Archive for September, 2015

SUMMER WARMTH

9-27-15

The Summer warmth is still holding on this late in September, making the days up on the hill pleasant and fun.   The Octoberfest was full on going off once again this weekend, and the vibe was great.  Once again, I took a Tram to the peak to check out the progress.  Mr. Duckworth showed me the new developments first hand.  Here is a great shot of him pointing out the details.  DSC03161The exterior deck is now complete and very expansive.  Check out this shot of from the corner looking South.   This will be a great place to hang out  and chill on those pleasant days that areDSC03163sure to make that a great option.   The colors are at their high point now, but are going to be falling off soon.  Here is a shot of the Aspens on the lower mountain.    This is a sure sign that theDSC03159Winter is not far away, but the forecast is for continued warm days for the next while.  I also took this shot looking down canyon with the vast reaches nicely detailed in the clear air.  That is  DSC03162some formidable terrain that is just waiting for the return of the Essential Substance that will begin coming back from the Big Cycle in the not to far distant future.  I am looking forward to a great season.  Be sure to check out my book, which is now only 2.99 as an E version.  Just click on the banner on the top of the page to go to the Snowbird Secrets site.  Be sure to visit Jackson Hogen’s site realskiers.com, which is linked on my links page.  He has been putting up a lot of very good, critical  information on equipment  that will be invaluable going into the season.  Stay Frosty!!!

FIRST DUSTING

9-20-15

After that last stretch of low pressure moved out, it left a light dusting of Essence on the hill just to get the stoke going for the season.  It also left the skies ultra blue and free of clouds.  It took a ride up to the peak during my visit for Octoberfest, which is really going off again this year.  Here is a shot of the Twins with the light dusting looking majestic against the clear skies.  DSC03157On my Tram ride up the hill, I met these two first timers, that were here from Washington State, who took the opportunity of a lunch break to go to the top of the hill.  I showed them theDSC03156layout of the hill, and how accessible it is for everyone.  I am sure they will be back to check out the real deal when the season gets going.  Great progress is being achieved each week on the peak facility, with the new outdoor deck almost complete.  Here is a shot looking South,with the masons working a section on the far end.   This area is huge and is going to be a great gathering place I can tell.DSC03153The glass is all but installed, and work continues on the facade that will cover the waterproofing blue membrane that is evident here.  Check out the South end of the building which will offerDSC03154visibility when you are enjoying time on the peak.   I can see myself spending some quality time there for sure.  Especially when my knees start squalking after a hard charging day.   There is great energy for the Octoberfest and the activities are numerous, with great food and music going all day long.  The colors are really starting to peak, so get up there and get some great photos.  Now that I am back in town, I will be spending a lot more time getting ready for the season. Stay tuned for updates.  IBBY!!!

COLOR CHANGES

9-12-15

I brought the Trailer down from the High Desert, as my meetings with the Blue Sphere Alliance have now been completed going into the end of the year.   I have it parked in it’s undisclosed location, and the horses were glad to see it coming back to the old corral.    I took a Tram ride to see how the peak facility is coming along and ran into friends that had completes the Hidden Peak Challenge.   Here is a shot of Team Goose, who really had a great time coming up the hill.  A race up the Mountain is certainly a challenge, and I tip my hat to all the folks who entered.  DSC03147Here is a shot of my neighbor Lawrence, who bested his last year’s time with a blistering 58 minutes.   This was a big goal for him and he achieved his ambition.  Good running Lawrence!!DSC03152They are pouring the exterior deck of the new facility, which will be huge and will offer seating and a place to chill when you are on the peak.  Here is a shot of the folks working the newDSC03149concrete to a fine finish.  Note the heating tubes which will keep the deck snow free.  Nice touch.  I also got a shot of the closed expanse of the structure, now that the glass has been placed.  DSC03150They are still working on the exterior facade, which is coming along nicely.  The stairs are now complete, and work is full speed ahead to stay out in front of the weather changes that are soon to be happening.  The colors are changing rapidly with the cool overnight temps. and some of the Aspens are starting to flair with that bright yellow for which they are famous.  Octoberfest is in full swing and there is great music and food happening, so get up there for the festivities.  Be sure to click on the Realskiers link on my links page and keep up with Jackson’s  posts that he has been putting up as the season approaches.  There is a lot to check out on his site that is most informative.   Stay tuned for further up dates now that I am back in town.  Peace Out!!

IT BEGINS

9-05-15

So it begins, the rapid slide through the Fall season and into the Winter season, with the arrival of the Octoberfest at Snowbird.  I went up to visit the other day and a festive atmosphere was in full effect, with music, food, art, and all the activities going on all around.  I took a Tram ride to see the peak facility and rode up with Mr. Tom Patton, who is the operations manager.  He showed me the progress on the structure, which was being closed in and the deck area being prepared to pour.  The glass is going up quickly and by now has been completed.  DSC03143The fall colors are just now beginning to show signs of change, and with this cold front that is moving in for this weekend, the colors will be turning quickly.  Here is a shot of the Upper Cirque.DSC03146It won’t be long now until this is filled and fat and ready for a full vertical assault.  Don’t blink, and in a very short time we will be riding the Boat to the peak and ripping the Greatest Snow in the World.   As we get ready for the season, be sure to get your copy of Snowbird Secrets, which is only $2.99 as an E Book.  Just click on the banner at the top of the site, which will take you to the Snowbird Secrets site, where you can read a couple of chapters and access all the vendors.  Of course you can get a hard copy from Amazon or at the Snowbird shops.  Also be sure to check out Jackson Hogen’s site realskiers.com.   Just click on his link on my links page and you are there.   His comprehensive testing of all the new gear is very deep and personally vetted.  It is a great site to visit all season long.  Syrup Won’t Stop ‘Em!!