A few inches of overnight snow, open Canyon access, and a New Year stoke, drew the faithful to the dance.   The Groomers were unreal with the fresh frosting on top, providing the ultimate sensation of  smooth.  The off trail was a mixture of wind deposited pockets and just covered leftovers from yesterday.  There were sections that were aided by the wind, which had some knee deep veins  running with the fall line, that would shift as the aspect changed.  High traffic patterns are beginning to build up on the easy access, and open areas, requiring a bit selective line choice to circumvent them.   Since there is infinite variation, it becomes fun to see how many lines down the hill you can dream up.   Considering the cover we currently have,  the choice selection is greatly expanded.   The entrances are looking very solid, with the traverses getting a touch worked by the traffic, so be aware of acute terrain variations.    Tomorrow might bring slightly lighter traffic after the New Year’s Eve festivities, but I am taking the day off to recover.   If we get some Sun, I will be getting some more shots to put up.   Have a good one tomorrow.   Ciao!!

Wow!  What a cycle we have had going into the New Year.  These storms have really come through with the goods, and the faithful were on hand to get it all, after they got up the Canyon.   The fortunate few, who got the earliest Trams were blessed with some dream like frosting wall to wall.  The snow seemed a touch heavier than yesterday, requiring a more fall line power turn.  It was still snowing when I left, and the forecast is for some more lake effect overnight, which will  put the icing on the cake.  We have Mineral Basin and Little Cloud to look forward to tomorrow, so you know that is going to be epiphanistic when they open that.  I can’t wait!!! We are there, all systems GO, the  hill is fat; now you got to bring it!   Check the road report in the AM..   Peace Out!

Today was one of those powder days that you dream about, where the snow falls faster than it can get skied out.  A fair crowd of faithful was on hand for the first Tram that went off on time into a high South wind, with snow falling and blowing into the Peruvian Gulch, making that the favored side of the hill.  The West Faces were capturing the goods as well in the hollows and tree lines, where the wind dropped it in deep pockets of beautiful essence, but the more exposed sections were getting scoured to the old base.  Yes indeed, the good stuff is back in a big way after the base building high density product of the last cycle.   I skied into Great Scott right off the top with no consideration of the rastiness that had built up there, because it was far below after the last dump of Spackle.  Now,  the entrance was totally sweet and could take a left hand turn holding the left wall all the way out of the throat.   Deeply deposited fluff was building continuously as the high winds continued pile it on those exposures.  The old layer could be felt in the thinner areas, but the blast zone was clean, green, and could take the drive line with no worries.  The cold front moved in at the end of the day, with the inches per hour rate sky rocketing.  The Canyon opened to let us out, but will be closing for the night, so check the road report in the AM.   Tomorrow will be another “hurry up and wait” day, though the cold temps will insure great powder and blower shots when it finally goes off.   I know  that I am putting this post up late, but I got all of the day, start to finish.  I just could not stop getting those rare untracked mid day runs with no pressure.  Ahhhhh!!!!   I’ll See you when I get up there, but keep in mind how perfectly this entire early season build up has set the stage for legendary TALES OF POWDER.    What tales will you be able to tell? They will be TRUE!!  IBBY!!!

There is a big system moving into the area, and there is no wind preceding it’

WIngin it.

s advance, which is unusual.  The bright Sun and cool temperature were perfect for high speed rock and roll.  The Groomers were going off with velvet smoothness and excellent consistency, making it a perfect day to pull the Wings out of the hanger.   I got three smokin’ runs before the hill began to get traffic on it.  The Tram line was walk on for the most part, with just the usual pressure when the folks showed up at 10:30, but the uphill capacity dealt nicely  with the light pressure.  The Snow Guns were cranking it out on Regulator providing freshies down slope, with perfect granular sugar to stir with wild abandon.   I went out to Mineral Basin, which was bathed in sunlight, and found the groomers perfect and rip worthy, though the off trail was still a bit stiff from the moisture content of the last batch and required a straight ahead, no nonsense approach.  Tomorrow look for the storm to be moving in for the day which is the best situation, as the conditions get better as the day progresses.  Check the Canyon report for access, but I think it should be good to go if there is not too much over night.  There is a mild build up of bumps on the high traffic areas, especially on the lower mountain, but that goes with the added pressure and snow density.  The next installment will be a perfect buffer to mitigate whatever rumble is present.    We are on the threshold of another great storm cycle.  Hang on to your hat!!!   Peace Out!!!

I was back on first Tram this morning as the pressure was non existent until 10:30 AM, when the folks began to show up and surge the line briefly.  The groomers were very nice in the marginal visibility, with the off trail being a bit more difficult and variable from aspect to aspect.  The high density of the last big storm is setting up and solidifying for the next storm.  There is the requisite mid amplitude bumps in the high traffic areas, but there are lines available that let you stretch out the turns a bit.  Mineral Basin was problematic, with difficult visibility issues.  The snow making was going full blast on Regulator, depositing a nice sugary satin underneath the guns.  I just kept going back for more as the Peruvian side of the hill got a tad contested with the Peruvian Express in play.  Tomorrow, look for excellent groomers to get you rolling, and further afield forays may find some blown in sections.  Keep your eye to the guts and tree lines for wind deposited goodness.  Perhaps Mineral Basin will have better visibility to scout out the situation more closely.  Also be aware of holiday folks not being totally aware of the surroundings.  It is best to give them a wide margin and be cautious in the congested areas.  I am looking forward to another great day tomorrow, so see  you in the AM.   Peace Out!  P.S.   Watch  out for Black Ice in the lower Canyon in the morning!

