January 3, 2007 Crystal - deeeeeeep

Started checking the telemetry last night and Crystal seemed to be getting snow versus rain. By 9pm, it was evident that Wednesday would be a powder day at Crystal. The snow report at 5:30am stated 12" at the base and 21" on top - had to recall it again to make sure. Perl and I were at the upper lot at 8:30 and were 4 rows back from the front. The vehicles parked overnight had a foot piled on their roofs and it was still snowing lightly. The 6 pack chair was not operating and we waited at the old Miner Basin chair for about 20 minutes while they excavated the snow around the base and chairs. It was a small group and the light snowfall was heavy powder. Watched a couple of patrollers ski down Lower Exterminator with face shots at each turn.

Once up Miners and over to Rex, it was apparent it would be awhile before Rex would load. Over to Forest Queen and another unknown opening. We decided to cycle the lower mountain while the crews dugout the chairs. We made 4 incredible face shot runs. It was heavy powder that was up to your knees and would engulf your body and stick to your goggles as you entered the "white room". I stopped to film Perl and his image was a spray of powder and a periodic glimpse of a smiling skier. Finally Rex was rolling then Forest Queen and then High Campbell. As you ascended the temperatures were in the mid 20's and the powder was lighter and deeper. During the day, light snow showers added a few more inches. Surprisingly, there was little if any wind. You could descend steep terrain at speed or until your quads started talking back. A few sloughs were evident and the backcountry was closed. It was the type of day that most folks would probably assume would have been mild until they heard the ski report and realized it was too late. It's really deeeeep up there.

Zap

Deep, that's for dang sure! I'm up at Crystal all week with my family, and yesterday was admittedly a disappointment...however, today more than made up for it, at least aside from all the technical difficulties the chairs were experiencing. Once we were finally up the mountain, there was all the fun of face shot after face shot in 2 feet of powder-ish substance, almost choking on snow with each turn. Made me wish I hadn't left my fat skis at school, since all I brought home was my (80mm underfoot) Scratches, but the trick seemed to be finding the steep stuff and then sitting waaaaayyyy back like I was waterskiing. The conditions definitely made for some good tumbles, and I ended up waiting for my dad an awful lot since he hadn't quite figured out the best cement-skiing technique, but it was in all an awesome day. Any day that I'm wearing that huge pow-eating grin from first run till the last one will not be easily forgotten!

It was the type of day that most folks would probably assume would have been mild until they heard the ski report and realized it was too late. It's really deeeeep up there.

Called the boss from the area and told him the lifts were on delay opening and he hustled up and got the goods.
Hands down the most face shots I have ever had in one continuous day of skiing-nearly every turn!!
Point-em, time your breathing and occasionally choke as the powder blasted up the front of your jacket and over the head!
I was thinking of ya Zap-Nice day to be a tall person.
Good Report-There were many HUGE sluffs, I noticed no slabs though, overnight cooling and time may help settle things out, plus some snow to fill in the 2 foot deep ski tracks.
Joe