Backside Opens

Sherwood, Day One

We, the group that skis almost everyday, have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for opening day of the Sherwood Chair. Today we were able to stop poking holes in our rear ends, as Sherwood Chair opened for the first time this season. Some people call it the Backside, but all of us dream of making turns on the vast terrain available when the Sherwood slopes opens.

Hopes high, and hearts pounding, we loaded TLC heading for new territory. We just wanted blank slopes to destroy, as we scribbled the blank surface with our curving ski tracks.  My dreams came to life very quickly, as I discovered a lovely soft spring surface under the bases of my skis. There was a fear that the snow that looked so lovely and untouched would end up being breakable crust, but I did not breakthrough the surface. Instead, I was able to make long wide turns on the silky topping.

We were not the only people seeking new territory, but we did manage to sneak in four runs before lift lines became long. Maid Marian, South Face and West Gully, brought smiles to our faces. Power Line was also pretty good, but not as perfect as some other spots on the hill. It was warm today, really too warm, but the spring-like conditions at Sherwood were a joy during the morning hours.

After being tickled pink skiing the lines available on the Sherwood side of the mountain, we headed to Summit Chair. Sunspot and Tower 19 were soft, and getting softer, but still enjoyable for those who love to make long wide turns. Some of the shaded slopes were still firm at the noon hour, especially the Keyhole slopes, but High Traverse was open and calling to me.

A quick hike up from the top of Summit Chair to the Upper Saddle, with views of Grouse Rock and Twin Peaks, reminded me why I love Sherwood so much. I skied down Sun Bowl and scooted over to the lower section of CB Chute before heading for my last ride up Sherwood on opening day. There were plenty of tracks heading farther out toward SP Bowl and beyond, where skiers were leaving tracks in their happy places.

Although I did not ski much of the rest of the mountain today, I assume trails off Lakeview and Scott softened and offered up good turning snow later in the morning or early afternoon.

The word is that we may see snow falling tomorrow. If so, it should  help turn everything white again so we can start etching lines in a blank surface once again. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy your day,
Andy

Quick Weather Notes Added By Mark

TL;DR  Friday starts off with clouds and wind. The snow does not really get going until around noon. The point forecast for mid mountain shows 8-14 inches by Saturday morning. Snow levels look good.