplemental reference.   With luck the Moon will shine a bit of light, but it is overcast now, and I have my doubts.  Tomorrow, look for the wind loaded areas for best results, and watch those high West facing entrances for the high glaze. Scary!!   I have been trying to get photos, but the weather is not cooperating.   I will be off tomorrow to rest up, so enjoy some of those tasty runs for me.   Ciao!!

The front moved through the valley at 7:00PM. last night, bringing with it super high winds, lightning, thunder, and the first installment we have seen in quite a stretch.  The mountain accumulated 11 to 12” of medium density product to greet the faithful, who showed up extra early in anticipation of a stellar day.  The higher density was a perfect cushion to cover the rastiness that we have been dealing with as of late. I was going for all the smooth shots that I have been logging to avoid the rumble, and take advantage of the consistent surface below.  Mineral Basin offered bright sunny visibility, an escape from the traffic pressure, and some very nice quality top to bottom.  The high West wind that blew overnight, piled up the goods in pockets and reduced the cover in other places, so a sharp eye was needed to see the subtle evidence of accumulation.  In my case, I chose well, by the looks of some tracks, others did not fair as well.   I was staying out ahead of the crowd by moving further afield to get the untracked that was being neglected by the feeding frenzy.  Sometimes it will buy you a lot if you play the remote card and leave the easy pickings to the hungry ones.  You can enjoy much more relaxed turns by playing the crowd, so keep that in mind as it can pay off in a big way.  Tomorrow, look for the groomers to provide some of the nicest turns of the morning, though the cold overcast day did not set the new snow up to any extent, keeping the crud good to go.  A huge tip of the hat to the Patrol and Lift crew for getting the hill going shortly after 8:30 AM  to the delight of the faithful, who were treated to the creamy essence well ahead of schedule.  Score!!!  This installment will go a long way in the healing  of the hill, and prepare the canvas for the next storm.   See you in the AM.   IBBY!!!

I was kept up all night by the relentless wind rocking the Trailer.  I knew the communication array was taking a beating and would be totally out of alignment.  I got up extra early to try and get a signal before I left for the Hill, but I will have to deal with that situation later.  I did not have too much hope for the Tram, as my vehicle was getting seriously rocked  as I approached the Canyon.   Fortunately, the Tram was up and running into a straight South wind, enabling it to keep running in the serious wind pressure.  As anticipated, the  scouring effect of the wind had stripped even more surface snow away, leaving the frozen Harbor Chop of three weeks ago.   Scoping out the hill on the ride up revealed very scant deposits of transported essence.  Getting to those aspects was the trick, as the traverse had been pummeled, leaving high frequency chatter.  I  slowed down  to avoid the eye ball flapping amplitude I encountered yesterday.  The High North was the only aspect that seemed to be consistently holding the smooth transported snow, though there were glazed areas  to negotiate intermittently.   Those transported deposits were gold, however, delivering the sweetest sugar that lightly covered the wind slab below.  Tomorrow, we can expect some new product to begin the repair of the mountain smooth.  Remember the smooth lines from the past few days and make those the Go To choices to score the smoothest ride.  Also keep in mind the rasty areas that may interrupt the flow.    Hopefully, the new snow will come in a touch on the wet side to stick to the hard pan, and get the ball rolling for the continued deposits.  Remember how quickly things healed up after The Event, so the hill will be on the mend, working it’s way back to great.  I  hope we don’t get too much, so we can get at it and do the preparatory work with no delays.   See you in the AM.. IBBY!!!