March 4, 2009 Crystal

The report said 6” new overnight with the temps in the 20’s. So what happened! I was there early and the lower mountain had a few inches of new but even at 9am it was already a bit heavy. After a couple of lower runs, I started skiing Rex. The upper mountain had a bit of fog and there was at least 6-8” new. The snow was a bit dense and I could feel the crusty moguls on the steeper terrain. Met Joedabaker and Tom and we skied one of their stashes. The fog became thicker and avy debris and steam vents blended into the white background. The boys were heading for Northway (I remember the crusty moguls near the lift base) while I saw a single track in Powder Bowl and headed for High Campbell. As I rode High Campbell the skies cleared a bit and sunshine broke the thick fog. The line down Powder Bowl was wonderful – deep powder and good visibility with only a few tracks. By the time I returned the fog closed in and engulfed the upper mountain until about 2pm.

I met Nick for lunch and we skied a few treed lines in heavy powder. On a traverse thru the trees to Quicksilver, Nick caught a crusty mogul and snapped one toe wing off his Naxo binding. An unpleasant way to end the day. The upside is now he has a real good excuse to buy some new gear at great sale prices. The forecast is for colder temps and a bit more snow plus the South Backcountry will be open. I’m staying in the van on the mountain and hope to ski with Keith and Scotty on Thursday.

Photo 1: The only view I had of Powder Bowl after my 1st run

Photo 2: Nick pushing powder

Photo 3: Nicks broken Naxo wing

Thanks for the update Zap.

I too look forward to skiing with Keith and Scotty tomorrow.
I hope that we can share nicely.
Sorry to hear the the South Back wasn't open for you today. : I always like it when that loose snow has been nicely packed down before I arrive.

Is it possible that Naxo's suck?

Southback was open at the end of the day.
Sorry to hear about the Naxos my friend had that same issue skiing down goldhills

The boys were heading for Northway (I remember the crusty moguls near the lift base) while I saw a single track in Powder Bowl and headed for High Campbell. 

Good to see you Zap. I didn't recognize you at first with all the powder fever. But glad to show you a good run, the trick was blindfolding you with fog getting there.
Glad you got a good run in Powder Bowl! As we got to Northback we waited a minute and they dropped the rope-possibly a first for me this season-it's hard to remember. :) The bumps near the bottom were OK with fresh snow, but required some patience to pass through them.

Give my best to Jill!

Well I would not buy the Naxos again but it looks like the toe wing piece should be reasonable to replace. Zap was mentioning what I was already thinking: big galoots need a true alpine setup for lift skiing. And of course Dynafits for bc. Will be shopping for some great price on something like either Gotamas or Wateas. Binding suggestions all you downhill experts?
These things, along with Fritschi, seem to have limited use. I chose these about four years ago because they tour better than the Fritschis. But they still tour lousy.
Almost the worst thing was having to walk down an untracked upper Quicksilver.

Kyle, I'm sure your in with the film crew,so what time is the "Location" going to open tomorrow, after the shoot has "Rapped" ? South was great today if some what limited.