5 de Mayo, 2009 - Alpental (lifts/slack-country)

Snow, rain, sleet, hail(?), moderate wind and some occasional sun breaks today, a bit of everything really. Cool with snow showers up above 4200’ (~Chair 2) was much better than rain below, so that was the obvious place to stay & ski today. Not sure how much snow Alp received since weekend, but it had filled in some spots nicely, likely the wind deposits of last night? Hardly a lift line at Chair 2 . Bummer, all bc gates were closed >, but occasionally ducked rope but found more wet slide debris than I saw on Sat; on the steeper bc terrain, it was sliding pretty often with a ski cut. And snow in bc today appeared more heavy & wet then 2 days ago; can see the need for current high avy forecast in cascades.

Even saw the occasional skier huckin the cliff band above Rollen at end of day, impressive when they stuck the landing! Overall not the best spring snow for a Cinco de Mayo, but it was decent and a blast to be out on a Tuesday... now keeping fingers crossed they open up again this weekend.

Actually, I thought the snow was better than last Cinco de Mayo, at least above 4000' or so, because it held up really well. Was an interesting silky cream of wheat style stuff that carved pretty good. Nash and Snake Dance both good til the mentioned 4K then things got rather sticky. Mogul formation was unusual in that there'd be these alleys on Nash where for a few hundred vf it was damn near flat , these were awesome, then more typical bumpage would resume.

Might have seen some of your same Rollen huckers (one on tele). Impressive.

I think I timed it right in getting there about 1:15 right as a wet shower ended because from then on the precip was pretty benign and not even the wind was that bad. It was looking less pleasant in the AM based on the DOT cameras.

Quite a contrast in attendance to last years 5-5 when there were huge lines and cars parked for a full mile down Alpental Road. Lots were fairly full but I think a lot of those people were camping out in the bar, because the lines were nearly nonexistent.

Hoping they go another weekend. If BC gates open, I'd hit that ... (Edit: looking quite unlikely, sadly: " We are now closed for the 2008/2009 season.... " )

I guess that just leaves Timberline and Blackcomb (where I'll be this weekend).

Crazy weather all day yesterday, but the skiing was great. Up top it was a very buttery creamy and carvable layer of new snow. And, I agree, Nash and adrenaline were great with the many smooth/bump free sections. A fake ad for your enjoyment:

Northwest Profile #147 Alpental Lot 4 Aficionado!



As you race by the lot full signs, ignoring the bearded facilities worker throwing his body in front of your car, you squeeze into a spot partially blocking another from exciting his vehicle only to leave your dog annoyingly barking for hours then finally coming back satisfyingly cracking a coors original and eyeballing every car that enters the lot while thinking, I haven’t seen him park here before…only to have your annoying dog steal everyone’s food and crap everywhere except where you walk.



NW profile #147 we salute you!

I guess that just leaves Timberline and Blackcomb (where I'll be this weekend).

and little ol skibowl (mt hood) keeps plugging too. They have yet to announce any closing date...