December 28, 2006 Crystal Mtn.

Thursday - Ok. this was a holiday weekday, the parking lots and lift lines were max.  Blue sky, sunshine and cold.  I was hoping for some powder remains from the last few days.  However, there were so many folks there that everything got pretty well tracked out.  I am sure there was stuff in the bc, but I was skiing with friends inbounds.  Had plenty of fun in Snorting Elk Bowl. 

The catch was the wind.  The wind was ripping on the rim.  Probably 50+ with ice in the face. The mountain tops were boiling.  When the sun was going down and we got some interesting light angles, it reminded me of watching those solar flares erupting off the sun.  I saw snow flares whip up and collide with each other.  While the wind was basically from the East, it almost didn't matter, it ripped around everything. On Snorting Elk cat track behind the mountain - when you came out on the other side, got hit so hard it brought folks to a complete stop.  I was hunkered down and braced myself, looking around to make sure nobody got blown off the back of the rim.  You just want to get down off the rim asap.

While skiing GV and Snorting, the Rex stopped for significant periods of time.  I thought it was because of the wind, but a board at the bottom of GV stated that there were mechanical problems.  So, we were afraid to ski off the upper mtn. for fear of not getting back up.  We just kept cycling the GV chair until about 1:30. 

Skied Gold Hills to avoid the big lift lines and then Quicksilver into night skiing under lights.  Stayed late because the parking lot was well... a parking lot... lots of tail lights lined up down there and not moving.  So, we night skied, then did the Bullwheel.  Left the parking lot at about 6:30 pm and caught the traffic backup before reaching Greenwater.

All in all... a fun day, with wind.  Good for powder skiers and good for carvers on the groomers.  Some slopes were worn down to the ice in spots.  Saw a good size flat exposed rock right at the top of GV bowl step off - watch for that one.

Next couple of days are going to be insane with holiday and weekend skiers.  Can't wait for regular weekday skiing to return.

Got a late start. I know, you snooze , you lose. Came within 3 miles of the lower parking area when traffic came to a halt. At the first chance to turn around, I escaped the insanity. I should have known, with the holiday schedules the crowds would be crazy with the new snow and sunshine.

I wonder how many more people were up at Crystal because there is no access (Paradise) to MRNP? Saw a few inner tubes on roofs of cars.LOL!!

No sliding foos!! :

Talked to one gentleman while riding the lift:  He got to park in 'A' Lot by arriving at 7:30 am.  He was sooooo proud of himself!

Regular skiing.... soon.

Been up seven times this season so far... almost to breakeven on the mid-week season pass.   This is one of the first times I skied all day and into the night and my legs didn't get tired.   So, even with the holiday mess, it's been great early season.
   

Second that Larry. It's been a fantastic season.

Just curious, what skis are you on?

Some of the newer ski designs make skiing effortless, making for a more pleasant day and more energy toward the end of the day.

Mid week skiing rules. No crowds, no lift lines, leisure wake up time and "A" Lot for us lolly gaggers, LOL!!

I ski 185cm Pocket Rockets (now the Solomon Teneighty Gun), a good all around ski, especially for Crystal. Have two pair, one with alpine bindings and the other with Naxo bindings. While some claim that these skis are too flexible, I love them. They turn nicely anytime, ride the groomers and powder. I would also be interested in trying the Volkl Mantra (probably a bit more of a crud buster).

I know if I skied harder I would tire out my legs... I am just a lazy skier.