Excellent Grooming

This morning there were a number of young folks dressing in racing gear in our locker room. It is fun to watch the kids getting ready for their day of race training. It was certainly a beautiful day to be on the slopes.

Winds were mild today, but they are increasing late this afternoon, and forecast to increase tomorrow. Sunshine was in full bloom most of the day, but this afternoon the sky has turned gray, at least partially. We have not seen many clouds lately, so looking skyward and seeing puffy gray clouds is raising my heart rate with hopes the weather may be changing.

Unfortunately, the future forecast is not calling for any significant precipitation. It was warm today, especially for a day in January. Temperatures on the mountain seem to have risen into the mid-forties during the warmest part of the day. The good news is that warmer temperatures during the day melt ice that is created during the night when temperatures drop well below freezing. We need spring-like conditions to keep the entire mountain from turning into an ice rink.

The overnight grooming crew at Alpine Meadows is doing a fantastic job. This morning the groomed surfaces were excellent on all the trails I skied. It does not seem to matter what direction a trail faces. The time a trail is groomed, and the skill of the person grooming, is creating an excellent turning surface for the early morning crowd. I suppose it is also an excellent surface for those that are not making many turns. Instead of turning to enjoy the sensation of skiing, there are many who prefer to just go as straight, and ski or board, as fast as they can.

After spending an appropriate amount of time turning and singing to myself, as I enjoyed a number of the well groomed runs off Summit Chair that included, Alpine Bowl, D8, Wolverine Bowl, Tower 20, and Sunspot on the upper mountain, and Werner’s Schuss, Charity, and Dance Floor, on the lower mountain, I skied off the groomed surfaces.

I was challenged in D7 with varying surface conditions that included sastrugi style wind drifts, mixed with firm moguls. Moguls sported ice on one side or another. It was not all bad because portions of the slope are topped with real winter snow, but the mixture of conditions kept me on my toes. The area in Wolverine Bowl that is under Idiot’s Delight consisted of a soft, almost mushy surface. It needs to be skied out more so that the surface condenses.

I found the short North Peril slopes under Summit Chair to offer good winter snow with little ice. On the other side, South Peril was just too soft. After each turn the snow felt as if it were trying to slide downhill imitating a mini-avalanche.

I walked up the High Traverse and skied Sun Bowl and lower CB’s. The consistency was similar to South Peril. Soft and squishy, but not spring-like. Each turn required concentration, but it was fun as usual. A good challenge is required each and every day.

I did not ride Lakeview, but heard there were some good turns to be captured. I did ride Scott Chair and ski down Gentian. Personally, I enjoyed it. It was possible to make turns on a surface of winter snow. I did not run into many ice patches. Moguls varied in size, but all were easily conquered. The worst part of the trail is the entry as one passes the patrol shack. Snow is thin and rocks are aplenty.

It was good to see so many locals on the hill enjoying the good weather and pleasant skiing.

Enjoy your day,
Andy