It Was A Scene

I have skied in the past on the 4th of July when there was more snow on the runs open for sliding. This morning I just thought it was going to be too crowded and somewhat dangerous on the slopes with the large crowds predicted and the lack of snow on run-outs. I never intended to ski today so I did not sign up for a parking pass, but after a lazy breakfast I changed my mind.

After deciding not to walk up to the lodge or stick my thumb out for a ride, I drove over to Olympic Valley and parked for free. I really thought it would be interesting to take the bus back over and be dropped off at the front of the lodge. There was a short line for the bus. I ended up being the last one to load. The ride was comfortable and did not take very long. Everyone on the bus seemed to be in a good mood.

When I left the locker and headed up the stairs I thought there were just as many people coming down the stairs, and apparently leaving, as there were hiking up the stairs to head to the lifts. This was before 9am. Friends of mine were coming in off the slopes as I headed out. I guess I was late to the party. There was definitely a party going on.

It took me a minute to figure out that the line for Summit wove around the lodge deck and over to the gondola loading area. A line for Summit stretched up the hill as well. Eventually I took a photo of the Summit line beginning at Sandy’s Corner. The line for Roundhouse was not as bad, but it still stretched a good distance. TLC was my choice of lifts as there was no line to load. Of course the best skiing would have been in the upper bowls, but I was just happy to be outside with my mouth hanging open at the scene in front of me.

The line for Summit was something to see

People watching was half the fun. Plenty of costumes in all varieties were skiing down the slopes, standing in line, or hanging around the deck. Checking out the lift lines was one attraction. The other was the crowd of people hiking down dirt hillsides. Hiking in dirt and mud was required as snow did not reached to the base area. The snow line was just about at the top of the Tiegel Trail, if you were skiing down Weasel or taking the Weasel One Trail from the top of Yellow.

People walking back to the lodge or to Roundhouse Chair from the end of the snow line.

I rode TLC three or four times and walked in the dirt and mud to get back to the base. People walked down from just above Sandy’s Corner to line up for another ride up Roundhouse. Plenty of mud stuck to my boots from hiking and to my shirt from carrying muddy skis.

There were plenty of people skiing Alpine Bowl

It was actually enjoyable to just meld with the scene. Most people were having fun and smiling. A few skiers I ran into were not skilled enough for the conditions. They seemed terrified, but I guess they made it down and found a beer to calm their nerves.

I ran into a friend who was enjoying her 200th day. Patty was ecstatic at reaching her goal for the season. Not only did she reach this goal, but she was on the first Summit chair this morning. Randy also reached 200 days of skiing this year. Congratulations to both of you.

After 200 days of skiing this year Patty waxes here skis before putting them away until snow begins again

There was food and drink for everyone at the base as well as some good live music. I waited around after cleaning off my boots and skis for Patty wax her skis, and her husbands, before storing them in their locker for the season. We headed out to watch the Blues Monsters play for the crowd sitting around on the deck soaking up hot sunshine. Great music, sunshine, hot dogs, and beer topped off a wonderful morning of July 4th festivities.

There were plenty of people dressed in their 4th of July best.

Only 4 months until the beginning of next season. It has been fun writing these blog reports with Mark this season. Hopefully we will be able to continue next year.

Enjoy your day,

Andy