It was another day of north east winds at Alpine Meadows. That meant the day started again with the Summit Lift on hold and some cool crispy groomers to start the morning. We’ve seen a lot of these days lately, and similar to last week…and the week before that, we will end the week with less wind and slightly warmer temperatures. On Sunday, the ridge pulls back again. We get just enough of an inside slider to again bring an inch or snow and a cold north wind again, followed by more northeast winds.
That said, early on the groomers are still skiing very well. It’s a testament to the mountain ops crew that they keep the slopes looking as good as they can given that we are now down to about 70% of average snow pack for this time of the season. It’s not just the grooming that is right on this season. It was that early season endless snowmaking session on Ridge Run that has allowed that run to maintain a solid base, even with heavier use when Scotts Chute and Gentian are less than attractive, like today.
Sherwood, without snowmaking is beginning to get a bit more bony. I hit the first rock of the season on the main Sherwood run this morning. It was one that looked like it had been kicked up by a groomer. Fortunately those movable rocks usually cause less damage. I’ll just call my base “over structured.” Sherwood Face is still super fun, as long as you keep an eye out for the ever increasing number of rocks.
The best runs of the day were Ridge and Bobby’s right around noon. It was absolutely smooth perfect corn. Worst runs of the day? Alpine Bowl toward the ABC side…totally wind scoured again. I would also mention Red Ridge and Ladies Slalom, which now appear to be off the grooming schedule, likely due to low tide conditions…very slick right now.
Again, there’s no significant snow in the forecast other than an inside slider or two bringing an inch or two at a time. Currently none of the teleconnections are giving any sign of change in the long range. We’ll just keep enjoying spring conditions while they are here to stay.
Saturday, yesterday and today were three of my best days of the season, oodles of first tracks everywhere on smooth flat corn. All to myself. No competition. Ask me where and how in May and maybe I’ll tell ya.
Cold temps at night right as the sun sets have lead to stellar grooming everywhere! Off piste…. not so much.