Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,
Sunshine, no wind, not too cold, not too crowded, and new snow met us at the base of Alpine Meadows this morning. Should I go on? Need I say more? This morning was just one of those perfect mornings. If there is a heaven, and if it looks like Alpine Meadows did this morning, then I am ready to head that way anytime.
Although other people have been skiing runs that I have not gotten to this season, or have not gotten to them often, this morning was a great time to try and make up for lost time. West Palisades was in yummy condition. Wolverine, just before you enter Beaver Bowl, was fresh and clean, Our Father blessed me with delightful cold packed powder. Scott Chute delivered soft packed powder, as did Art’s Knob and Expert Shortcut. Almost everywhere we skied this morning, we were carving turns in new snow and leaving our curves stamped in the snow behind us. We found small spaces between trees, and wide open slopes begging us to sketch our tracks in there blank white palettes.
The upper section of Sun Bowl, accessed from Upper Saddle, had a thin wind crust on the surface that made a person concentrate until they hit perfection about half way down the bowl.
I think we ripped pretty well this morning, covering a good portion of the mountain. We went in at noon to grab a bite to eat as our perfect blue sky day began to accept gray clouds. It was not long before light snow was falling from a completely overcast sky, returning flat light to our favorite mountain. We ended our day after taking a few more runs in flat light, but the perfect morning is branded into my brain.
Although we did not hit every open slope, other skiers and snowboarders did wander out to Upper Beaver Bowl, Estelle Bowl, and in the other direction toward S.P. Bowl and Grouse Rock. I do believe that Lakeview is being prepared for service this weekend. It may be needed because no parking, free or paid, is available, as of this afternoon for Saturday.
Editor’s Note: Lakeview is confirmed for Friday for those that have not read the latest ops blog
I am not sure what else to say other than the everything bagel from Treats, with cream cheese, is the perfect topping to a heavenly day of powder skiing.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
My neighbor who is a groomer at AM told me that Lakeview is opening tomorrow, I hope he is right.
Great day at Alpine! We were those hyped you up skiers taking advantage of new opened hiking terrain.
Beaver bowl had a giant slide in it so most hikers we’re going to Estelle and Bernie’s although the traverse out by Estelle lake looked like it was a lot of work. The terrain in the shade and upper half in particular were magical. The lower and sunny face were getting pretty thick by 10am.
Terrain off High T was excellent as well, although the powder was less deep and more wind affected in spots. Still very worth the “hike”. The traverse to get there was in good condition and we were pleased we could go around back and not hike the saddle like much of last year.
Upper Promised land was very skied out by noon. I think you got all the tracks yesterday. Wrapping around the front there was still fresh snow but it had a slight crust underneath – definitely the worst of the powder today.
I’m surprised you had good conditions in Our Father… At 11am we found Sherwood cliffs icy and hard packed through the cliff band.
And question: does anyone know the name of the gullies below the 3 sisters (where you can cut over above waterfall and traverse?)
It was the best day ever!
Should we worry about Andy? He’s had two posts in a row about heaven.
This week has reminded me why I love Alpine so much. I preferred the afternoon when the storm kicked in again and everyone left for the day.
I don’t know how you guys can put up with the weekend nonsense.