They slowly dissipated, and by the lunch hour, blue sky once again graced the mountain. Sunshine is great, but 50-degree temperatures in January are not really something we cherish. I would be happy with beautiful, warm sunny days if we had received plenty of snow and many cold gray days in November and December, but that was not the case this year. Perhaps it will change in February and March.
Sunny, warm weather creates spring skiing. Spring skiing can mean soft, slushy conditions or lovely corn snow. It can also mean icy or very firm conditions on slopes that received the most direct sun on any particular day. I did not ski late into the afternoon, so I cannot report on the afternoon conditions, but the morning included pleasant groomed skiing, tricky bumpy skiing in flat light, and off-piste skiing. By noon, the snow was softening on the Sherwood Face, which was a good thing, as too many skiers and riders were sticking to the groomed surface at Sherwood. Before heading to Sherwood for a couple of runs, I skied God’s Knob.
It was not pleasant at all. It was icy and bumpy skiing over small moguls that gave me a rough ride. Lower down the hill, Ladies Slalom redeemed my upper hill experience. Small moguls with a softer surface made Ladies Slalom acceptable.
On our way to Sherwood, we turned down Mountain View on the spring-like surface. Ray’s Rut is not groomed, but the well-skier-packed trail was easy enough to handle.
There certainly appeared to be more skiers and riders on the hill today than yesterday. Lines were not exceptional, but there were some that required patience.
I ski with a group of darn good skiers. They hardly ever fall, but we do on occasion. I think there was a photo of me sitting down after a minor fall in Gentian Gully the other day. Today, Patty, who is a very good skier, sat down between a couple of large moguls during the flat light hours.
I think most people had a very good day on the hill, including those sitting in the sun at the Chalet or Ice Bar.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
Six and done for me today. Without the off piste softening early, I bailed after 6 runs. Family visiting in town…family or skiing…today the fam won.