There was about 3″ of fresh frosting on the dance floor to begin today’s festivities. Temps were cool, but the air was still. There were clouds as the day opened, but the Sun burned through the cloud deck, which offered very nice visibility and excellent detail. Mineral Basin was looking very nice, but I opted to hit the front side and take advantage of the vacant lines and smooth, steep, preparations which were waiting and I was glad I did. There was very light traffic, so back to back Trams were easy to make and dial in those untracked lines that had a firm surface. Off trail was a tad crispy, with the light cover, and a deliberated consistent turn was mandatory to keep the variations in line.

Clouds moved in and out from time to time, making the visibility variable, but there was plenty of clarity to keep the focus on the fall line sharp. By Noon, the Spring rays began to affect the fresh cover, and it began to become manky and sticky. Care was needed to keep from going over the handle bars on the lower elevations.

Tomorrow, look for more machine worked lines on all sides of the hill. I expect there to be some small accumulation overnight as impulses are still pumping through the Valley as I write this. Temps. are still cool, so expect a hard freeze and time your arrival accordingly. There is a very short window of the best feel, so use the clock to stay ahead of the break. Enjoy the MOMENT!!

The morning was bright and sunny when I stepped outside The Trailer and looked up at the peaks to see them shrouded with clouds. The temps up high were cool, with a peak temp of 19 Degrees, signaling a full on freeze. A few inches of fresh accumulation was delivered, giving plenty of traction and a silky feel to the pack, but firmness was fully in effect for the morning session.

From the looks of these tracks, it was a very nice way to start the day, despite the variability of the visibility. Traffic was quite light with walk on Trams going off and the Woodward Park was happening in the Mineral basin. A great line up of apres music was happening on the plaza later in the day and the Spring celebration was nice way to soak some up the vibe. Tomorrow, look for more unsettled weather, with continued afternoon stormage. There may be some residual clouds hanging on the peak as it did today, but I think some more accumulation may be anticipated with all this thunder storm activity this afternoon. We’ll see now it shakes out. The pack is still quite smooth overall, but the Groomers will be offering the smoothest lines. See you there for the continuation of an epic season. IBBY!!!

A few inches of fresh essence was deposited on the hill overnight as the temps were much cooler, with the core of the Low getting closer to the Front. The clouds hung low over the hill, making the visibility variable for much of the day. There were windows of clarity as clouds moved through, but the break was going to take a very long time for sure. I bailed on the day due to the visibility issues and the frozen surfaces that would have to be negotiated by braille. Jake sent some shots he took of the Woodward Park which has been completed and in use for the competitions. It is truly amazing, with impeccable grooming and attention to detail.

Thanks Jake for sending these shots, as the scene was a tad more obscure with today’s visibility. Tomorrow, look for more variable visibility as the core of the Low moves in and expect some precipitation during the day. Be sure to get out to Mineral and get an up close and personal look at what this team has built. Impressive indeed. Colder temps will be happening overnight, so I expect significant freeze of the pack, which will make for some very crispy sliding in the AM. There may well be some additional accumulation as the impulses keep moving up out of the South. There will be quite a line up of musical talent on the Plaza, so be sure to stick around for the line up. Stay Frosty!!

A lucky patch of Sunny clearing started out the day, and with the balmy temps, which still has a bit of cool to it, made the pack break right out of the Chute. Mineral Basin was offering the goods when the Tram opened at 8, but the front side was just breaking around 9. The Front side felt like smooth back country corn, which made every turn feel luxurious and silky. Lower on the mountain, the break was making the thin crust a tad punchable, but a light touch kept you on the top, but a hard edge set would send you through the crust. Regulator was feeling very nice at Noon, as it had a nice silky feel and a very smooth firm surface.

Showers began rolling in around 1 PM. with clouds and flat light making visibility go South. Tomorrow, look for more stormy conditions as the Low Pressure moves closer and send continuous bands of moisture. Temps are predicted to drop as the Low passes, so the pack might get firmer. I’ll be watching the Bird Site in the AM for a better handle on the day. The Goodness of Maize!!!!

After a long stretch of very warm temps that have kept the Canyon closed, a window has opened, and we will be able to access the hill in the AM. However, weather is approaching with that Low sitting off the coast that is pumping moisture into the front from the South. With that flow, it will be interesting to see what transpires up at the higher altitudes. Intel from the hill informs me that the lack of traffic has left the pack very smooth wall to wall.

Tomorrow, look for somewhat lower temps, with weather in the forecast as the Low begins to move East. I think it will be good to go right from the start in the AM, but visibility may be a tad dodgy. They may well be trying to hold that event out in Mineral Basin, but we’ll have to see how that shakes out. It will be great to be back up on the hill. Remain Standing!!!

It was a tad cooler today, but really not that much, and well above the average for this time of the season. The Canyon was close down again for the day, so I plugged in my guitar and dialed up a ruckus in the rumpus room. Here is a shot that Kevin sent me of the action in the Canyon today.

Tomorrow, the Canyon will still be closed, with no word on when access will be allowed. Be sure to check the UDOT link for up to date info on the situation. Temps are still going to be warm, but there are clouds and precipitation in the forecast in the coming days, with a significant roll back of the temps, which may help the danger issues for a bit. We’ll have to see how it shakes out. In the mean time, enjoy the Summer like weather and crank up the tunes. Dial it up, Dial it in!!!

It was Summer hot today and a full month ahead of the normal seasonal temp. The Canyon opened for a brief window again, so it was a private resort up there today. The Groomers were offering top to bottom sorbet corduroy, and as my friend Kevin noted, it was the real deal.

Tomorrow, expect similar Canyon restrictions we that are now in place. The hill is fine shape with plenty of pack, so there will still be wide open corduroy to carve through for the lucky few up on the hill. Can’t wait to get back up there. Straight Ahead!!!