I was not out on the hill very long today, but while I was sliding around in bright sunshine a broad smile was on my face. My short day started after 11 and lasted until 1:30 or so. It was not a day for heavy clothing as the temperature at the base was 52 degrees at 1:30 and 45 at the top of Ward Peak. All we can say is that today we enjoyed spring weather and spring snow conditions with great visibility.
Just a beautiful day skiing in Alpine Bowl or on the Sunspot Slope
My partner indicated that it was firm on certain slopes first thing in the morning. This is typical for spring time. Not long after the sun rose in the sky, and flooded slopes with warm rays, surface conditions softened. Sherwood may have been good for a few turns in the morning, but in the afternoon a person met soft wet snow underfoot.
If you know me well, then you know I really love spring conditions. I am not a fan of sticky snow, nor really deep wet slush, but soft wet snow is my friend. Wet moguls are not fun if they are frozen, but once they softened slow easy turns are a joy. Wolverine offered small moguls under Idiot’s Delight that met the criteria. Making turns down from Tower 19 or Tower 20 into Alpine Bowl varied from turning on a smooth two inch deep surface to unweighting at the peak of a mogul.
Small moguls that are easy for turning in Wolverine Bowl
Of course, when snow conditions become too wet, or deep, ski tracks are cut into the snow creating a more difficult surface to navigate. This is especially true early in the morning when tracks are frozen. A person’s skis can be easily caught in these tracks. The hard surface is not fun to maneuver through, whether it is an icy condition or a very deep wet condition. Flat areas are especially prone to this type of condition.
These tracks will not be fun first thing in the morning when they are frozen solid
During my short stint today I was able to try Bobby’s Run off Scott Chair (soft groomed spring snow), and the High Traverse. CB Chute was delightful. It sported a soft smooth slope made for making long easy turns.
CB Chute was just right this afternoon
Getting back to the base of Sherwood Chair is tricky in certain areas below Sun Bowl and CB Chute as willows are popping up all over the place and rocks are just under the surface. Ski slow and use care and you can make it through these thinly covered areas without scratching the bases of your skis.
More sunshine tomorrow with warm temperatures, but a change in the weather is coming.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
Thanks for the update