It was a beautiful morning to start things out, with great Grooming, some new man made, and a small crew for the rock and roll laps.  The Sun came up over the ridge lighting Regulator up, enabling some full throttle runs due to the very consistent prepared surface.   I am finally feeling like I can let them run with more confidence.  The rocks are still a rarity and have been dealt with sternly.  As the front moved in toward Noon the temperature dropped as the clouds moved in, turning the lights out.  Back to back Trams were feeling just right with no waiting.  I love this part of the season where the momentum is not impinged upon with waiting for a bucket.    The traffic was much lighter this morning, with the tester crew gone from the charge on each run.  Still, a constant awareness of the uphill traffic is imperative for safe sliding.  A bit of freshness will help for tomorrow’s opening, though not much is expected, any natural accumulation will be much appreciated.  The firmness is still holding the smooth quality throughout the day despite the  traffic, so once you dial a line in it is good to go.  Look for variable visibility tomorrow, keeping in mind the terrain constraints,  so as not to venture off the main run into the thin sections just off the path.  A small amount of accumulation will not help mitigate the hazards.  I was thinking 30” would go a long way to mitigating the ride.  Lets all hold that idea for awhile and see what shakes out.  See you dark and early!!! IBBY!!

The temperatures got cold last night, and snow making had made the surface of Regulator buffed and smooth for the entire morning session.  Those turns felt silky smooth and very trustworthy, especially when the Sun came up and illuminated the playing field.  Temps were so warm that I was able to just go without a hat, like  top down driving, you got to love that.  There are a large group of very adept skiers on the hill right now testing skies, and it has been fun watching them bring it. You really have to watch the up hill traffic on this limited terrain.  There is still quite a bit of soft snow on the main runs, with only very sparse sections getting any rock exposure.  The road back to the Tram is still very well covered all the way.  Tomorrow, look for some weather to begin building in for the next couple of days.  Still very relaxed Tram riding with medium traffic, enabling back to back Trams to be had.   The early runs are best, but the runs have been holding up very well all day long.   Nice.  See you there in the AM!!  Ciao!

Very light traffic turned out for first Boat this morning.  Regulator was well covered and the grooming was good enough that some folks put the hammer down in a big way.  I was still holding back a bit not really ready to hang that much out before my legs can hold up the turn at the bottom.  Snow had been pushed to cover some of the slick and thin spots, so today did not seem nearly as greasy as yesterday.  With my lack of edges it is not hard to tell, as I am just shwagging away each turn to develop the muscle memory that will kick in  when we get the proper snow.  The many laps are also good for working up the stamina for those deep days that test your focus.  Tomorrow, look for another fun morning of good turning and necessary training.  The rock situation on the main runs is still holding up very well, though the snow making has been off line due to the increased temperatures as of late.   See you there for more edge drills in the AM.   Peace Out!!!

Beautiful weather supported the day, with stunning visibility, illuminated Regulator, and a ton of energy from the enthusiastic first Tram crowd.  Regulator had been worked and no rocks were in play all the way down.  The temps were quite a bit warmer today, so the guns were not operating, removing the passage under the snow curtain.  Thanks goodness that snow making is available to the top, where even the hair pin turn is holding up.  Overall the snow pack is firming up, and, in places, getting a bit greasy. Sticking to the far sides of the runs will find you some soft snow to use in spilling off speed at critical junctures.  The Chef took his new wings out for the first flight, and that was the last I saw of him, as he just hit the afterburners and was gone!!!  Tomorrow, look for another high pressure day of turn building, getting lap after lap on the back to back Trams.  Now is the time of season, even though the cover isn’t widespread, to get the stamina dialed, so when the real deal comes there will be  no lolligaggin’.  Still be aware of the fast movers that are going full throttle.  Keep an ear to the sounds from behind.  I have been holding strict fall lines to establish a zone, letting the main thrust of traffic to work the middle.  Traffic should be light in the AM, so it is a good time

LOWER CIRQUE

to rock out!   See you there bright and early!!! IBBY!

We got to ride the Tram for the first full day this season, and what a difference a day makes.  The Snow guns had really been turning it out, so the main section of Regulator is covered and was knocking it out all day.  A little care should be taken as you go through the curtain, as it might provide some variation.  I mostly found it to be not a problem, but it exists.  Traffic was fairly low for the morning session, but just built lightly the rest of the day.  The snow pack is  beginning to set up, becoming a tad firmer in places, though there is plenty of traction to work with.  Tomorrow, look for  good conditions to continue thanks to the great snow making job.  I am still amazed how covered some of those reefs are now and how sketchy they used to be, but now there is good cover consistently.   Here is a shot of the lower Cirque, which indeed looks inviting, but it is still very thin and needs more, though it wont take too much to get it up to speed.    Get ready for another day of preseason conditioning!!  Ciao!!   Stand by on the photo.

