I was back on first Tram this morning as the pressure was non existent until 10:30 AM, when the folks began to show up and surge the line briefly.  The groomers were very nice in the marginal visibility, with the off trail being a bit more difficult and variable from aspect to aspect.  The high density of the last big storm is setting up and solidifying for the next storm.  There is the requisite mid amplitude bumps in the high traffic areas, but there are lines available that let you stretch out the turns a bit.  Mineral Basin was problematic, with difficult visibility issues.  The snow making was going full blast on Regulator, depositing a nice sugary satin underneath the guns.  I just kept going back for more as the Peruvian side of the hill got a tad contested with the Peruvian Express in play.  Tomorrow, look for excellent groomers to get you rolling, and further afield forays may find some blown in sections.  Keep your eye to the guts and tree lines for wind deposited goodness.  Perhaps Mineral Basin will have better visibility to scout out the situation more closely.  Also be aware of holiday folks not being totally aware of the surroundings.  It is best to give them a wide margin and be cautious in the congested areas.  I am looking forward to another great day tomorrow, so see  you in the AM.   Peace Out!  P.S.   Watch  out for Black Ice in the lower Canyon in the morning!

It was dumping as I drove down Parley’s Canyon, so I was glad to see the fresh installment coming in hard.  My contacts told me the light was very flat,with the details minimal, though the Groomers were happening top to bottom, making the flat light easier to negotiate.  Flat light is good training for feel and pays dividends when you get HD back.  Here is a Shot I took of  untracked corduroy  at the top of Beaver Mountain the other day.    It was very nice, and perfect just IS!!  Look for some fresh snow overnight to freshen things up.  I will be making a much more thorough  report for tomorrow, as I will be able to check aspects first hand.  The hill changes so fast, that 3 days can make a huge difference, though, so can 3 hours!  See you dark and early!!!   Ciao!

THE LIVING ROOM SHAG

The Sun finally came out, after a long siege of  base building stormage, to shed light on the situation.  Nice situation indeed, after last year’s thin coverage.  There have been early season periods like this, and many have contacted me to refresh my memory, and that is why I have been grabbing hold of each and everyday.  Since I am not there,  I will surmise that the groomers are killer,- I will post a shot of this perfection as soon as I return- with the off trail well covered, and the entrances in much better shape after this last layering of SPACKLE.  These storms are going to set up a base that is bomber as we move forward into the season.    I visited the beautiful Beaver Mountain yesterday, and had a wonderful time in the Sunshine and great cover that they have there.  Having never been there before, I was impressed by the great variety of exposures and features this hill  possesses wall to wall.  It would take some time to explore all the faces and out of bound areas that are accessible.   I only have minimal Internet access, so I will try and get out a more informed post for tomorrow.  Enjoy the holidays and I will return very soon.   IBBY!!!

The high density installments continue with very tricky conditions.  Granted, today’s untracked was a bit more buoyant, though it reminded me of Tapioca; sticky, thick, lumpy, and just not my idea of a great desert. I battled the lines, which backed off as the day progressed, and battled the severe harbor chop  as long as my knees would allow before I bailed.   Tomorrow, look for improving weather for the weekend and the grooming to be the ticket if you are looking for perfect.  I think the off trail will continue to be problematic, as most every pitch had slide debris, which is set up and tricky as well.   The good news is that the entrance to Great Scott has improved markedly and is no longer the no go zone it has been of late.   As I said yesterday, this snow is going to be a great base builder for the next while, as we move into the time of season when we can get those prolonged High Pressure areas that hang over  us; so the more we get now the better.    I am going to be making the trip  back to the Home Planet for a few days, where I may  not be able to get any SUB SPACE channels to post by, but I will do my best.  Happy Holidays to every one,  be safe and don’t forget to SIZZLE!!   Peace Out!!!

Once again we got hit with another installment just before Christmas to build the base up and make it, perhaps, one of the best early seasons that I can remember. Today’s product was distinctly  high density with something going on with the snow crystals that was pulling on everyone’s equipment.  The untracked was  incredibly smooth, though I was challenged by the consistency , even though I have a pair of those  new, hip, now, mod, a go go powder skis, which work wonderfully, but today I was getting worked.  The harbor chop came up very quickly in sharp abrupt peaks that did not give much, and was particularly interesting in the marginal visibility.  After Noon, the Tram line went away, giving way to back to back access, which was very opportune as the increasing winds, and heavy snow began to over take the traffic and smooth out the upper faces.  Mineral Basin was very tricky with the high density putty very difficult to negotiate in the almost zero visibility.  Tomorrow look for more snow to have fallen, and the road to be closed at 6:00 AM.  It might be another day of hurry up and wait, so plan a good spot to wait.  This type of snow will be an incredible addition to the base, and will be a perfect material for wind buff if we get a good wind event.    Check for the road opening , see you in the AM.  Ciao!!

