Hello Skiers and Boarders,
Ski teams were out in full force today. I love seeing the little guys and gals out on the slopes in various ages and at various skill levels. The only issue is that they take up a pretty significant percentage of the limited available slopes making it awfully crowded when you add in the general public. I skied from 9 to 11 today. By the time 10:30 rolled around the slopes just seemed too crowded and somewhat dangerous to this older skier.
Our first runs down from the top of Roundhouse Chair were pleasant enough. The initial turns were on well groomed corduroy that was soft enough to hold an edge. A few runs later the top surface had been pushed around and the underlaying firmness made it more difficult to hold an edge. The same was true of Weasel with the exception of the small moguls to the skiers right of the groomed run. These small firm moguls are fun to ski very slowly. Rocks, bushes, and short tree tops dot the surface waiting to snag a ski and flip the skier to the ground. So take care if you try these bumps.
There has been another group of skiers on the hill over the past days. These are the Achieve Tahoe volunteers dressed in their blue uniforms. We learned that there have been as many as 200 plus volunteers training at Alpine early this season. My hat, or helmet, is off to these wonderful people who are taking their precious time to help others with various disabilities enjoy the many recreational opportunities available in our mountain community.
I was happy to see a ski patroller standing behind a SLOW sign on the Weasel Run this morning waving his poles in an effort to slow people down. I wish this was not necessary, but on an over crowded trail people need to be reminded to slow down. The signs alone do not seem to do the job. Thank you to the patrol for making an effort, and please keep it up where ever skiers and boarders are moving at excessive speeds.
Parking: We know that we can make up to 10 paid reservations in advance at any time. We also know that we can make free reservations after noon on Tuesdays for the following Saturday or Sunday. However, we do not know when we will be to make free reservations for mid-week holidays. Can anyone clue us in? Is the parking guru going to open the upcoming free mid-week holiday parking reservation schedule this Tuesday along with the weekend schedule, or will it be opened on some other secret day and time. WE NEED TO KNOW NOW!!!!!
Editor’s Note: A credible source checked in this evening and said that all parking reservations from Dec 23-31 will be released this Tuesday. -Mark
Today was a rather gray day. The sun we enjoyed yesterday disappeared for most of the day and the temperatures were on the warm side of cold. Tomorrow may be wet and windy, but we still plan to make a few turns.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
I think your photo does do a good job of depicting just how crowded it was. Sure, as a still shot it may not seem too crazy, but put all those people in motion going differing speeds and in different directions? Whew.
Is the expensive but occasionally very useful premium parking gone forever in front of Alpine Lodge?
Also share your question re midweek holidays parking res!
Love your unofficial posts!!!
You left a bit too soon. We did a short lunch when you were leaving, then enjoyed a slightly less busy time while most teams were in for lunch. As a bonus, the sun was a bit more present during that last hour.