This morning was blowing and snowing briskly during the light turn out for first chairs.  The Tram was delayed, so laps on the chair was smooth, consistent, and uncrowded.  The off trail has had a fair bit of traffic, which has revealed most of the hazards, though there are plenty that still persist, as well as some interference patterns that are becoming more abrupt daily.  The Tram opened about 10:30 AM into high winds, threatening  a shutdown.  I was able to get one Tram ride to the top to get a good look before the wind just kicked in a big way, shutting it down.  The main section of Regulator was fairly well covered with the snow making that was on going.  The high winds were really kicking it out, making the visibility marginal.  The off trail on the upper section is much thinner as the wind has been working it pretty hard for the past couple of days.   I am staying close to the center until we get more snow, after which, the conditions off trail will improve rapidly.  Peruvian Gulch remains closed, but we can hope for an opening soon.  Tomorrow look for  some fresh, though small, accumulation to cover the Groomers.  Those morning runs are worth the effort to be there for the smooth buffage. There may be a bit more traffic as well, so plan accordingly.  Here is a shot of the Slag Master, and Snownerd, more commonly known as The Bliss Brothers, who were sporting these great suits in support of One Piece Friday.  A good showing, with Slag Master really

One Piece Friday

bringing it with the full Safety colors.  They had a great day and were going back for more as I was leaving.   See you dark and early.   IBBY!!!

In my absence THE CHEF sent his evaluation of today’s conditions… ”   Note:  FOD means Forign Objects of Debris

High clouds, brisk winds and various evidence of FOD met the morning folks.

Spirits were high with Holiday Happiness prevalent, even though the Tram was down due to winds and perhaps a serious scouring of the west facing Reggy.

The light was sufficient to navigate the excellently prepared runs, given the lack of snow cover, it is an impressive showing for the management.

The wind continued to work the slopes, and the faithful I am sure, after having some nice runs, probably will retreat to turkey, and the warmth of the season.

Nothing lost nothing gained. Sometimes inner happiness needs to overcome the small inconveniences of early season, with little moments of joy the mountain provides.        Thank You Chef, I will leave it at that.  Peace Out!!

A high pressure zone is blocking the influx of the Essence for the next short bit, though the forecast is not promising much for the next 10 days.  The tram is still on schedule for an opening tomorrow, so there will be a fair amount of traffic to take advantage of the added terrain.  The lower chair really gives one perspective on the terrain that lays above the top of that chair.  Looking up at the peaks creates visions of the face shots to come.  I am writing this in the AM, as I will be absent until Friday, so I thought I would get this up before I enter the JUMP ROOM.  The morning session will be the best of the day , with consistent cover on the main runs, and nicely mowed corduroy to carve on.  Again, the snow pack is setting up, holding the smooth much longer than the other days with the fresh snow.  I love the fresh snow, but great quality buffage is great fun too.  I will try and get a post up tomorrow, but it will go up late.   Happy Thanksgiving!!  I am thankful for the ESSENCE!!!   Ciao!!

The fresh snow of the past few days, combined with the Man Made product, has gelled together to provide the Groomers the best material of the past opening days.  The ride was smooth, consistent, ice free, and prime for arcing the turns I have been dreaming about.  This consistency enabled the runs to resist traffic deterioration.  I was drawn back out for more runs after riding the Forklift Chair before they close breakfast service.  The off trail is continuing to get traffic, compacting the base and exposing the obvious snags.  The only drawback being the abrupt interference patterns that dominate these open areas.  The Snow making efforts continue full force top and bottom.  Here is a shot of the Regulator Narrows with the Big Guns kicking out the cover for that notoriously rasty corner in anticipation of Thursday’s Tram opening.  Reports from the upper mountain are much more encouraging, though it is evident that any sojourns off the main run will be mighty thin.  There were some treads here and there that could be seen from the Chair, but for the most part the lion’s share seems impassable. I will try and get a more detailed evaluation of the upper mountain for tomorrow’s report.  Tomorrow, look for continued smooth riding on the machine worked runs, with low traffic in the morning hours.  The traffic increases a fair bit after 11:00 AM, when the uphill pressure begins to become and issue to be reckoned with.  A sharp eye, and an ear for fast movers will keep you dialed in to the proximity of the fellow participants.  Another sunny day is in store, so be there early for the best of the day.   IBBY!!!

The patter of rain tapped continually on the skin of the Trailer all night long.  I woke up and fell back to sleep with the knowledge that there would be fresh Essence on the first runs of the morning.  The Monday morning traffic was light, and the turns were silently sweet as those who assembled made their way though the smooth lines.  Off trail, the high traffic of the weekend had worked up some rather abrupt interference patterns where ever there seemed to be an open shot, so I stayed with the tried and true for the morning session.   The Tram was running for work missions, which was a very encouraging sight, along with the rumored reports of a Thursday opening.  Snow making on the upper mountain has been ongoing during the past days, with reports of much improved cover up high.  That is also encouraging.  It was snowing briskly when I left, and there is still the patter of raindrops on the Trailer as I write this, so it seems we are headed in the right direction.   The light traffic on the hill relieved the pressure from the fast movers, making the runs much more relaxed and predictable.  The Snow guns were a bit tricky, as the marginal temps. covered my goggles with mist as I past each one, but the continued application is making those reef sections a non issue.  I could have taken new skis out and they would have been fine, as I have not hit one rock in all these days.  Tomorrow, look for continued fun on the available runs, that may have some additional accumulation on them, and another morning of low traffic.  I really love these early season days, with calm vibrations and the chance to absorb the gift of being here.   See you in the AM.   Peace Out!!