My eyes looked up into the blue sky as I walked to the lodge from my parking place early this morning. I spotted these wispy clouds and wondered if winds were blowing higher up the mountain. I was dressed for a warm day. It turns out there were other skiers in the locker room who were wondering the same thing. They were also scratching their heads, trying to decide how many layers to put on before heading to the base of Summit Chair. There was some wind on top of the mountain, but the overall feeling was one of warmth.
Excitement built even before we loaded Summit because the sign at the base indicated High Traverse was open. Everyone agreed that it would be best to head up and over the High Traverse first run. We were not alone, but the crowd was manageable.
The trip down to Sherwood was definitely worth the effort. My skis met a smooth corn surface in Sun Bowl, followed by a slightly softer surface in lower S.P. Bowl. This first run put an early smile on my face. Instead of rushing back for a second run, we played on the Sherwood slopes for a few runs. The main groomed run skied like groomed spring snow should, but I thought Maid Marian and Sherwood Face were slushy and sticky. Chute Zero, Mark’s favorite, was a little less slushy and felt like corn underfoot.
I pushed out past West Gully on the South Face slopes and enjoyed a long spring run down to the base of Sherwood. The steeper, less skier-packed, wet snow takes more effort, but it often leaves me with a feeling of accomplishment.
The men’s FIS race was being run from the top of Roundhouse through Boomerang today, but it really did not interfere with skiing, with the exception of the entrance to Werner’s Schuss from Wolverine, where spectators stood watching the race.
Expert Shortcut was full of moguls at the 11 o’clock hour, but they were soft and easily tamed. Just after 11am, Yellow Trail skied very well. It was smooth and had a corn surface. I tried Sympathy at the noon hour but found it still somewhat firm, filled with rubble and skier-cut tracks.<
Yellow Trail was smooth[/caption]
The few turns in Banana Chute that I made were just right. Corn snow at its best. We made a couple of runs in Alpine Bowl skiing Sunspot and Terry’s Return. Both were pleasant, but not memorable. Ridge Run and Bobby’s Run were topped with smooth corn in the late morning. They deserved to have traveled a total of three times before noon.
I would say that today was a very fine spring day at Alpine Meadows. This afternoon people were enjoying the sunshine on the various decks at the Alpine Chalet and on the main lodge deck. Music was playing on the main deck for those enjoying a late lunch. By the way, today was a day to snag a free beer at Le Chamoix in the Village.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
I just want to thank you for a season of skiing, that put me back on the hill, as in years past. Unfortunately, the days do come when your doctor says skiing would be catastrophic for your well being. Your daily post brings back the wonderful days I had there. Many! And my son as well. His Truckee High ski team was scheduled for practice the morning the mountain came down. It was his birthday on April I, and we watched in somber as so many lives were forever changed. So thank you for the visual perspective of the mountain I so love and have a good summer this year. Lucy Geoffroy
Free beer at the Le Chamoix ! what, what, what !
I never heard of such a thing ! ! ! I’ always had to pay.
Looked like about three tour busses worth of sports basement riders were circulating around the time they closed high T. Good thing it was a relatively chill saturday nonetheless. Had lots of fun spreading the butter in good company and just about gave myself a bellyache on free beer.
🤪