Today, April 1, 2022 (April Fools Day) was another beautiful spring day at Alpine Meadows. I wanted to make up a believable story that was obviously a spoof, but I decided to let it go. I did have a wonderful dream last night, after midnight, that would have made it an April Fools Day dream. In my dream a wonderful caring lover of Alpine Meadows was able to talk Alterra Mountain Co. into selling PalisadesTahoe. This courageous skier, and successful business person, purchased both resorts. His first two decisions as new owner were to reinstate Alpine Meadows as the name of our resort and two remove the gondola towers forever. Just a dream, but I woke up with a smile on my face.
Under a warm and clear sky we enjoyed some great spring skiing today. I noted many people hiking with skis, or boards, on their shoulders headed to Beaver Bowl and Estelle Bowl. After a couple of early morning groomed laps on Summit where the snow was still firm, we headed to lower Beaver Bowl to turn in spring corn which extended over the lip to the top of Kangaroo. Kangaroo which had been groomed had a really sweet smooth corn surface. There were plenty of slopes to seek out and take advantage of today.
Yesterday, the 40th anniversary of the 1982 avalanche, there was a reunion for those that were involved in the operation of Alpine Meadows, and/or participated in the search and rescue of those that were buried by the massive slide. I am not sure how many people that were at the resort 40 years ago turned up on the deck of the Alpine Meadows Lodge, but it must have been at least 400. We traded stories, shook hands and hugged people that we have not seen in many years. I watched a slide show that brought back memories that I have personally been keeping buried somewhere in my brain. We were treated to a wonder buffet arranged by Melanie (owner of Treats, who never fails to amaze).
In the evening the documentary movie that was directed by Jarad Drake and Steven Siig was shown to an audience of 400. Some of the people that were directly involved in the avalanche took questions after the show. It was a wonderful day to remember a tragic occurrence.
Thank you to those people who put so much effort into organizing this reunion. May we all hope that an event such as the one that occurred in 1982 never repeat itself.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
I loved the hijinks at the Summit line for those that missed it: the highlight was the roundabout in the main line, as well as an overdone merge of singles and access to Roundhouse. There was also every sign out there possible, including limited visibility for an absolutely bluebird day.
I had an April Fool’s post in mind but yesterday’s post on the avalanche anniversary was more important. I’ll save the April Fool’s post for the doldrums of the summer here at UA.
I got pranked big time, as I got to the top of the steps in the breezeway. A Mountain Host pulled me aside, and said quite seriously, you can’t wear that SQUAW VALLEY USA vest on the mountain. Just before I launched a bunker buster on her, she said “April Fools”. Glad I stayed calm, (kind of).
Did anybody go down the middle line at TLC? It ended in a dead end with no way to get to the RFID but to go under the ropes. Presumed this was an April Fool joke, not a mistake.