Archive for March, 2023

WILD&WINDY

3-10-23

It was nuking this morning with wicked gusts driving the loose snow horizontally and with power. It was snowing as well, but the storm front was going to wait till 6PM for the Wall Of Voodoo to swallow the Valley and begin depositing the next installment. I bailed after assessing the options and getting a feel for what was happening on the hill. These winds were smoothing the pack and filling the variations ahead of the main event.

Olivia taking advantage of the wind smoothing and laying down some turns as she celebrates her 100th day of the season.

Tomorrow, look for a big accumulation event with ongoing accumulation during the day. Expect delays as the Canyon will be closing early tonight. That Wall of Voodoo coming across the Valley looks formidable indeed and the Canyon road is going to get interesting in a real hurry. Be sure to keep tabs on the Bird’s site for updates on Canyon access and what is happening on the hill. Expect this installment to be fairly high density till the cold air gets mixed into the dynamics. IBBY!!!

CLEAR VISION

3-09-23

Last night’s impulse moved through quickly and left a delightful installment of light density Essence on all sides of the hill, with very little wind work. There was a breeze in the AM, but it did not really move any of the product. There were amazing lines all over, that felt great and offered some really explosive lines where the new snow seemed a bit deeper.

Mikey M blowing up the product on Baldy, taking advantage of the push for Mineral Basin.

Mineral Basin was offering huge wide open lines of freshness that pulled much of the traffic back there, leaving the front side of the hill with much less traffic and smooth carpets that let you dial in the high edge angles. Some new and exciting lines had been prepared and the rarity kept them out of mind and smooth all day from lack of attention.

Neil sent this shot of his line down Candelabra along the Gad Chutes. He too took advantage of the push in Mineral.

The temps were cool and the snow stayed soft and refrigerated all day, resisting being affected by the high Sun angle. Tomorrow, look for the next impulse in the line up of weather to be in effect. Look for a storm day, with marginal visibility. The hill is still in great shape and this will really add to the overall smoothness wall to wall. I was checking out lines all day just to log the variations in my mind. Dial it up, Dial it in!!!

WHITE ZONE

3-08-23

It was life in The White Zone today with the visibility on the upper part of the hill Zero Zero. It was very difficult to find details and reference. Going for the tree lines was the only way to keep a good sense of position on the hill and your inner awareness needed to be sharp to fill in the blanks. The Groomers were offering very nice consistent carpets that let you trust the feel under foot until you got lower down on the hill, where the visibility improved quite a bit once out of the full on clouds.

My friend Andrew, from New Zealand working the goods at Mt. Hutt a couple of years ago. He is looking forward to his Winter coming up. We are holding things down for him here.

Tomorrow, look for snow to have fallen overnight, as a cold front is on the door step and will be bringing the goods for another great day of freshies. The hill is in great shape wall to wall, and this fresh installment will fill in much of the rumble and static that has built up in the last couple of days. It will probably still be snowing in the AM, so plan on dressing for storm conditions. See you there for the powder party all ready in progress. Keep it tight!!!

FRESH LINES

3-07-23

The Sun was out, the temps were just right, and there were new areas open for The Faithful to get for the opening bell. Mineral Basin was offering big long wide open lines, however, the snow was quite dense and required a direct approach to the fall line, with an eye toward the untracked pillows. With the push for the back side, I bailed from the back and took advantage of the front side prepared lines that were absolutely incredible, with Lower Primrose path a real highlight of the day. The Road to Provo opened after Noon, offering more fresh lines that were quite a bit lighter.

Reed Snyderman taking a spicy line in the Chamoix Chutes this morning with the opening bell.

Tomorrow, look for amazing industrial smoothing to have been prepared on all sides of the hill, which will offer perfect carpets of AHHHH for your carving pleasure. The off trail is getting a bit punchy as it sets up, and the rumble and static is becoming widespread. Snow may begin later in the day and deliver more fresh Essence. Visibility may be an issue, but again, look for the trees for definition and reference. Watch Your SIX!!

DEEP DREAMS

3-06-23

Our deep dreams continue to manifest on and almost daily basis. Today was amazing, with deep Essence that dreams are made of. The Faithful were in full attendance and got to sample Utah’s finest. It is almost surreal, with the phenomenal continuous delivery we’ve seen this season.

A friend sent this amazing shot that speaks to the incredible accumulation this season has delivered. This, from a night skiing scene at Brighton.

A most sincere thanks to the entire Team at Snowbird for all the hard work that goes into making each day a reality, especially with these historic installments. Tomorrow, look for more amazing lines to be on tap, with more areas still waiting in the wings, legendary conditions wall to wall and tales of Powder to bring to life. Don’t Forget To SIZZLE!!!

