It was a beautiful day with views of Tahoe that warm my heart.
Thank you to Rhonda for bringing this article to my attention that Bay Area commuters should be aware of before heading to Tahoe.
Bay Area travelers headed to Lake Tahoe and Truckee for Easter or one of the last weekends to enjoy all of the ski resorts before the season ends should brace themselves for significant delays on Interstate 80.
Drivers heading east on Interstate 80 can expect to encounter major delays when approaching the intersection with Highway 20 near Yuba Gap. Eastbound traffic, which typically has two lanes, will be reduced to one lane, with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph from the usual 65 mph, Caltrans spokesperson Jeremy Linder told SFGATE by phone. Bay Area travelers headed to Lake Tahoe and Truckee for Easter or one of the last weekends to enjoy all of the ski resorts before the season ends should brace themselves for significant delays on Interstate 80.
This morning patience was required while we waited for the sun to warm up the air and the slopes. The morning temperature at the top of Summit Chair was hovering around 24 degrees, and winds were blowing at 28 mph with gusts as high as 34 mph. I dressed warmer today than yesterday, but I was still chilled when I stepped off Summit Chair this morning shortly after nine. It immediately became obvious that skiing anything off-piste would be a death wish. The mountain was frozen solid with just a few exceptions. Sunspot offered a thinly softened surface. Below Sunspot were very firm corduroy trails. Racers love a firm surface so they can test their edges and ski really fast, but average skiers tend to show fear on their faces when they find themselves sliding downhill on an icy surface. Alpine Bowl and Terry’s Return sported the very firm corduroy, but Wolverine offered a slightly less intimidating slope. As skiers made their way down the various trails, scraping the firm surface, conditions improved somewhat. I found Lower Rock Garden, a short slope between Red Trail and the base of the ABC Lift, to be just right. I followed this trail by skiing within a one Sno-Cat-wide corduroy surface that led to the Chalet. The double-groomed surface was smooth and soft, allowing me to make quick, short turns in relative silence when compared to the noise generated by skiers on the firm surface of Weasel Trail.
We scratched our helmets, wondering where to go to find the warmest and most spring-like slopes. The obvious answer was to head to Sherwood with a wish that the slopes were showing signs of melting. The main Sherwood run was okay, as it had been skied and shaved by others before we arrived. In my opinion the off-piste slopes were not worth the effort one would have had to make to successfully ski their rough, frozen slopes. We left and went back to the front side, skiing a couple of runs off Summit and Roundhouse. Yellow Trail was to be joyful, as was Red Ridge.
After a quick break, I went back out to ski the High Traverse. Many people were hiking up the trail in hopes of catching some spring snow in Sun Bowl and beyond. I spoke to a few people that made a number of trips over the High T and claimed it was pretty good. My trip consisted of turning in Big Bend Bowl, where the snow varied from good, soft spring snow to firm, sun-cupped snow. I traversed from the base of Big Bend to the midpoint of S.P. Bowl, where I found better spring snow. It was not the best tour of the High Traverse slopes I have had, but it was still rewarding.
I dropped off the hill and enjoyed a lovely late lunch with a friend at the Crest Café.
Today was Good Friday. I venture a guess that most people thought the skiing today was darn good. There were a number of people on the slopes, some skiing or boarding too fast as usual, but it was still a lovely, clear spring day that all of us enjoyed.
It is Easter weekend, and there are a couple of events happening. Tomorrow is the 39th annual Snow Gold Tournament. This is a ten-hole snow golf tournament that is open to all. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes, and a raffle is scheduled with a party at the Chalet after the event has been completed. Sunday is the annual bunny on the hill who hands out chocolate eggs and other goodies.
Enjoy your day.
Andy
Some notes from today:
✅ sideslipped chute zero down to rock and dirt (just kidding)
✅ observed chutes negative 1, 2, & 3 have sprouted. wicked good fun
❌ underdressed. was nearly tempted to don my booze blanket
✅ snagged the elusive dual chairlift chiz on the “Palisades” app for sherwood (19x) & scott (9x)
❌ seeing lakeview closed and spotted with the dirty entrails of marked trees added a mournful note to my day. I love that chair and I love the alpine meadows community. I know in my heart I’ll make my happy home here but when is uncertain. I believe I have the most lakeview laps at 175. As my emails to the app developers go unanswered, I remain curious if anyone has tracked more.
✅ zero line at treats at high noon. in-n-out within 5 minutes. today I chose the BAT w/ xtra mayo and avocado on a parm bagel plus a chocolate chip 4 the road, got the sandwich with a foil and enjoyed it on flamin’ wheels. was pleasantly surprised to grab another 7 or so laps in the wood.
✅ as planned got first chair on scott. was warned of a potential 20+ minute wait. used this opportunity to call my mother. amazed at how much more love ridge run seems to receive than bobbie’s
❌ expected more hysterical applause from the chair for my various performances today. perhaps I’ve been spending too much time up north lately.
✅ met some friends on the slopes (you may think you know who you are)
This is the comment of the year. We probably need to start referring to you as UA apprentice intern Lenny.
Thank you Mark, this is a great honor. When can I pick up my badge?
Patience was required. Yellow slope was good this morning but about 12:30 it was super. Just like in the Three Bears. Still firm but with no problem going down and no one on it.