I left town before the snow storms hit Tahoe for a trip to Canada for some heli-skiing. It was warm and dirt was showing everywhere when we headed for Canada. My brain said it was time to slow the skiing down and turn to spring/summer activities. My mountain bike was itching to roll over dirt. My hiking shoes were begging to walk into the forest seeking wild flowers and ridge tops with views in all directions. My golf clubs thought they were ready for a summer of laughs as they knew they would be used in futile hands.
I returned from my heli-ski trip to find mountains fat with snow, lower elevations wet, muddy and covered with snow. Temperatures have not really risen that much so snow at the lower elevations (Lake level and in the Truckee areas) has not disappeared. I skied at the other valley Monday. The snow was firm in the early morning and then it began to soften, but the transition to corn had not occurred yet. I found the conditions sticky. Perhaps it has made the transition to spring snow by today. I do not seem to have the incentive to head up to Siberia today as the winds are blowing strongly and other strings are pulling on me.
Gondola parts have been streaming up the hill to the base of Alpine, and Leitner-Poma trucks can been seen all over the area. I guess they are pushing forward with the completion of the gondola for next season (like it or not).
We did have a great week at the Crescent Spur Lodge and heli-ski operation which is set in a beautiful basin along the Fraser River between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Caribou Range to the west. We skied on Glaciers in the Caribou Mountains much of the time, but also got a taste of the Rockys. Our week was spent above the tree line as snow conditions were not very good lower down. Great scenery, awesome meals, lovely lodge, super nice people, and unforgettable skiing. I have every reason to recommend this place.
Real Estate in Tahoe is still moving quickly and prices seem to be holding steady. There is a waiting list for homes in Alpine Meadows. If you own a home in Alpine Meadows or Alpine Peaks, and you have any interest in selling, contact me. I have a couple of families looking for primary homes as well as a few seeking second homes. It is frustrating not being able to place them.
I was speaking with the rental department in our building. They mentioned that they have a number of homes available for the summer in Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley. I can hook you up with them if you are interested in a multi-month summer rental.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
I did ski the other valley Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. By Wednesday, there was much more corn and less stickiness. Groomed runs skied very well between 9:30 and noon. Off piste was a different story. There has been little consolidation off piste, so conditions are more manky than corny. It was quite windy today, which put Granite Chief on windhold and prevented things from really softening up.
I’m pretty surprised how busy it is over there mid-week. I imagine the Fri-Sun periods are going to be way more busy. This was the last week for Monday through Thursday skiing…making Mammoth seem much more attractive.