Spring-ish

It reached 46 degrees at the top of the mountain this afternoon at 1p.m.. Conditions bordered on spring, but north facing slopes hidden in the shade remained cold and wintery. We hiked over to the Upper Saddle around noon hoping for soft condition in CB Chute or Sun Bowl. Snow coverage at the saddle is minimal with rocks peeking out all over the place. We were a little early heading down the slope toward the base of Sherwood. The softer but not spring snow where I enjoyed making some turns was on the east flank of SP Bowl. Lower down we faced spring snow between hard skier ruts from the day before. It was fun, but not perfect. Most likely an hour later it was perfect.

Back on the front side I found good winter snow under High Yellow Face and in Pygmy Forest as well as on the groomed areas such as Alpine Bowl, Terry’s Return, Red Ridge, and Yellow Trail. A number of people were enjoying the sunny groomed surface at Sherwood.

While my friends went in for lunch I tried Gentian and Promised Land. Gentian was excellent with very little of the top layer of winter snow shaved off revealing firmness. Promised Land was a little more stiff as it had not softened enough nor turned to corn. Later we picked up speed on the nicely groomed Bobby’s Trail off Scott Chair where I caught Bob L. carving turns on his new skies.

One of the Alpine regulars, Bob L. and his son, were sporting new Salomon skis purchased very recently. Bob was lucky enough to purchase matching bindings to go along with his hot new skis. According to Bob they hold an edge easily and carve quick bold tight turns. I caught Bob carving a nice turn on Bobby’s Trail.

Not every surface was groomed, flat, or soft spring snow.  A ride up Summit Chair showed off the moguls on The Face.

Today was a beautiful, warm, sunny day in Tahoe without the crowds. Early morning for fast corduroy turns and later morning to early afternoon for spring turns on the sun baked slopes. Shaded areas all day for mostly skier winter pack.

Enjoy your day,

Andy