Clouds still hung on the peak as the Tram hit the dock. The peak was socked in, but out in Mineral Basin the Sun was working it’s way through the cover revealing a beautiful offering of fresh carpets. With yesterday’s freshness tilled into the mat, it had a soft flannel feel that was comfortable, forgiving, fast and fun. Here is a shot of Timp. looking clear as we looked to the South from the Landing this morning. On the front of the hill, a soft carpet was offered on the Peruvian side of the hill, which kept me lapping that section till breakfast. I checked out a few off trail lines that looked smooth and deep, but found the substrate still very difficult and suspect. I stayed with the known smooth lines to avoid unseen features. The Gad side of the hill was offering nicely prepared lines as well, and there too, the off trail was difficult, so I stayed with the dial-o-matic feel of the prepared lines. Later in the day, the lower elevations became a tad manky and the sticky factor was in full effect, sending me home to save my knees for tomorrow, This is Ivanna, who was getting a first class introduction to the Bird. Being a Tahoe skier, I think she was duly impressed with today’s offerings. Tomorrow, look for another great day on the hill as the Low has moved East and the day will be bright and sunny. Warmer temps will be in the mix, so you can plan on dressing a bit lighter. I will be looking to drive with the top down and get the goods in Mineral Basin to start the day. The softness should still be happening on all side of the hill as the fresh installment still has not gone through the freeze thaw cycle. Stay out ahead of the Sun, which is sure to be working the pack quickly. Stay Frosty!!

Visibility was variable this morning, as the Morning Crew dropped out of the socked in peak to find clearing out in Mineral Basin. Beautifully prepared corduroy lines were dusted with a few millimeters of frosting, adding to the smooth feel. With no traffic, a couple of fast laps back there were the call before working the Peruvian Gulch to check out the carpets that had been prepared there. The front side was a tad frozen on the lower elevations, making turns close to the fall line a must to keep the pace realistic. Here is a shot of the East Twin standing bright in the brief window of sunlight that brightened the dance floor. After breakfast, snow flurries moved in and the visibility went South in a hurry, leaving me to work the tree lines to maintain reference points. Off trail was still very difficult and I was staying close to the smooth for consistency. The lower elevations began to break a bit after Noon, but the flurries became a full on snow storm with rapidly accumulating Essence. I bailed at 1:00PM. to catch up on details I skipped Monday. Tomorrow, look for additional accumulation to be in the mix for the morning session. Visibility may still be an issue, but improving weather is in the forecast. The Groomers will be offering the usual excellent lines on all sides of the hill, but Mineral Basin is the go to area to start the festivities. Off trail will continue to be difficult and jarring, so expect an interesting ride going in. Ride The VORTEX!!

The Sun was shining and the temps. were cold for the morning session. As anticipated, the Groomers were offering a Winter like velvet feel that was a tad punchy if you stuck your turn too hard. I was floating turns to be sure to stay on top, but at times you could dial it in a stick an arc with unmitigated audacity. Mineral Basin was offering big long lines, but the off trail was dodgy at best, with the High North aspect offering the smoothest substrate. I checked out numerous off trail aspects just to see, but it was wise to stay with the smooth. Peruvian Gulch was offering velvet lines on the upper two thirds of the hill, getting firm for the lower thousand feet. Tenderizing efforts had been employed and I was enjoying getting round and dialed on those nicely tilled lines. The Gad Valley broke around Noon, offering dry chalk up high and a sorbet feel down low. Here is a shot of Neil’s line against the rope line out on the Chamonix Chutes. It was one of the sleeper smooth lines that delivered the goods. It was great to have the good visibility that gave you a full look at the lines to be worked. I took this shot from the landing when I did a Lupine Loop to check out the break. The pack softened after Noon and some high clouds started to move in, making the pack freeze up a bit when the shade hit it. Tomorrow, look for some unsettled weather but it should be a nice day. Look for the Groomers to still be offering the goods, with Mineral Basin the first to go off. Off trail is still dodgy so tread lightly. Team Carson was making a first Tram ever. Coming from the East Coast and getting a first look at the hill, it was fun to share the moment with them. Speed Safely!!