It was a clear Blue Bird day today after a long stretch of storm riding.  It was great to see all the fresh lines waiting in the wings until all the control work was done.  Here is a shot of a beautiful low angle aspect that will give you an idea of the perfect quality.  As areas opened, it did not matter what line you chose, it was guaranteed to be as good as it gets.  It gets deeper, but it does not get much better.  The Road to Provo opened after Noon and only lasted minutes until it was fully worked over.  I went out and picked out a few nice pockets that had been left over, but I just could not wait in the crowd that was waiting for the drop.  I took a run with TEAM POWDER who wanted to know a secret or two, so I showed them two of the real treasures that I saved. We all got some perfect untracked lines in the Pines and Aspens that were absolutely sublime in the bright Sun that bathed the dance floor.  I enjoyed this run immensely.  Thanks Ladies.  Tomorrow, look for excellent left over crud that held up well with the cool temps, however, I did detect a bit of manke beginning to happen on the direct South aspects due to the Sun getting up just a bit higher in the sky these days.  Still, the hill is great wall to wall with great cover and much more reliable lines with all this new product.  There is one more area waiting in the wings, so we will have to see how that shakes out tomorrow.  Here is one last shot of the unblemished beauty that was delivered during this last installment.  Speed Safely!!

The rain was pelting the Trailer this morning as I headed to the hill.  In the Canyon, the snow was dumping in a very serious manner top to bottom, and on the hill, the medium density Essence was piling up fast.  High wind and quickly accumulating snow made the Regulator line off the top the only option, but within that area, there was plenty to keep the faithful interested with smooth sumptuous depth.  Traffic was very light, and there were walk on Trams as soon as the initial line was soaked up and sent up to the goods.  Here is a shot of my poles having plenty of room on the Boat.  The Gad Valley was fully open, and the deep trees were offering some very sweet lines, where the interference patterns were getting the full fill with all the wind. The ferocity of the wind, and the high rate snow fall kept the refills fresh and fun.  There still were reverberations of the old static underneath the new accumulation, but it did not mare the otherwise silky feel.  Here is a great shot of the Carvinator as he made his grand entrance to the Forklift for the morning debrief.  All those face shots, snow shots, and wind shots add up.  After breakfast the intensity of the storm seemed to increase, if that were even possible, and the hill was closed down, with a Canyon closure and an inter lodge situation.  I got this shot of a slide coming out of the North side of the Canyon after being persuaded by high explosives.  I heard the shot and took a chance that I might see a big one.  Tomorrow, look for clearing skies, fresh Essence in which to dance, and lots of terrain that was not open today.  That combination should make for a very delightful day.  I think we can expect some added traffic to be on the hill, but here is plenty to get wall to wall.  Areas should be opening as the control work gets completed.  It will be good to go where ever you go.  As a parting  shot, here is a great expression of joy from Jocelyn, who was so stoked for a full on storm during a full on season.  It is much nicer to work the social media world when the product is so good.  See you for the morning kick off.  Don’t Forget To SIZZLE!!

It was a clear morning that highlighted the new snow that was ready for the faithful.  There was a fair push for the Tram early as the stoke level was palpable.  Up on the hill, the areas that had not opened yesterday were waiting in the wings.  When those areas did open, it was a powder festival which offered much improved lines after all the build up of the past couple of days. Here is a shot of the traverse to High Baldy taken from Mineral Basin by my friend Mike.  It is kind of hard to make out the details, but they are lined up from wall to wall.  I skied that shot today and it was exquisite.  The Road To Provo opened a bit later where the feel was a bit more set up, but still was feeling full and sumptuous.  Coverage continues to improve with each installment and looking further afield is now no problem at all.  Still, there are features to keep in mind, but that is true no matter how much cover we have.  There is still a low amplitude rumble on the high traffic adjacent lines that will keep you honest, but a relaxed, soak it all up approach, will make the transitions a bit more consistent.  I went to the far reaches on all side of the hill today and I got this shot of the top of Mary Ellen Gulch in the distance.  It is nice to see the future, and here it is with tantalizing possibilities to imagine.   Tomorrow, look for more Essence to have fallen over night to add to the cushion that already exists. Temps. will be cold  and more snow is in the forecast, so dress for weather and remember your lines from today for the smoothest ride.  This time of year, we don’t have to worry about aspect quality as we do later in the season, so dial in you favorite run and have fun working the mojo.  Here is a parting shot that I took from Ski Patrol Gully which highlights the amazing rock formations that are all over. These features add texture and impact to the terrain, and that rock represents some serious time.  Stay Frosty!!

