The Sun was out, the Groomers were off the chart buffed, and the traffic was light, so I reached out and got every bit of today that I could grab.  I was able to bring out the Wings for 2 blistering flights on each side of the front, going super sonic.  I had to put them away when the hill traffic got a bit too unpredictable to call at such envelope pushing speeds.  I have to be very cognizant of the politics of speed.  Even though I put them away, it did not detract from the unbridled rippage that was available.  Lower Primrose was given a till just before opening, delivering cold, satin, perfection that had to be caressed in place of a shralping to really get all of the nuance that was in play.  All my time was not spent entirely on the groomers,  I made a number of sojourns out on the traverses to get a first hand look, finding some very iffy access points to the steep aspects.  That crust is still lurking about with some severely  greasy sections.  The overnight wind also played a part in the off trail crud getting set up and a touch slabbed over on most aspects, though there was some very soft and consistent fluff hiding in the West facing hollows and the North facing trees.  There is snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow, so look for some variable visibility associated with continually improving coverage.  That crust is still going to be an issue, so be aware of that bit of trickiness.  Another note of caution is the BLACK ICE that is lurking in the Canyon.  Do not think that the ICE is relegated to just the lower part of the Canyon, as two vehicles spun out into the snow bank at the White Pine Trail head just seconds ahead of my arrival.  There was nothing to be done for them as they were axle deep  off the shoulder.   Wooops!   I am taking my day off tomorrow, so make the turns for me, and be sure to check out the Northface Event that is ongoing, with amazing demonstrations of envelope shattering chops.   Peace Out!!!

The Sun was out in force today, though the morning temps. were still cold, preserving the new installment that has that soft silky feel.  The turns on the Groomers felt like  a pillow top mattress, where you sunk in just the right amount for total comfort.  The crust was almost a non issue on the Groomers, which offered perfect turning, especially the far right side of Big Emma, where I almost missed the turn back to the Tram for the goodness.  Off trail there were some sumptuous sections, which stood in sharp contrast to the high glaze from the recent precipitation event.  Yeah, lets call it that ! Special attention had to be paid to the shades of white that were an indication of the surface quality.  This became of utmost importance when negotiating the upper elevation, high angle shots, where missing the vein of sweetness resulted in a tenacious edge grab on the  High Glaze.  Fortunately, the goodness was widespread, so any long side slip would finally be rewarded with deep cold essence.  There is good, and not so good, but there was plenty of great if you looked around a bit.  Tomorrow, the Groomers will be incredible, with carvelicious smoothness a given.  The Upper Cirque and Upper Silver Fox is closed for the coming event, but there are plenty of other aspects

HIGH SHINE

to charge.  The Wilbre Bowl section is not in particularly good shape just now, with some ultra slick and crunchy challenges.   I did not hear many raves coming from that area.  More snow is forecast for tomorrow night and Saturday morning.  Here is a shot of the high shine on some of the aspects.  Yes it is that hard, but this hard surface has been mitigated in a big way by the new snow, so don’t get the idea that it is all like this. It is not, it was just a shot too good to pass up!!!   Peace Out!

I have to admit, I went to bed last night thinking that we would be dealing with some serious challenges this morning, as the rain beat on the Trailer for hours.  Would I arrive to fine another morning of sogginess?   The answer was NO!!!!  10 to 12” of high density snow fell overnight, adhering fairly well to the frozen layer that has developed in the last 2 days.  The dense quality of the new snow nearly erased the knar knar  that lurked below.   Frozen crust areas were exposed in certain areas that had been stripped by the wind, though it was immediately deposited close by.  The new snow was also perfectly spreadable, like a sweet dessert topping, easily letting the memories of the recent past fade in the luxurity of the essence.  The Tram opened up later in the morning after the  Tram Crew did a masterful job of getting it thawed out and running for us.  Other areas of the hill were opened later in the afternoon, so the entire hill will be getting the attention that is required to work out the funky spots.  Tomorrow, look for some more accumulation to continue for a bit after closing as the system moves out.   The Groomers will be killer as well, after being mixed and rolled for us.  This high density snow responds beautifully to the machines, delivering groovalicious quality top to bottom.  Be cautious of the high steep entrances that have not held the snow, as they are incredibly greasy, resisting the sharpest edges with the high shine.   It seems better to take a faster longer line to the hill, to avoid the variability of the inconsistent traction.  Every time I tried to get a bit more angular, I was stretched out by the glazed tiles I would hit here and there.  That last little weather glitch was a fluke and will be a footnote in the season, so for those who are thinking of  canceling or postponing,  I feel confident that hill will  be offering excellence going forward.  I know that I was clearly reminded, by this last weather blip, how good we have it here in the Powder Vortex of the Wasatch!!!  Until the First Boat,   TA!