Yes indeed, it was full on today right from the word GO.  The faithful were on hand and on time for the on time opening.  The  overnight report seemed to be a bit conservative with full on face shots and super deep pockets that had doubled up from yesterday.  I could still feel the bottom, but it was just a hint with no real problem.  The Peruvian Chair was basically vacant while the Tram was pushing the 5 Tram wait, so I moved over to the Chair to take advantage of the walk on situation.  Baldy opened, with Mineral Basin close behind,  giving the energized faithful some fresh and deep to explore.  Mineral was super deep, with the consistency being a bit heavy, and a full on charge mode required to negotiate the severe depth that had built up back there.  The mountain itself is full on now, with great entrances, covered reefs, and plenty of cushion  to take the sting out of some of those bump areas.  The harbor chop was stirred  up into stiff peaks that challenged an over aggressive approach.  I try to slow down and get round to assist in dealing with the chop, which stresses my knees.  I finally bailed at 2:00 PM , as the Tram line finally got to the walk on stage after Mineral opened to draw the pressure back there.   More snow is on the way  for the next two days, which will keep the hill  soft for the early risers.  The chop will be established again, so the earlier the better.  Look to the chairs for very good access and more skiing if you take advantage of the neglected uphill capacity.    Check for road access in the AM., as you never know  if they got hammered overnight.   See you dark and early.  IBBY!!!

The Canyon was closed last night as the storm moved in, starting out as heavy rain at the  base elevation.  That little bit of strangness did not bode well, but the snow level began dropping as the cold air moved in.  I had anticipated some more heavy density product when the road finally opened at 1:00 PM., but instead the faithful were treated to super deep, very light, puffy, and fluffy essence that blew up into full on face shots.  The folks who were on hand for the opening this morning had 2 full hours to themselves, and I am here to tell you they worked it all pretty quickly with  walk on Trams  to get to the next untrammeled run.  I heard the tales of the early runs that some of the fortunate were telling, and with the leftovers as a sample,  they were all true.  The  bottom  was still slightly in play due to the lightness of the product, but it buffered the rumble, substantially reducing the impact.  Be cautious of some of the traverses, where some extremely  abrupt whoopties are  walled up in the path, creating a factor to be anticipated if you are hauling the mail.  A double eject could have your name on it.  The conditions are excellent with more snow forecast for tonight, so a check on the road report should be made before getting out of the house.  I am hopeful that we will be able to get up  without delay in the morning, but with this much snow there is no telling.  This is the season we were all hoping for, so hold on tight it is going to be a very deep ride.   Peace Out!!

The rain drummed incessantly all of the early morning hours on the roof of the trailer.  I did not have to deal with the array this  morning, so I got up there with time to spare.  The faithful heard the call and where on time to partake of some opulent frosting on all exposures.  The high density product was effortless in the early stages, as the mountain got worked by knowledgeable seekers, who went for the far and obscure first thing, leaving other more accessible shots ignored.  Mineral Basin was excellent as well, though the visibility was a very real issue in the featureless areas.    I stayed with the front of the hill and tried to fly under  the radar  to get those last vestiges of untracked  that remain close at hand.  As Noon came and went, the harbor chop built up quickly and tested the drive line.  I opted to let the faithful knock the remaining air out of the fresh installment, and went to watch the Stealers.   Precipitation continues,  as this system remains in place over us, so tomorrow is going to be another bonus day of fresh frosting. Be sure  to check the road report before heading up.  I’ll see you in the AM.  Peace Out!!

Today began the first of the continuous flow that is over us now.  Not much accumulation overnight-made the Canyon access no problem.  I am pulling for the” less is more” accumulation, so that  we get to ski multiple untracked days instead of just one deep installment.  A slow build up also allows quicker access to the goods, and gets the necessary prep work done  for the next application of product.  Remember, we are all part of the prep work process, which is very important for the perfect finish.  Speaking of fine finishes, here is a shot of Thunder Bowl on opening day.  It possessed a finish that had aged in perfect conditions and skied like a dream. I am sorry the resolution is so dark, but the light was very flat at this time of the day.

FIrst Tracks of the Season

Tomorrow look for more snow to have fallen overnight  to create yet another fine finish for us.  This Westerly flow will continue to bring higher density snow, which will help build the base and fill in the sketchy entrances.  It is great to have the entire mountain open, the full uphill capacity is providing many more uphill options.  The Tram was tending to get backed up, but now all options are there to spread out the pressure.  Check the report in the Am for Canyon access, but I am betting that we will continue to see short accumulations.   See you there early for the fun.  Ciao!!

Light traffic, perfect Groomers, and cold snow made first Tram a fun one to be on.  The snow had remained soft, and certain areas had gotten softer these past days.   Gad 2 opened for the first time this season, giving access to the  boarder lands that are so coveted.  I took the opportunity of this opening to be on hand for the drop.  I was joined by  Bobby and Bunny  Skigrin, and we were not disappointed by the perfect powder  .  I paid close attention to the feel of the snow and the terrain, as that section of the hill gets a lot of traffic and can get worked, so the perfect unsullied character was a special treat.  Gad 2 is looking well covered with most of the entrances holding snow … for now.   Good lines are bump free and will be stellar with this next storm that will be with us for a few days.   Yea!!  I am off tomorrow, so hold it down for me.  The snow might begin overnight and make the morning worth an early start.   We are primed for a big cycle, so hold on to your hat!!   See you Sunday!!   IBBY!!!