The faithful were in full attendance this Friday morning with the addition of faithful from other regions who made the pilgrimage to the last remaining POWDER CENTER in the Galaxy, at least at this time of year.   The faithful were not disappointed as many of the cognoscenti deemed this to be the best snow of the season.  I would have to agree that this was undoubtedly the most excellent example of Utah’s finest, but certainly we had many days this year that rivaled this day.  Once again, how do you compare perfection?  Is one kind of perfect more perfect than another?  That is a deeply philosophical question that I will leave for you to answer, for only you are the awareness  of the experience, only you can compare and contrast.  I will go so far as to say that it was the quintessential definition of the colloquial expression ” STUDIO” , which is to say the condition that embodies the most excellent, sweetest, artistic, effortless, dynamic… well I could go on, but you get the point.   There was bottomless fluffulecence wall to wall, with only a rare encounter with the bottom.  The buoyancy floated your turns with out effort, and as the areas got tracked out the big pillows were providing continued face shots and full throttle drive lines. Mineral Basin and Baldy opened drawing the crowd away from the Tram giving relief to the front side of the hill.  The Peruvian Chair  operated today helping with the phenomenal demand for the goods, and I would expect that they will run it again tomorrow.   The snow continued throughout the day keeping the quality perfectly refrigerated, with explosive accumulation that insures another great day again tomorrow.  There will be more accumulation tonight adding to the depth and goodness.  Powder Paradise remained closed today, so we have that to look forward to as well.  All in all conditions are as “good as they get”, and I hope that you are able to get a taste of this little bit of wonder. I will be there tomorrow to participate in the festivities. IBBY!!!

Well, well, well, the Storm Chaser called it all right, so PROPS should be given to his keen insight in nailing Thursday and Friday as the days to be where you need to be.  The early morning Trams were fairly easy loading, but with the TWITTERS, TEXT MESSAGING, and CELL PHONE alerts going off it was not long before the faithful began arriving in force to sample the knee to thigh deep wonder of the Lake Effect Fluffulecence  that was cleverly disguised as 4” on the report.  That would explain the light turn out for the opening bell.  It was snowing so hard that visibility was an issue top to bottom.  The wind was blowing out of the North West filling the  respective aspects with super deep accumulation.  The light density did little to buffer the crunchy bottom, though the shear depth made that little feature a non issue.  With the solid base accumulation, all of the entrances are still good to go, and the traverses are still well covered making accessing the shots off the traverse quick and easy.  The storm kept pumping  in the product, enriching the quantity and quality continually as the day wore on.   The solid traffic will have helped bond the new product with the old layer improving the ride for the morning.  The Canyon road will be close at 6:00Am tomorrow morning for control work, and  my INTER GALACTIC DEFENSE connection has told me that they will attempt to re open the Peruvian chair to help with the demand for the late season mid winter quality sauce.  The forecast looks to be bringing more of the Lake Effect goodness for us, so look for another incredible day of Utah’s finest.  I spoke with numerous folks from the East, who had never been here before,  asking if this was spring skiing.  I had to tell them it was indeed spring skiing but with full winter tastiness.  I hope they were able to find their way around the hill, what with the marginal visibility.  Be sure to check the road report, before heading up in the morning, for access updates.  POWDER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

It poured all night here at the trailer after it stopped rocking from the pounding South wind, which signaled the arrival of some more fresh frosting for this Wednesday morning.  After the mountain had been fully baked by the Sun fest of recent days this was just icing on the cake for the very few truly faithful who showed up for the first Tram.  3 to 4” of high density, low temperature product covered the hill with the high angle upper exposures getting scoured by the brisk North winds that made today feel like mid winter.  The slightly lower elevations were holding on to the accumulation, providing a sumptuous treat.  Even with such a low total the bottom was only slightly in play with a beautifully cushioned ride.  Yummm!!  With such a low turn out the lines were wide open and remained untracked as the morning progressed.  Continually falling snow did not impair the visibility to any great extent and it continued to build up as wave after wave of heavy blasts rolled over the hill.  The off trail was benefiting greatly as the smoothing effect and low traffic worked to make ventures beyond the mowed areas inviting once again.  There are still some very large frozen goo balls out and about the hill so be aware of them as you work the hill.   A direct encounter with one these large pumpkin sized chunks would be unfortunate at the very least.  Tomorrow look for continued improvement in the conditions as the snow is forecast to pile up significantly.  The Faithful will certainly be making an appearance after blowing off today’s festivities, so plan on an early start to get the best of the day.  Mineral Basin is still looking good with no serious melt off and this is true of the mountain in general, where a full 100′ base is still holding up with no major reef breaks.  See you there dark and early.   Peace Out!!