This morning was clear and a bit colder, so I wanted to get the hill to see what was up.  The light was flat on the hill just before the Sun came up, so I took the opportunity to make an early visit to the Planetary Office and commiserate with the crew and assess the situation, before rushing out to what would await.  The early reports were  not encouraging, but we finished our deliberations and made a survey of the hill. The Tram has ice built up on the cables  from the peak to past Tower 4.   The Tram crew was working at knocking it off, but it was a very slow operation, so the Tram will be a wild card.  The Peruvian Chair offered the quickest passage to the upper mountain, where the glaze layer was breaking up under the traffic, revealing some nice sugar just underneath.  The day was looking up.  With very low attendance, back to back chairs were no problem, and I began to look for some wind transported deposits that were placed in the hollows.  These little treasures kept the interest up, while trying to deal with an otherwise challenging day.   Tomorrow will not be a morning to rush up to get the early turns, rather a little wait for some traffic to tenderize the hill would not be an unreasonable option.  You are aware of the pressure to make the opening bell?  Well you get a free- get out of first Tram- pass with no demerits.  I do not know if there is any snow forecast for the next bit, but these conditions will persist for some time.  These conditions sharply contrast the spectacular run of goodness we have had up until now, and expose any bad habits you might have let creep in during these great past times.  I was shwagging all my turns , as my edges are toast, and I don’t want the knee grabbing impact of a sharp edge.  I will get to lay into the turn with confidence in the near future.  In the mean time, I will be taking it easy and continue the training runs to be ready for the next siege, which you know will come.   Keep the faith!!!    Ciao!   Here is a shot of the peak dock covered in ice.  There is someone knocking the rhime  ice off the cables.

STRANGE DAYS

The rain pounded on the Trailer all night long, so I was expecting at least 8 to 10” for the morning.  My Text Messages said the Canyon was closed for avalanche control and would open shortly after  8:00 AM.  My stoke was abruptly squelched when there was not a flake to be seen in the parking lot and only a dusting up high. It had rained clear to the peak!!!  With the temp. showing 43 Deg., a winter wind blowing,  I figured I would be able to at least get a observatory run in, but…… NO!   The Tram was down as the hill was covered in a layer of ice, and the Groomers were working overtime to re groom the main sections to make the hill approachable.  This was a very grim morning,  as rain seldom falls like that here, and I can barely remember the last time this happened.   I did not even suit up to go, rather I made a Bee Line to the Forklift Chair to get my bearings, breakfast, and plan an alternate day of fun.  I think I will get my oil changed… Yeah, that’s the ticket!!   So…. what about tomorrow?  I can only hope that we get some high density snow overnight to cushion the frozen crustitude that now is wall to wall.  The Groomers will provide the best edge purchase and the off trail… well, that remains to be seen.  The weather is predicted to improve, so getting a good look at things might provide some options, but this will take time to heal.  It might be a Wing morning if the traffic is light and the visibility is cooperating, that is one silver lining on the day.  The other important point is that this is a weather fluke, and we will be back in the SNOW ZONE soon, so not to worry.   I WILL be there dark and early to be  part of the exploratory crew.  How about you?   Ciao!

Well, it rained all the way up the Canyon this morning, changing to snow at the White Pine Trail head.  When first Tram went off it was still snowing lightly, though the trend was moving toward drizzle.  By the time I got back down, it was indeed raining on the Plaza.  The snow on the hill was desert frosting smooth, with the high density sweetening the ride.  I took advantage of the big Grooming that had been provided, and put in many extra turns to get as much of the essence as I could work in.  I am working on the ” More Is More”  concept, where I try to get as much out of each run as possible, especially when  a rarity is involved.   I made a second run, with the back to back access open for the few takers, only to find the precip. was now slushing on my goggles.  I had to actually hold my poles in one hand while I wiped the slushy accumulation off with every turn.  I needed windshield wipers, but my glove would have to suffice. I made a hasty retreat to the Forklift Chair, where warm and dry seats were waiting for me.  When I finally called it day after breakfast,  there were some snowflakes mingled with the drizzle, but that was a wrap for me.  The snow was really silky and smooth, but the continued drizzle began to saturate the new pack on the lower elevations, creating the dodgy harbor chop.  I am sure the storm will cool, making this morning’s Spackle a good preparatory layer for the goodness to come.  Tomorrow, look for freshies to be wall to wall, with the higher density essence covering the rumble on the off trail.  I am anticipating a real great week coming up, so don’t let the rarity of the rain harsh your joy.   See you in the AM.   IBBY!!!

