March 5, 2009 Crystal - Oooo lala

Unless you were at Crystal on Thursday, don’t call the Crystal Mt. ski report this evening.  It will be painful. 

What a difference a day can make!  Add snow, blowing and drifting and temps in the teens and you have a great powder day.  The early morning report mentioned a few inches new, moderate to strong winds and possible upper lift delays.  Very true! The low temps dried the snow and it was soft powder today from top to bottom.  No fog, just gusty winds.  I met Scotty, Snow Bell and Ed and the cycling began at 9.  Rex was on hold for a half hour which allowed us to ski lower Bull and then Forest Queen for a couple runs.  Once Rex opened the missiles were launched, Sunnyside was a cloud of powder as skiers and boarders ripped the terrain. We just cycled and every run was an untracked line until we reached the catch lines. There was no stopping to eat, drink, rest or hit the restroom.  I felt like I was a hostage being held by escapees.  As you can imagine, all these guys are “hard working contributors to society”.  Northway was still closed at 1:30pm when my legs realized that I had been skiing non-stop for 4.5 hours.  We skied 26,000vf in 15 runs and I needed a break.  I’m in my 60’s and this was day 2 for me, whereas the kids were fresh.  So they decided to hike up Northway lift from Rex and wait for the rope to drop.  I went up to the restaurant on top-warmed up, had some water and when I walked out 10 minutes later Northway was open. Yahoo!   I wrapped around the back to Upper Northway Bowl and began breathing thru my neck gaiter as the powder billowed in my face.  It was a wonderful descent. Near the base of the Northway lift, I found a line with minimal crusty moguls.  After skiing Northway, I had Joedabaker’s posse blow by me. They appeared to be on a mission of global importance. I descended O-Meadows for my final run. Ooooo lala !  5.5 hours later and 29,000vf of powder, I crawled into the campervan.  I need to do this again tomorrow. 

Photo 1 - a skiers lands below the Northway lift

Photo 2 - my line down Upper Northway Bowl

One of the best days this winter-- No dought

Goods were to be had everywhere.
Theres nothing like getting first tracks down all the classic lines all day.
I just wish they had more Fresh groomers to choose from

It was indeed a great day; I love the storm riding!  Nothing like numbing face shots of cold powder, and snot frozen to your face!

Zap, nice line down the Northway Bowl.  It was still there, unscathed at 3pm.  I added a few more before heading to Niagras and calling it a day. My legs are about noodles after riding wet cement on Weds, and then knee-deep today- feels great!

Good to finally ride with Kyle.  I'll have to get your autograph next time 

Thanks Zap, Scotsman, and Snow Bell,

One of those "best days ever", for sure.  Great to meet and ski with some of my favorite TAY posters.  

The gear's still wet and I feel like I'm gonna lose a toe, but the snow was flying when we left and there's nothing pressing on the calendar tomorrow...  What to do?

What to do?

Duh.