Today was a storm day right from the word Go, with wind, snow and marginal visibility to test the metal of the folks who were on deck for the festivities.  2 or 3 inches of high density snow covered the dance floor, with the product from yesterday solidified a bit.  Mineral Basin was offering very nice lines on the Groomers, but there was a bit of static on the off trail sections.  I stuck with the known smooth, and with the marginal visibility, found some consistent carving lines that just felt solid and accurate.  On the front of the hill, the Free Ride competition was occupying Silver Fox, however there was plenty of room to move, and the visibility was much improved with the reflected light from the trees.  The serious dumping began around Noon, with very light righteous Utah Light falling at some inches per hour.  During the breakfast break, we were joined by Margo who graces the table with her presence.  You can see the Carvinator     photo bombing the shot.  Doh!!!  After breakfast, I headed out to check out some of the side lines I have been scoping, where I found fairly smooth lines and interesting terrain features.  I also took a minute to visit the Summit at Hidden Peak and got this shot of these chickens roasting so they would be ready for the lunch rush.  They sure look good and smelled wonderful as well.  Check those taters roasting in the bottom tray.  Gives me some ideas for tonight’s dinner.  Tomorrow, look for more overnight accumulation, which should be of the finest quality.  Traffic may be amping for the goods, so get there early and check the road report for restrictions.  The hill is filling very nicely, especially after that wind and dense snow event.  The interference patterns are filling in a bit, and the cadence is getting better as the longer turns in this new snow are moderating the amplitude.  It is going to be great.Here is a parting shot sent to us from The CHEF who is down in Brazil hitting the beaches and warm weather.  You have to know he is having the time of his life. Rock ON CHEF!!  As a See you there for the deep.  Syrup Won’t Stop ‘EM

A thick crust of freezing rain covered the Trailer this morning as I left for the hill.  Up on the hill an installment of high density product covered the dance floor. It had also been hit hard by the wind, so it took a deliberate approach to keep the turns round and smooth.  The density did cushion the underlying pack that still was in play for the past few days despite the recent accumulation.  The faithful had turned out in force to take advantage of the freshness.  I opted to hit the Peruvian Chair to start things off, as there was no line and it would be a fast turn around.  I got a great series of lines out off North West Baldy, which is one of my favorite pitches on the hill, and was offering some very smooth carving  through the dense sand like consistency.  Roundness was the key in dealing with today’s variability, with the skis locking up each turn in full arcing traction.  I just love riding a full ski through the turn.   As I made my way across the Plaza this morning I passed through the Subaru Host Tent that was set up for Subaru Winter Fest and met Mackenzie, who was stoked to be part of the fun that was in full effect on the Deck.  There were festive tents set up all over the Deck as part of the Free Ride contest that was being held up on the hill.  It is always fun to have happenings going on at the mountain, and it ups the energy level quite a bit.   Tomorrow, look for the Groomers to be offering sumptuous carving for the morning session.  The off trail will be offering much improved feel with the cushion this high density product brings to the pack.  Coverage continues to improve with each installment, and I found the traverses to be much more approachable than even just a few days ago.  It does not look like much in the way of new snow over night, but expect some flurries to be in the mix.  Visibility could be variable, but the trees will be giving some good definition on the front side of the hill.  Stay Frosty!!

There was more Essence that had accumulated over night and there is more coming upstream.  Today was still cold, with variable visibility as the hill was shrouded in clouds for much of the day.  I was here at the Trailer resting up for the coming week.  I was worked heavily last week with all the new freshness to get and deep white outs to negotiate.  Those white outs take a lot of internal computing power to stay tuned to where you are with little to no reference points.  This week is predicted to be an active period, with impulse after impulse lined up into the Pacific, which is a very good sign indeed.   Tomorrow, look for more accumulation to be on tap, but how much is still up in the air.  There was a short Canyon closure this morning, so check the Canyon report for restrictions.  Remember your smooth lines and stay with those for the best ride in the limited visibility.  Those interference patterns are still going to be felt, though the cushion is helping.  I worked some very intense interference patterns yesterday just for drill, and it took all I had to find a way through that did not tweak my knees too much.  It is great to have all this product to work with, and I look forward to a great morning.  Here is a shot of the Utah Yeti who has been holding the Powder concept for us all. It is nice to know he is here.  IBBY!!

There was an extra heaping helping of fresh Essence this morning as the total was under reported.  There was fully boot top to knee deep medium density product that just blew up into face shots.   Mineral Basin was delayed, so I was working the front of the hill, finding great lines in spots that I have been skirting for the early part of the season.  The interference patterns were still in play, but the extra heft of the snow, combined with the depth, made even those lines much more approachable.  I was also able to get the rope drop on one of the High North aspects that was worth the wait.  When Mineral Basin opened, it offered much deeper cover than the front of the hill due to that micro climate back there.  Visibility was at a premium all day on all sides of the hill, with Mineral testing the limits of your inner vision to negotiate whatever line you chose.  Conditions are great and getting better as the snow continued all day long and was really pumping when I called it a day around 2 PM.  Tomorrow, look for more great conditions to be on tap wall to wall, with all your favorite lines good to go.  Even the long traverses are well worth the time to get those out of the way shots.  Still, be aware of hazards that are hiding underneath the freshness, but all in all, the hill is prime time now.  More snow is in the forecast, so dress for cold and stormy weather and use the uphill capacity of the Quads to bypass any Tram back up.  Lastly, here is a shot of the Californians, who are here as they follow the storms looking for the deepest goods.  I am glad the got what they were looking for.  See you Sunday after I rest up tomorrow.  Don’t forget to SIZZLE!!

