May 4th, 2008 Alpental

I started on the front about 9:30 before the crowds swept in. I was on Cascade Traverse just before 10am when I heard a rumble that I figured was a slide somewhere. Turned out it was right behind me on the cat track (about 6 meters back) and dumped out onto the run below. It didn't seem super deep but there were lots of big snow chunks in there that made me glad I didn't stop to watch the full show. Patrol had it marked by the time I got back up there. That was my first slide exposure.

Other than that I stuck around until the crowds thickened by noon and then bailed out. One concern I had was the increasing numbers of people I saw consuming alcohol on the slopes and in the lift line. In fact someone offered me a drink on one of my lift rides. Considering the crowds the imbibing seemed like a bad idea.

The weather was great, the snow slushy but entertaining and hey, I was skiing in May!

The weather was spectacular today, and the costumes weren't bad either.

Amazing to think that there was a foot of light and dry(ish) up there on wednesday.

What a difference a day makes! Tons of great skiing to be had, a little bit mushy but hey, so warm, so sunny, and everything was open. Took a few inbounds runs, the lines started getting a bit long so I mostly skiied around knoll 1/2 and down into trashcan. All i have to say is wow what a great day!