Tricycles and Freeways

Hello skiers,

There were more groomed areas this morning, which was a good thing because it is a Saturday. First thing this morning, most of the off-piste was well frozen, thus the groomed runs were really the only places to ski safely. The only problem with limited groomed areas is that they become overcrowded on weekends and holidays. This morning the only groomed run off the Summit Chair was a wide path down Alpine Bowl. This area was overcrowded quickly and many of the skiers and boarders were moving at high speeds. I felt as though I was riding a tricycle on a six lane freeway. It was frightening.

Photo of Alpine Bowl.  This was not taken today. There were even more skiers on the slope today.

We tried the main groomed runs and found the surfaces well tilled for making most style turns. It was easy to set an edge, and easy to ski faster than one should when there are too many people on one slope. Most areas stayed firm until after 11. We tried Terry’s Return early which was not groomed. The upper section under Alpine Bowl Chair was a sheet of ice. Lower down we were able to set an edge and found some soft snow.

We headed to Sherwood via Scott at 10:30 or so. The slopes leading Ray’s Rut were icy and not a happy experience. Sherwood was starting to soften off the groomed, but it was still a combination of hard rubble from yesterday’s skiers with soft snow in between. We went in for lunch.

Sherwood before lunch

Skiers and Snowboarders waiting in line at Sherwood

We watched Snowcats exit Beaver Bowl where they had been building a large snow berm, used to hold back avalanche debris that might come down from Upper Beaver Bowl. The idea is to keep any avalanche debris from rolling out of Beaver Bowl. It was pleasant sitting on the deck in the sunshine instead of hiding inside during a snow or rain storm that has been the routine for much of this winter.

The rubble in the photo is the berm made at the base of Beaver Bowl

After lunch Wolverine Bowl opened. South facing slopes softened nicely offering good spring skiing. We headed to the most obvious slope to ski in Wolverine to make some turns. We were not the only ones. If you decide to try this please keep in mind the trek from the top of Summit to Wolverine Saddle is very firm and rough.. It is somewhat of a tricky ski. Once you drop into Wolverine Bowl and head to the area under Idiot’s Delight be careful. There is an area that is a mound or ridge you have to cross that is very steep and very icy.

Heading down to Wolverine Saddle where a good number of people waited their turn to slip into the Bowl

After lunch Waterfall was looking pretty good

It is easy to get lost. Lakeview was our next stop. Of course we wanted to try Outer Limits because we had heard rumors about its fantastic condition yesterday. It was very good, but we veered off course and skied Outer-Outer Limits which does not lead back to the base of Lakeview, but leads down to Courchevel Road. A great ski followed by a long walk back to the base of Sherwood Chair. We ended the day with a very delightful ski down South Face where the snow was in spring condition.

Clouds and a little snow are heading our way. I feel so good having enjoyed a couple of  days of sunshine.

Enjoy your day,

Andy