I just totally kicked back here at the Trailer today, resting up for the coming week of festivities.  The visibility seemed variable most of the day, but you can rest assured the hill was  in good shape and ready for whatever you bring.    I am excited to see what new and exciting shot will get the extreme Grooming nod.  I still can’t get over catching Adager for the first time this season.   Lower Primrose Path was also over the top with great velvet.  Yes, this week is going to be great.  Reports from the hill are indicating the off trail becoming more user friendly as the warmer temps. somehow morph the essence.    Here is a very recent shot of Pipeline.   I took it with all the folks, who are where ever they are,  wishing they were here, in mind so they can grab the image and make it wallpaper  or just get stoked.   I don’t have much to report, so I will see you tomorrow when the first Boat leaves the dock.  IBBY!!

PIPLINE

The hill was graced overnight with 2” of sumptuous frosting that had enough density to afford a cushion for the faithful who were drawn by the essence.  The visibility was marginal, but that did not detract from the charge of the fall line.  I went with the smooth that I had been dialing in all week, to get the most out of the subtle deposit.  I did venture far afield to sample the various aspects, finding that the crud had improved markedly with the new snow, though there was  distinct turbulence to deal with in most cases.  I used the tried and true turn averaging technique to smooth out the ride in those rough and tumble spots.  I went back to the prepared shots to give my knees a rest from the pummeling of the off trail crud.  The Sun was trying to come out in the afternoon, but the clouds seemed to hang on the hill tenaciously.  I bailed to start my day off early and spare my knees the impact of the developing harbor chop that cropped up with the Sun peaking through the clouds.  Tomorrow, look for improved weather and visibility to go with it, and the fresh Groomed shots that are ready to shralp.  The special shots that have been prepared in the last 2 days have been such a treat, with Adager delivering a steep relentless decent, and angel smooth buff dust to sweeten the turns.  You must try these sections out for yourself, and slow down a touch to collect more of each perfect turn. The feel, the sound, the rarity, and the shear vertical demand is a treasure to be absorbed and filed away for Summer reflection.  Have a great day tomorrow, make a couple extra deep turns for yours truly!    Peace Out!!!

Bright Sun and warmer temps. greeted the morning crew, who were treated to a smorgasbord of of Ground Pounding Groomers that had been prepared on both sides of the hill.  The high light was the rare, and very steep, Adager, which had been returned to its open mountain state.  The first mow  also yields the most perfect cold snow imaginable, and first tracks on that silken surface is as good as it gets.  It might get deeper, but it does not get better.   Tomorrow, look for some snow to have fallen on the hill, which is only sporting a mild amplitude rumble overall.  The North facing is holding the smooth, making that aspect worth a consideration.  The crud has improved with the rise in temperature and more on the hill is becoming very approachable and not nearly as stiff as it has been of late.  The entrances are fully loaded, inviting a running start.   The Gad 2 area is a good call in the fog and has some of the big shots covered  over like I have rarely seen.  It is going to be another great day, so eat your Wheaties.   Ciao!!!

As anticipated, the  light was an issue today, with only the very first Tram riders getting a quasi Sun period to get a good look at things.  The upper Primrose section was visited by the Grooming crew, who punched out both sides of the knoll, giving the section a top to bottom sweetness that is rare and full of terrain features to work from.  The off trail sections are still on the stiff side, though the North facing is still Ok.  The Groomers are the ticket, offering  a very velvety secure consistency that lets you commit to the Quality in the flat light.  By that I mean, when in doubt, you can trust the line to carry you through without any icy spots to send you off line.  The shots left over from yesterday were still holding up the smoothness, to make those a good variation on run choice.  I am always looking for smooth no matter where I find it.  The weather is predicted to bring only a small amount of fresh in the next few days, but that can change with just a wiggle in the Jet Stream.  You never know, but you can expect excellent conditions to continue top to bottom.  I heard that even more aggressive Grooming is in the plans for the near future, so be on the look out for some additional lines to be punched out and returned to pre traffic perfection.   I am looking forward to more high energy rippage with few takers, so be there to join the Vert. crew for non stop top to bottom boogie.  Where else can you go that fast with no one in the way and a perfect ride to boot.  You  would have to go quite a way I wager, and here it is in the back yard!!!   Still, avoid those South facing aspects as much as possible, cuz it’s crunchy!!!   See you in the AM.   IBBY!!