March 17, 2006, Alpental Sunshine

Alpental was warm and sunny this morning. Temps were in the mid-forties to low fifties but the sun made it seem much warmer. Rode chair two with a guy in a t-shirt, no hat and sunglasses - this must be spring! Snow was forgiving and grippy, not quite corn but feeling really nice just about everywhere. There were a few rocks and lot of tree debris along Kante and Breakover and on the way down to Shot 6. That was about the worst of it though. Bumps seemed to have melted down and most runs were butter smooth and fast, especially Shot 6/Eisfallen which I lapped over and over.  BC sure looked good but I was solo. Knoll 1 gate was open and it looked like a few skiers were heading out. I saw a small army of snowshoers heading in from the upper lot so I'm sure the return to base slalom action was pretty good. 

The rain caught up with us at about 2:00 and a thick fog settled in on the Alpental Valley side. My last run down International [with bumps] was basically blind. Not a good combination with tired legs...

Martin Volken and crew were out setting up the course for tomorrow's rando rally. The course looks tough but should be a lot of fun for those brave enough to give it a shot. I hope y'all get another weather break tomorrow morning - good luck racers.