When I arrived in the parking lot this Tuesday morning it was 43 degrees and feeling quite balmy with the warm air moving in ahead of the front, which is going to bring us a fresh installment.   Very nice tenderizing efforts had been done on the Peruvian side of the hill, making the morning session a rocker to be sure.  On the second run I tried out Regulator, to see if they had tenderized that pitch, only to find that that little luxury was conspicuously absent.  By the time I got half way down the steep section I was clawing and scratching for every thing I could get just to bleed off enough speed to negotiate the big sweeping right hand turn at the bottom.  I can tell you, that got my attention.  The flash frozen glaze persisted all the way to the bottom and I felt fortunate to get back to the tram with all my fillings.  The Gad side finally broke at 11:00 AM, when the corn goodness began making that side feel like a back country treat.  Mineral Basin softened first with the off trail offering deep carve-able consistency on all aspects, with the dust covered snow creating very sticky sections.  The entire mountain softened up after Noon, with the South wind building serious heft, that threatened to shut the Tram down .  Tomorrow promises to be rather interesting with the weather moving in during the morning hours.  We can not expect any softening of the underlying crud, and the groomed areas will have that glazed surface that will only be mitigated by the new snow.  Visibility will definitely be problematic with conditions very similar to last Friday.  All in all, dress for a storm day and expect challenging conditions.   I will be there to check things out on first Tram and will assess my enthusiasm level then.   IBBY!!!   P.S.  Check out this site by a good friend and seeker of the deep!  /www.powderchasers.com

The corn cycle has ripened to perfection with Monday offering various varieties as the day progressed.  The early morning peak temps were still brisk with a cold North wind still blowing, holding off the softening on the front side of the hill.  Mineral Basin went off first, pulling the majority of the light crowd toward the Sun and softness.  I took advantage of the empty front side to let my skis run on the firm but perfect surface that let me feel the arc and snap of every turn.  Yummm.   Regulator, Mark Malu, Bass Akwards, and Big Emma had been given the full tenderizing treatment to combat the crusties.  Avoidance measures to these areas was pleasantly unnecessary and provided very nice carve-ability.  The High North aspects resisted softening long into the day as the cold wind kept the ambient temps at bay.   Gad Zoom and Wilbre Chairs are now closed for the season, necessitating taking the Bass Highway back to the tram.  One could ski to the bottom, but that would require a very long walk with no shuttles servicing the Gad Valley.  The boundary   line is well marked on Big Emma and cannot be missed.   Tomorrow you can expect continued great sliding top to bottom, with the usual timing moving up with a warmer forecast, so a casual approach to the day is a good call.  I really like the morning motoring fest with vacant runs and knee friendly, though crispy, corduroy to blaze down.  The lower third of the hill is the only place you really have to put on the breaks.  Lose a ski and turf it going really fast would be most unfortunate.  I try to keep that eventuality as a cautionary note in the back of my mind.  Another great day is on tap, with a full 100” plus base.  How is that for this time of the year?.. Ciao!!!

Sunday morning was quite cold with 20 Degrees on the peak and a stiff North wind moving some of the light dust that had fallen overnight leaving the grooves in the corduroy filled in.  No doubt that the groomers were firm, but that little bit of dusting provided just enough purchase to make the morning session a blast.  Mineral Basin was holding off from the softening process until the Sun had a chance to get burn through the cold air, but the softness broke there first around 10:00AM.   12:30 PM saw the lower mountain begin to soften up as the Sun moved higher in the sky.  Regulator was the last to soften, being extremely slick for the entire morning.  The late afternoon Sun had softened the off trail enough to allow lines to be had in the crud.  The wind never did back off, though it did not stop the overall softening process.  Tomorrow look for very firm and crispy groomers in the Am. so a late arrival would be a good bet.  Very low traffic will give the hill  a private club feel for the early risers, but I do not anticipate much in the way of tenderization, so the morning session will be a challenge for sure.  Mineral Basin will be the first area to go off making that area the first place to look if you are doing the early Trams.  I will be there to see just how firm it will be and just how dull my edges are.  See you then.  Peace Out!!

What a difference a day makes, with yesterday bringing the new snow and this morning bringing the Sun to make it all good once again.  The Grooming crew had done a beautiful job buffing out the runs, that sported firm but velvety corduroy top to bottom.   The cold morning temps. helped resist the heating of the Sun, keeping the goods good well after Noon, when the Radiant heat began to soften the snow pack.  Mineral basin, having been closed yesterday, provided some very nice wind blown smooth sections that did not reflect too much of the bottom crunch.  That was a bonus for the early morning crew that enjoyed low traffic and wide open slopes.  The front of the hill offered a bit more challenging off trail for the intrepid seeker, with the High North facing still holding the smoothest completion.  The traverses and entrances are still really full, with minimal melt off, so all of the great drops are still quite accessible, though a good eye toward aspect is advised as the day progresses.  Tomorrow look for the softening of today to have created some significant crustulation on the most direct exposures, and watchfulness for frozen roller balls should be a top priority as impact with one of those could be a bad thing .  The Groomers will be the best bet, with Mineral Basin going off first thing, Peruvian Gulch not a bad choice first off, but Regulator should be avoided until a bit of softening occurs.  Follow the sun for best results and the general window has the break occurring after 11:00 AM.  Some of the lower aspects will take a bit longer due to the advanced softening of today.  Look for some tenderizing efforts to have been done for the morning session, so good skiing will be available for the early risers.  I’ ll see you there dark and early.   Ciao!!