CONTINUED FLOW

3-05-23

More amazing Essence was added overnight as the flow continues unabated. This has been an epic season and just keeps bringing the stoke day after day. The pack just keeps getting deeper and deeper and there is more on the way overnight as another impulse is on the doorstep as I write this.

A familiar sight these days during the drive down The Canyon with the Essence coming down with intent.

Tomorrow, look for another huge day on the hill, with significant accumulation expected overnight. The forecast is for the flow to continue bringing more and more all week long. These are epic conditions to be sure. Be sure to check the Canyon access in the AM, as it will close again tonight. IBBY!!!

NEW CYCLE

3-04-23

Stout winds here at The Trailer are signaling the new cycle which is on the door step as I write this. The Canyon will be closed overnight for mitigation efforts in the AM. The temps. are quite warm out ahead of the incoming weather, but will be dropping as it moves in.

A misty morning shot of Hellgate Thursday morning as we waited for the opening of the Tram.

Today was a good time to be scoping out the lines and taking stock of the complexion of the the pack around the hill on all aspects. The coverage is excellent on all aspects, with the Upper Cirque very filled in, and will be perfect for some prefrontal wind to fill and smooth any rumble and static that has developed the past few days. The incoming installment will be adding to the smooth factor, but it is good to know what might be reflected through the new coating. Expect a storm day, so dress for weather. It is going to be a great day on the hill. Keep it tight!!!

LACY FLAKES

3-03-23

The Faithful showed up early and strong for today’s festivities. It began snowing with intent as the temps seemed to drop at bit, bringing big lacy flakes which began to build up. Visibility was difficult with the intensity of the snow fall and the clouds shrouded the hill. The Free Ride competition was being held up on Upper Silver Fox, which contributed to the large turn out. The snow was still soft and the new product was filling in the pack quickly. Conditions are amazing wall to wall with great cover with all this snow we have been receiving. The Upper Cirque is really filled in across the face and lines that have been dicey in the past years are full and fat.

Here is a shot of The Jazzman working the sunshine and deep lines out on The Bookends.

Tomorrow, look for more snow to be in the forecast, with a fair accumulation expected for the day. Visibility will be an issue once again, so plan on that and dress for weather and cold. The Competition will still be going on, but it is easily circumvented, and will not be at all a problem. What an amazing pattern we have been having, so enjoy the fresh lines and find your favorite line wherever that may take you. Straight Ahead.

MISTY MAGIC

3-02-23

It was a misty magic day, with clouds swimming around the bowls, bright Sun to illuminate the dance floor, and cool temps to keep the soft. Mineral Basin was open, offering the soft lines that were still soft and consistent and some areas that would open later in the morning. The Road to Provo opened in the afternoon, with a large group on hand for the rope drop. The freshness out there was stellar and skied with a floaty feeling.

The Twins towering above the perfect blanket of Essence before anyone got out there.

The Groomers were full platform engagement perfect top to bottom, letting you dial in your inner Ligety with unmitigated authority. Lower Primrose path was insanely buffed for the opener and skied as good as it gets.

Jake sent this shot of the gang visiting the Bruce Tree. Perfect day to pay tribute!!

Tomorrow, look for more great lines to be out and about, so be looking for overlooked lines. The Groomers will be offering amazing carpets once again, and the soft snow sections are holding up. Be watchful for the effects of the Sun on the direct aspects as the Sun is higher in the sky and working the pack. Should be a great day in the Sun. IBBY!!!

DEEP DREAM

3-01-23

Today was the fulfillment of a Deep Dream that we all share, and it all became totally real. If the sun had been out it would have been like the best powder movie ever. Mineral Basin opened with uber deep lines that were literally bottomless top to bottom. Visibility was really difficult and staying with the trees gave you some reference, but it was the consistency of the new product that helped keep the fall line dialed in. Later, as the new product got worked, the harbor chop began to rise, however, the quality of the new snow let you blast straight through the piles without deflection.

Fredric Aasbo leaving trails of glory in Hanging Bowl.
Mike Howard chest deep in the Essence in Mineral Basin. It was just that deep, and no kidding.
Mark Herath casually dialing in the line on Baldy!!

When Mineral Basin opened, the Tram line dwindled, leaving the fast laps open on the front side of the hill. There was no shortage of options today and you could get your fill with every turn.

Mikey M getting all of it in Mineral Basin

Tomorrow, look for more great lines to be happening, as the temps and lack of Sun kept the pack nicely refrigerated. There are more areas waiting in the wings and more snow in the forecast. This has just been such an amazing cycle that keeps making it seem like livin’ the dream, but…….. There it is!!! Still Dreamin’!!!