Thursday - We knew that the storm was coming later in the day, so it was full speed ahead during the morning. I would call it a heavy powder day. Deep snow.
The Rex and upper slopes were closed due to high wind warnings and Crystal gave a lift discount, I think it came out to $45 (I have a pass). Even from the parking lot and the lower lodge, we were surrounded by intense avy blasting. They must have used half the year's dynamite budget on Exterminator - the shock waves bounced right off Gold Hills without losing much intensity.
So we romped in the deep stuff on the lower slopes. Gave me a chance to really see with I could do with the pow sticks. I am pleased. I am not a fast ripper, but I can make my turns. Plenty of little side stashes... other skiers were staying on the center lines, while I cut the fresh side lines.
Had my head sock on under the helmet, so was pretty bundled up against the weather... had a layer of snow on me before I made it to the lift. We hit the Snorting Elk, soaked, about 1:00 for the full beer and food thing. Started raining.... I pretty much was ready to call it a day, others wanted to squeeze out more runs. Then folks started coming in saying that even the top of Queen was a rain-out . I was spared a ride up and back down in driving rain. The walk back to the car was in hard, heavy, cold, nasty, freezing rain. Fortunately it was a short walk from the Elk, across the footbridge to the car in lot A.
There is really something to be said for getting out there after a dump, to get the good stuff. The drive back to Puyallup was uneventful. But when we split up to get home, the storm hit and the freeway was like long car wash. No power when I got home... still no power. Have my computer and cable modem connected to an inverter on my car..... Made hot water for coffee on my hiking stove outside and cooked breakfast in the fireplace.
Been up to Crystal five times now this season, it's been good.