It was pouring hard here at the trailer as I readied myself for the quick JUMP to the flight line to “check out”  my trusty hyper-space vehicle, still cleverly disguised as a green pick up.  After a routine inspection and physical I was able to take her out for a test flight… I mean test drive…. to be sure all of the systems were good to go.  Through the magic of trans- dimensional distortion I found my self instantly back at the Trailer where I made a hasty push to get up the hill before the Breakfast Service was terminated at the Planetary Office.  That is one ritual I will sorely miss.  Thick, Thick, Thick, sloggy snow covered the parking lot as I made my way to the center.  This did not bode well for the day, and my knees were telling me to reconsider.  After getting a heaping helping of “Power Spuds”, I received intel from some of my deep cover sources, who advised me to await another day as the ultra dense snow, very limited visibility, and dubious off trail consistency did not seem worth the risk of injury.  So, with resignation, but great hope for a better day tomorrow, I returned to begin the efforts of getting the Trailer ready to go back up to the high desert for my solitary sojourn. Tomorrow look for the Groomers to have put the best face on the hill with the available material, which should have a very forgiving feel, what with the new snow.  Off trail will still be a touch problematic for my knees, though perhaps not for yours.  You be the judge of that.  A few more days have been granted me before I make the JUMP to hyper- space, so, happily, I will be there to participate with you all.  See you then!!! IBBY!!!

2 TO 4” of very nice snow covered the hill this Thursday morning, giving an interesting feel to the day.  The PSIA group was still on hand with very few faithful to partake of the new installment.  The Groomers were the best choice, with the off trail an expanse of frozen solid crud underneath the high density snow that did little to buffer the crunch underneath.  I ventured off trail a couple of times to sample the ride and beat a hasty retreat back to the groomed sections.  The limited groomed sections were skied out promptly sending me looking farther afield to get the remote groomed sections that were being passed up in the frenzy to consume the low hanging fruit.   That little bit of insight paid big dividends, letting me place spooned tracks one after another run after run.  Was I letting on, or telegraphing the goods?   I think not, but one can use their inner voice to surmise what I am saying here.  The Sun came out in force as the morning progressed, warming the cold air and beginning to work the product quickly.   Again, I took the opportunity to access the Planetary Office to savor the winning runs while the others continued the frenzy.    Tomorrow look for a bit more weather coming in.  Be careful of some of the large frozen chunks just off the side of the groomed runs.   For myself, I have been called back to attend the preliminary briefings and ready my Battle Star Cruiser for the imminent resumption of full interstellar combat in the ongoing DARK MATTER WAR.  I knew this day would come and I have been preparing my mind for the abrupt transition from the high country to the OTHER SIDE.  I will try to post an over view from THERE ,but it just will not be the same as the first hand reports.  I will do my best.   Peace Out from my rapid transition to the DARK SIDE!!

Wednesday morning was gloomy and foreboding with the forecast for weather moving in fast. The first Trams went off on time full of the PSIA participants toughing out the prospects.  The light early morning rain and warm over night temps. left the groomed runs already soft and carve-able.  The Cat Crew had done extensive tenderization efforts, in anticipation of crusty conditions, leaving very nice untracked corduroy for the morning session.  It reminded me of perfect corn in the back country, where you dance on the perfectly smooth consistency, all without the hiking.  Off trail was also quite soft, offering realistic carve-ability.   Nice!!  I jammed out 4 fast back to back runs with only 9 folks on the 3rd Tram of the day.  The PSIA  crew had, again, moved into Mineral Basin leaving the front of the hill vacant and totally good to go.  A curious cloud moved up the Canyon obscuring the visibility on the lower 1000′, though with the smooth groomers and sumptuous feel that did not present any problems at all.  The cloud moved through rapidly giving way to an impulse that brought snow to the upper elevations and heavy rain on the lower part of the hill.  I took the opportunity to check my Galactic Email in the Planetary Office during the soaking rain event.  I could not see myself continuing with the rain, so I called it macaroni and went back to the valley to chill for the day.  Later the weather really kicked in and I can not say what happened up on the hill, but you had to know that it was interesting at least.  Tomorrow will have some new snow to add to the mix, with the weather continuing to be unsettled, so anything can happen.  Be sure to be in the Tram line early as the PSIA group fills things up quickly.  See you there!!!  IBBY!!     P.S. a humorous summer pastime.
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