Trying to Avoid the Main Runs

This afternoon, our sky clouded over, dropping enough clear water to wet the streets. It was too warm to snow, and now the sun seems to be coming back out.

As of 3:15 this afternoon, the temperature at Ward Peak is 36 degrees, somewhat down from a high of 40 at 12:45. At the base area the temperature is 42, down from a high of 46. It is still just too warm to snow.

Lift lines were minimal at the base of all lifts today. It was not a day packed with skiers, but the main groomed trails still appeared to be overcrowded at times. I missed the first clean corduroy runs this morning, but I am sure they were excellent. Wolverine was groomed more smoothly than it has been the past few days. There were not as many, if any, ridges between the grooming lines. After warming up with an Alpine Bowl-Dance Floor run followed by a Wolverine-Werner’s spin, I decided to get away from the main trails.

Weaving through moguls on Sympathy Face was a slow but worthwhile venture. The snow in this area remains bumpy but in chalky conditions. It holds an edge for those who seek uncluttered slopes to enjoy. Crossing Dance Floor midway down the trail, I traversed to Gunner’s Knob and enjoyed a few turns down from the location of the howitzer cannon previously used for avalanche control. The slope leads down to the Tiegel Trail across from the Chalet. This area receives early morning sun. The snow was in spring condition and sparse in places. Although there is plenty of room to make a few turns, you must keep your eyes open for bare spots.

We skied a couple of runs off the Sherwood Lift. The main Sherwood Run can still be navigated, but obstacles may require quick turns to avoid scratching the bases on your skis or snowboard. The Sherwood Face and the skier’s left of the Face still offer good spring skiing as soon as the firm overnight surface melts. It is getting more and more difficult to access South Face without taking off your skis or walking softly over bushes and rocky bare spots. We made an easy run down the Power Line slope. It offered a few pleasant turns, but I would not write home about it.

Expert Shortcut still offered winter snow conditions, as did the area below the Sherwood return road. The only issue with skiing through this treed area is the push back to the base of the Lakeview Chair. Outer Limits was soft before noon and fairly smooth, but bare areas exist, so keep your speed down. Bobby’s Trail did not disappoint, but I have done these trails too many times lately. I was going to hit Sun Bowl off the High Traverse but decided to head the other direction and check out Lower Beaver Bowl. The snow under Idiot’s was tempting me, but I traversed by it into Beaver Bowl. Smaller moguls covered in winter snow put a smile on my face. A couple of other skiers were enjoying the area as well, but it was basically very peaceful. Of course, the snow changed back to soft spring snow as I exited the bowl and skied to the top of Kangaroo. When I quizzed people on various chairlift rides, I found most were happy to be out on the slopes and enjoying the conditions, even if they were somewhat limited. I really did not hear any complaints.

Tomorrow, for anyone interested, is the Febtoberfest at the Chalet. Meet at the mid-station of the TLC lift between 11:30 and 11:45 to receive a cowbell, and then ring the heck out of it from mid-station to the Chalet. Between 12 and 3, there will be discounts on food, beer, and music. Don’t miss this fun event.

The Blues Monsters are going to play in the bar area of the main lodge tomorrow afternoon. They are always a band to get fans rocking. I wish they were playing on the deck or out in the main dining area so we could have more room to dance, but I am not in charge of telling them where to set up.

It looks like cool temperatures and cloudy skies are in the forecast for next week. Hopefully, the clouds will contain a good amount of snow. My fingers are crossed.

Enjoy your day,

Andy