Welcome Winter

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You know you are in heaven when the mountains surrounding your home have been smothered with a deep blanket of snow over a short period of time.

Alpine Meadows opened today. Yesterday was actually opening day, but conditions did not allow for the running of lifts due to a power outage. Palisades Tahoe,  however was open and friends indicated it was very good on Red Dog and the Resort Lift.

This morning I arrived late to the hill, but it did not stop me from catching some excellent snow. I stepped onto my new skis and I tested my legs on Treeline Cirque and Roundhouse. No rocks were to be found, even in the trees. I am sure there are plenty of rocks, tree branches and other obstacles to avoid as it is early in the season. I avoided them and enjoyed some nice powder in the process. Although it looks good, please use caution when skiing off trail.

Before noon, the sky was gray and a little drizzle was falling. You know, the kind of drizzle that sticks to your goggles. Rime ice is the official name for this annoying weather, but on a day like today nothing is really annoying. Everyone I ran into this morning was smiling and excited to be ushering in winter. Shortly after noon, the sky cleared and sun shone in all its glory. Truly heaven to behold.

Skiers and boarders were hiking to catch powder turns in Deer Camp and out into lower Our Father or the other direction to the Face and well beyond. I spotted a couple of people making nice fresh powder turns in High Yellow.

A crew was setting up Summit Chair making me think that it might be spinning tomorrow. (Editor: It is 🙂 )

After 3 days without power in the valley, it was a relief to see the lights come on at midnight last night. The best part of having power is obviously the heater comes back on, but second best is the fact that the garage door opens and closes at the push of a button. Life is good.

Enjoy your day,

Andy