Junuary Spring Arrives Early

Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,

We all love to walk out of the lodge to find cold squeaky snow waiting for us between the deck and the base of any lift. A layer of cold, light, powder waiting to be destroyed by pumped up skiers and snowboarders is even better. I certainly love stepping into my skis knowing that an untouched slope is waiting for me at the top of one of our Alpine lifts. There is nothing better than standing in-line taking deep breaths of very cold air. Of course, if there was no line it would be better, but that is asking too much.

Today was not the squeaky, cold, powder morning that we have been praying for all season. It was the opposite. This morning it was warm. The snow did not squeak as I walked to Summit Chair. There was not layer of powder to be seen anywhere on the mountain. Visibility was acceptable this morning. A thin layer of fog lay over the lake, but not over the ski area. The thin cloud cover was not enough to destroy visibility on this busy Saturday.

On this Saturday in late January, a thick ski jacket, long underwear, or any other warm layer of clothing was not only unnecessary, it was highly discouraged. People standing around me in a lift line were removing clothing at an alarming rate. It was warm. It felt like spring and the snow surface proved the point. Spring snow conditions were the talk of the day.

Our first turns were on groomed runs hoping they would not be too firm or filled with frozen rubble. We found a number of groomed areas that skied well in the beginning, and a few that were somewhat firm from the overnight freeze. It barely froze overnight. Areas that had been groomed twice were the best at the opening bell. Trails such as God’s Knob or Sunspot were not ready at 9, but they softened later and the surface became pleasant spring snow for those of us who enjoy spring snow.

I do believe that many people headed directly to the Sherwood slopes this morning to take advantage of the excellent skiing reported yesterday. First runs at Sherwood might have been firm this morning, but they also softened and put smiles on those who like corn, or something close to it. I skied the Face of Sherwood around 11 and smiled the entire way down. I did not hit any rocks.

Many people were skiing the main Sherwood Run while others wandered out to South Face. They all looked like they were having fun. I did not hear any complaints while standing in a reasonable line at the base of Sherwood.

As much as I love cold snow and deep powder, I also love spring skiing. I am one of those skiers that enjoys skiing under bright blue skies in the spring. I also like off-piste skiing which is why you might find me skiing Sunspot early in the morning when it is still a little too firm. Today, my heart began to beat faster when we passed the trail “open or closed” sign at the base of Summit Chair. High Traverse was green for the first time this year.

I could not wait to hike to Upper Saddle and gaze over to Grouse Rock and Twin Peaks hoping the snow below was soft and smooth. After taking a few photos and wiping tears of joy from by face, we headed down Sun Bowl. I heard a squeal of happiness behind me and noted a wide smile on my face. The surface was perfect, soft, smooth, spring snow.

We sank in to the surface about one inch leaving curved tracks behind us.
We did not hit any rocks. An occasional patch of willows to ski around or a band of rocks to avoid came into view, but they were easily avoided. It has not snowed a significant amount in past weeks making me wonder why it has taken so long to open areas needing the Sherwood lift for return access to the main lodge. I wish the high traverse and the Sherwood slopes had been open awhile back, but I am so grateful that they were open today. Thank you to all those that worked so hard, the last few days, to make Sherwood available yesterday and today. We all hope it snows a few feet soon so that these great slopes can remain open.
The warm temperatures we are having, and will have, for a few more days created perfect weather for sitting outside on the Chalet and Lodge decks for a rest, lunch, or perhaps a cool drink.

There was a good crowd at the area today, but everyone I came in contact with seemed happy and very polite. Ski safely with a smile on your face.

The photo below is the line of people waiting for the gondola back to Palisades at 3:30.

Enjoy your day,
Andy