It was a short morning for me.
The day started with Summit Chair on wind hold. Winds were blowing from the northeast at speeds of over 40 miles per hour and gusting close to 50 miles per hour. The closure lasted for a portion of the morning, but Summit did open for the remainder of the day before 11.
Without Summit Chair turning, we were forced to ride Roundhouse or Alpine Bowl Chair to reach the upper part of the mountain. A blazing sun warmed our mountain temperatures into the upper 40’s soon after opening. Temperatures at the top of the mountain reached 47 today and later this afternoon the top of the mountain sensors indicated it was still 42 degrees.
Groomed runs were not firm very long. Trails facing the sun, such as Sunspot, softened quickly, offering a silky surface for those willing to traverse across Alpine Bowl, or walk up to the top of Summit. If a slope is offering silky soft snow, with very few skiers taking advantage of the opportunity, then I think a person should make long wide turns across the entire run. Making slow arching turns from one side of a trail to the other increases the time spent on the run, thus increasing the time spent enjoying the perfect surface.
We did not ski very long this morning, but we tested a few of the trails before leaving. Alpine Bowl, Terry’s Return, Rock Garden, Dance Floor, and Red Ridge skied well early. Wolverine was pleasant in the early morning. We headed for Sherwood after making a few turns off Alpine Bowl Chair and found it to be soft. The main runs turned to spring snow early. Sherwood Face is filled with moguls, but they were not overly firm by 10:30. Likewise, South Face softened before 11.
Outer Limits was still firm at 11, but I guess it also gave way to spring shortly after 11.
We did enjoy Bobby’s and Ridge before packing up and heading in just before noon.
I spoke to a couple of people who ventured beyond the mostly used trails in search of corn snow. They indicated that the snow surface was lovely in, IN Bound, areas beyond Beaver Bowl.
I dressed lightly this morning in hopes of not overheating. With one shirt and my ski jacket covering the upper portion of my body, I still felt somewhat overheated in the morning hours.
The parking lot was relatively full today, but not overflowing. Deck seating at the Chalet and the main lodge looked well-used by people enjoying the warmth. I guess tomorrow will be reasonably crowded, but I see that parking, including free parking, is still available this evening.
A number of people have been riding their bicycles in the afternoon after enjoying a morning of skiing. I mention this to give you an idea of the warmth we are experiencing. Hopefully Sunday will bring some colder weather and a little snow to freshen up the slopes.
Enjoy your day,
Andy