Marching into May

March is the very beginning of spring, but this year, it is feeling more like summer is arriving. Temperatures on the mountain varied from 52 at the base to 47 at the top of the mountain this afternoon. Snow on many slopes is disappearing daily. Exposed patches of earth are spreading between patches of snow. The more sun a trail receives, the less snow is available for skiers. Conditions are great for wearing a shell instead of a winter jacket. Leave the long underwear at home. This weather is great for sitting on the main lodge deck or the chalet patio, drinking a beer, soaking up sunshine, or munching on something sweet. A couple of weeks ago, we were more interested in sipping hot chocolate next to a warm fireplace than plopping down on the deck in a T-shirt.

I really do not mind the warm weather if it were only going to be around for a short time in the month of March. A hint of spring is a nice break from a long, cold winter, but the forward-looking forecast is waving goodbye to winter. Next week, I hear 70 degrees is expected in Truckee. Break out the bike and enjoy a late afternoon ride after skiing in slushy snow or corn.

Someone was hard at work creating a wide road between the Alpine Bowl Chair and the Upper Saddle. Walking on the wide snow path makes the High Traverse much easier than it can be on an icy day in the middle of winter. I did enjoy the corn snow in Sun Bowl, Big Bend Bowl, and on the lower slopes of S.P. Bowl. We survived three laps this morning. Thanks to the Alpine Meadows staff for making the hike to Upper Saddle easier and for running the Sherwood chair. Sherwood is only open for those skiing down from the Upper Saddle. A word of caution for those heading up the High Traverse and into the back bowls. There is really no snow on the Upper Saddle. You will have to walk through some mud to get to a place where you can step into your skis. My boots and bindings looked pretty muddy when I turned in for the day.

Photo of the High Traverse Hike to Upper Saddle

Dirt and bushes are popping up on the Lakeview trails. Outer Limits was not bad, but keep your eyes open for rocks. Scott’s Beam looks as if it can be skied, but I would avoid it. Lakeview is thinning quickly. Bobby’s Run looks like it is on its last legs. Ridge was not bad, but it was also thinning quickly.

Above is a photo of the upper section of Bobby’s Run

Trails accessible from the top of the summit remain in reasonable spring condition. Beaver Bowl, Estelle Bowl, and Bernie’s Bowl look good from a distance. The trick will be navigating the lower sections of each to return to the base of the summit.

Although the above sounds fatalistic, I did enjoy the spring skiing this morning. I am just stuck, wondering how long it will last. Will there be an Easter egg hunt?

The local trails, especially the paved pathways, are clear. As you can see, someone I know was riding his bike on the Martis Valley Trail. I snuck out of town for a couple of days and wandered around in the foothills. Green grass and flowers beginning to show their faces should be enjoyed this time of year.