Full on storm riding was the order of the day today as fresh medium density Essence covered the dance floor.  Visibility was at a premium and the go to call was toward the trees.  The morning crew opted to test the white out conditions out in Powder Paradise and the Lewis and Clark area.  The smooth Groomers were covered with 4 to 5 inches of beautiful frosting that felt sumptuous and sooo spreadably smooth.  Private resort like laps were great for the morning session.   On the front of the hill, good accumulation was on tap, but seemed to be getting more affected by the wind that was still moving with the impulses of the storm.  Accumulation was slow, even though snow was falling all day long.  I was able to do a bit of exploring, looking for what the wind had done in the last days.  Here is a shot of the Valley where the clouds had broken and the Sun was shining.  I never did clear up on the hill however.  Tomorrow, look for another storm day, as the next system moves in during the early morning hours.  Look for the smooth lines for the best ride, but the off trail was getting better with each inch of accumulation.  The interference patterns that exist will need quite a bit to fill them in, but the cushion makes them much more approachable.  Dress for cold, and add an extra layer for those chair rides.  Here is parting shot of little Trapper, who was being introduced to the Locker Room end of day tradition.  He will be tearing it up before long!!   See you there for the new installment as it is delivered.  Stay Frosty!!

The clouds were delayed today until after 2PM when a cloud deck moved in and the winds began to howl.  All morning long, the Sun was filtering through some high clouds that made visibility on the front of the hill interesting, but with much better definition out in Mineral Basin.  Mineral Basin was the place to be this morning, with a fresh till on Lower Silver Dipper that had some very nice transported buff covering the corduroy.  Shear perfection on all those prepared lines.  I dressed for how I wanted it to be- knowing I was wrong- and found by self under gunned in the stiff morning breeze.  Here is a shot of the Jersey Boys who were ready to rock first Tram this  morning.  They read this site and were stoked to know I was right about this morning’s fun.   As the wind built to a roar, transported snow began to deposit along the low areas.  I was looking for the freshness, when the Big Wind came up and shut down the Tram and Peruvian Chair.  I had to bail after being pounded by the insane gust  while being some of the last off the Peruvian Chair.  Tomorrow, look for weather to have moved in.  Dress for heavy weather and colder temps..  Remember the smooth lines from today as they will be offering the best feel for the morning session.  Off trail was getting tricky as the wind scoured the pack, so tread lightly.   Coverage is still good over all, and with new snow, you can be more confident with the lines you choose.    I was up at the Summit today and I was struck by the incredible wood work that was done there.  Check out the fine furniture finish on all this wood and the stellar execution.  See you there for the exploratory runs in the AM.  IBBY!!

It was another beautiful morning, with brisk temps., perfect Groomers, and some wind lines that had been filled in with yesterday’s persistent bluster.   I dressed lighter this morning, but I found I was under dressed and should have stayed with my heavy weather coat.  Out in the Lewis and Clark area there were the distinct tracks of TrenchZilla and Carvesaurus Rex sliced into the perfect carpets.  Here is a shot of some of the evidence…. You be the judge.  On the front of the hill, the dry chalk feel is wall to wall, with the off trail still offering great lines, but with a low amplitude rumble that keeps you honest.  Great Grooming has been performed there as well, and new lines have been worked, and it is a treat to find those fresh tilled lines that demand some deep digging turns just for fun.  The wind lines were the highlight of the day, with the big South East aspects having been filled in along the lee side of the rolls.  It took a bit of dead reckoning to feel where the smooth would lead.  Once found, it was just a matter of following the smooth all the way down.  What a treat.   Tomorrow, look for some clouds to be moving in ahead of a long stretch of storms that is predicted to last into next week.  I will be dressing for cold once again, but check the temps. before making the call.  The Groomers will be offering stellar carving Hydro Velvet that is as good as it gets.  You can do no wrong when it is this good and it makes all the early season training pay off big time.  I was checking out the Summit again today and got this shot of Twins looking through the WINDOW.  There are so  many great angles to this building that I will be looking for more unusual takes for photo ops.  I also ran into these great friends who have been here with me all these years.  It is great to share these moments in this new space as we all head into the new Snowbird future.  Straight Ahead!!!