It was dumping as I drove down Parley’s Canyon, so I was glad to see the fresh installment coming in hard.  My contacts told me the light was very flat,with the details minimal, though the Groomers were happening top to bottom, making the flat light easier to negotiate.  Flat light is good training for feel and pays dividends when you get HD back.  Here is a Shot I took of  untracked corduroy  at the top of Beaver Mountain the other day.    It was very nice, and perfect just IS!!  Look for some fresh snow overnight to freshen things up.  I will be making a much more thorough  report for tomorrow, as I will be able to check aspects first hand.  The hill changes so fast, that 3 days can make a huge difference, though, so can 3 hours!  See you dark and early!!!   Ciao!

THE LIVING ROOM SHAG

The Sun finally came out, after a long siege of  base building stormage, to shed light on the situation.  Nice situation indeed, after last year’s thin coverage.  There have been early season periods like this, and many have contacted me to refresh my memory, and that is why I have been grabbing hold of each and everyday.  Since I am not there,  I will surmise that the groomers are killer,- I will post a shot of this perfection as soon as I return- with the off trail well covered, and the entrances in much better shape after this last layering of SPACKLE.  These storms are going to set up a base that is bomber as we move forward into the season.    I visited the beautiful Beaver Mountain yesterday, and had a wonderful time in the Sunshine and great cover that they have there.  Having never been there before, I was impressed by the great variety of exposures and features this hill  possesses wall to wall.  It would take some time to explore all the faces and out of bound areas that are accessible.   I only have minimal Internet access, so I will try and get out a more informed post for tomorrow.  Enjoy the holidays and I will return very soon.   IBBY!!!

The high density installments continue with very tricky conditions.  Granted, today’s untracked was a bit more buoyant, though it reminded me of Tapioca; sticky, thick, lumpy, and just not my idea of a great desert. I battled the lines, which backed off as the day progressed, and battled the severe harbor chop  as long as my knees would allow before I bailed.   Tomorrow, look for improving weather for the weekend and the grooming to be the ticket if you are looking for perfect.  I think the off trail will continue to be problematic, as most every pitch had slide debris, which is set up and tricky as well.   The good news is that the entrance to Great Scott has improved markedly and is no longer the no go zone it has been of late.   As I said yesterday, this snow is going to be a great base builder for the next while, as we move into the time of season when we can get those prolonged High Pressure areas that hang over  us; so the more we get now the better.    I am going to be making the trip  back to the Home Planet for a few days, where I may  not be able to get any SUB SPACE channels to post by, but I will do my best.  Happy Holidays to every one,  be safe and don’t forget to SIZZLE!!   Peace Out!!!

Once again we got hit with another installment just before Christmas to build the base up and make it, perhaps, one of the best early seasons that I can remember. Today’s product was distinctly  high density with something going on with the snow crystals that was pulling on everyone’s equipment.  The untracked was  incredibly smooth, though I was challenged by the consistency , even though I have a pair of those  new, hip, now, mod, a go go powder skis, which work wonderfully, but today I was getting worked.  The harbor chop came up very quickly in sharp abrupt peaks that did not give much, and was particularly interesting in the marginal visibility.  After Noon, the Tram line went away, giving way to back to back access, which was very opportune as the increasing winds, and heavy snow began to over take the traffic and smooth out the upper faces.  Mineral Basin was very tricky with the high density putty very difficult to negotiate in the almost zero visibility.  Tomorrow look for more snow to have fallen, and the road to be closed at 6:00 AM.  It might be another day of hurry up and wait, so plan a good spot to wait.  This type of snow will be an incredible addition to the base, and will be a perfect material for wind buff if we get a good wind event.    Check for the road opening , see you in the AM.  Ciao!!

Yes indeed, it was full on today right from the word GO.  The faithful were on hand and on time for the on time opening.  The  overnight report seemed to be a bit conservative with full on face shots and super deep pockets that had doubled up from yesterday.  I could still feel the bottom, but it was just a hint with no real problem.  The Peruvian Chair was basically vacant while the Tram was pushing the 5 Tram wait, so I moved over to the Chair to take advantage of the walk on situation.  Baldy opened, with Mineral Basin close behind,  giving the energized faithful some fresh and deep to explore.  Mineral was super deep, with the consistency being a bit heavy, and a full on charge mode required to negotiate the severe depth that had built up back there.  The mountain itself is full on now, with great entrances, covered reefs, and plenty of cushion  to take the sting out of some of those bump areas.  The harbor chop was stirred  up into stiff peaks that challenged an over aggressive approach.  I try to slow down and get round to assist in dealing with the chop, which stresses my knees.  I finally bailed at 2:00 PM , as the Tram line finally got to the walk on stage after Mineral opened to draw the pressure back there.   More snow is on the way  for the next two days, which will keep the hill  soft for the early risers.  The chop will be established again, so the earlier the better.  Look to the chairs for very good access and more skiing if you take advantage of the neglected uphill capacity.    Check for road access in the AM., as you never know  if they got hammered overnight.   See you dark and early.  IBBY!!!