Maybe instead of thanking the presidents’ for their birthdays, I should be thanking two other groups: people that bought the Ikon Base Pass and people that have already given up on skiing. Thanks to those two groups, it was the least busy Saturday in recent memory at Alpine Meadows. The longest line I waited in today was 45 minutes, which was only because I went out and waited for first chair at Summit early this morning. After that, I never stood in a line more than two minutes or so, and that was only at Summit. Temperatures also never rose to the advertised 55° today, so conditions were very skiable all day, or at least until I left at 2:30.
Things did not soften quite as quickly this morning. It wasn’t until the third or fourth lap in the Sunspot zone that things started feeling nice and corny. Lower on the hill, perfectly carvable corduroy brought smiles to everyone’s face. We kept going back to Summit expecting to see a full corral, and it just never happened. The upper parking lots also remained nearly full, but never filled. For this reason, it may have been easy to just stay at Summit all morning…except that I am drawn to corn snow like a moth to the light.
Miracles are happening every day at Sherwood. We noted that more very creative snow farming was being done out of the Bakery zone to keep the Sherwood Run alive. Maid Robin was also groomed again the last two days, not including the lower “Tucks” section. Those groomers are fun for a couple of runs, but the real fun is finding those bumps that are just your size. The Right Sherwood Face was my jam today, although I think I would want rock skis in that zone next time.
Scott also offers limited runs, but exceptional fun on Ridge and Bobby’s. You just need to time it just right. Standard is getting past the fun stage as it’s becoming a rock fiesta lately. The main entrance to Scott Chute is getting super spicy, if it opened today. Over on Lakeview, Scotty’s Beam is burnt out at the top and Outer Limits will not be far behind without some snow miracles.
Tomorrow will be cooler than today, and more windy. Still it should be warm enough to soften south-facing terrain. Monday through Wednesday will bring an unsettled period. Expect very cold temperatures, a lot of wind and a total of 2-5 inches of snow again. So expect a repeat of the last system. It will not be a game changer. No game changers are currently in the forecast.
Sunday morning update: These numbers are trending upwards. Monday night now showing 4 to 8 inches and then 2 to 4 inches Tuesday. Those are “mid-mountain” numbers. That would be a decent refresh. That much new snow on a firm base will bring significant avalanche danger and the potential for delayed terrain openings on Tuesday.
The days are getting noticeably longer. As March 1st rolls into our view, meteorologically speaking, that is the transition from winter to spring in forecasters’ eyes. I know you learned in elementary school that spring begins on the Vernal Equinox (Mar 21), but that has much more to due with the length of our days rather than typical weather. Once we get into March it starts getting more difficult to rebuild the snow pack, especially over bare earth and rock. There have been exceptions, notably 1982 and 1991. There’s no scientific signs of a March Miracle yet. The best hope I can offer is that I have a trip to Mexico planned in April and my son is getting married in early May. Expect big snows at those times.
Long Live Longboards
I’m actually taking the day off from skiing tomorrow. I’ll be headed out to the longboard races up at the Johnsville Ski Bowl, one hour north of Truckee. The races are held three times each winter, snow permitting. At the rate snow is melting, March may not happen. My friend Amy built her own set of longboards last fall and will be racing tomorrow. I need to go cheer her on. The event is also a ton of fun and I have deep ties to the Ski Bowl. The races begin at noon and admission is free. Food and beverages are available for sale. The Johnsville Ski Bowl is 5 miles west of Graeagle (turn left at the Frostie), and park at the Ski Bowl or Plumas Eureka State park and catch a shuttle. Here’s my report from the last longboard event I attended in 2020.