My ski day was short today. I was off the hill by 11, so I cannot tell you much about conditions on the slopes. However, I found the groomed areas on the front side to be favorable. Alpine Bowl, Terry’s Return, D8, Wolverine, and most of the lower trails were in good condition. Sunspot was a little slick, but an edge did hold without causing uncontrolled side slipping. One of our party complained that the first turns on both Wolverine and Werner’s Schuss were unevenly groomed, leaving ridges between each pass, but I did not encounter either when I skied both runs.
It was cool at the base this morning, but warmer at the top. I think it was about eight degrees warmer on the top of Summit Chair this morning than it was yesterday morning. The slightly warmer temperatures softened Tower 19’s slope by about 10:30. The test run was to see if it was time to head for Sherwood. We did ride to Sherwood and found the snow had just softened enough to make the groomed areas pleasant and the off-piste just about right. More dirty areas are poking through on the Sherwood side of the mountain, especially on the Sherwood Run. So much for my short day of skiing.
This morning we were seating around in the locker room sipping coffee and gabbing. We were talking about the moonlight dinners offered a few times a year at the Chalet. Snowshoe up to the chalet and dine. These have not started yet this year. Our gabbing brought memories up in one of our locker room regulars. He remembered year-end parties that were staged at the Chalet. Regular skiers, some employees, and others drank beer and enjoyed good food. The beer was not supplied by the ski area, nor was the food. Thus, beer had to be supplied by those partying.
Getting a keg to the Chalet was not an easy feat. Two skiers hid a keg in a large duffle bag and carried it up Summit Chair. Each skier held an end of the duffle bag and gently skied it down to the Chalet. This all occurred about 20 years ago. The system worked for a number of seasons until one day the duffle bag ripped open and the keg fell out. It rolled down Alpine Bowl at speed. It must have been a sight to see. After the unfortunate experience, the keg was snuck up to the Chalet in one of the grooming machines.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
If I shelp up on Thursday and I’m wanting a little solar radiated softness what time would you suggest being on a lift. Btw I’m a 75 yo weakening but not weekending skier.
Thursday might be rough with mostly cloudy skies and a slight chance of a few flakes of snow. Friday will be more sunny, with warming by 10 or 11ish.
I’m sitting here laughing, I remember watching that keg go end over end. There were also kegs in the trees. It was an annual event for awhile.
Still remember the best minestrone ever , melted cheese on top and a roll. Best lunch on a mountain you could have. I’m not ashamed to say I begged for the recipe but was denied.
Do these parties still happen ? Asking for a friend. Maybe those involved plead the 5th.
Hmmm, I seem to recall a few buried box wines lost in the trees also, awaiting Spring thaw…
Ah yes, those were the daze my friends!
I also remember a time when on any given day you could choose which one of Tahoe’s many great hills to ski for a fair daily lift ticket price. After a big midweek dump I loved to hit my stashes at Alpine and Homewood day one and two, and then maybe search for scraps at Northstar on day three. Heck, back then on a few storm days I left Alpine when the winds got too strong and headed over to Homewood to pick up a half day ticket.!
Yes, the good old days! …shenanigans… Alpine was the best thing ever!!!
Edited for content. Sorry Corky