A New Season Begins

Open?

Today was the day all Alpine Meadows skiers & riders have been waiting for since the area closed the 2023-2024 winter season on April 28, 2024. Our anxiety was increased even more when the opening date for this season was moved up from November 27th to November 22nd.

Hopes for a deep early season snow pack have not materialized, but the extra ordinary efforts made by the snowmaking crew allowed Alpine Meadows to open two lifts this morning. Subway open for beginners and TLC open to the mid-station for the rest of us. This year the trail that opened on TLC offer a wider slope than we have seen in the past. Two divergent paths down the hill were available for the moderate group of skiers that braved the weather this morning.

My eyes slowly opening early this morning just as the sky began to brighten. My expectations were very low due to the extreme weather predictions I had been reviewing prior to closing my eyes last night. High winds and rain were the dominant factors I noted in last nights forecast. Perhaps you can imagine my surprise when my eyes fully opened viewing bright sunshine filling the upper mountain slopes. Getting out of bed and dressing in ski clothing with sunshine in view raised my anxiety level more than a few notches. Winds were still howling, but it was not completely overcast and raining.

By the time I arrived at the lodge to meet my friends who were already gathered around a table in the lodge the bright sunshine had disappeared. It was before 9am. Word was being whispered among those present that lifts were on wind-hold and opening would be delayed until the next day if winds did not decrease before 11am. We sat enjoying the small, but free burritos that were being passed out as a morning opening day treat.

Free burrito for breakfast 

Waiting for word lifts were turning

Not a large crowd, but all dedicated Alpine Meadows skiers

TLC slope waiting for skiers & riders

Thank you to the crew that put these together. The winds were howling outside until they suddenly slowed enough to allow lifts to open. At 10am the lifts opened, and we rode TLC.

I took seven runs, enjoying the spring like conditions that allowed me to test equipment, determine if my legs would still carry me down the hill, and see if turns on snow still made me smile. It turned out to be a successful morning. When I headed back to the locker room at 11:30, rain began to fall. My timing was perfect. I was happy that we were able to get out and take a few runs. Thanks to the crew for making the extra effort to get the lifts turning. Another season begins.

Andy