November 19, 2009 Stevens Pass, Opening Day-OMG

Stevens started loading butts about 8:45am.  I abondoned my ski buddies to hookup with a single who was closer to the loading ramp.  Rule #1 applied: "No friends on a Powder Day".  The first few runs off Chief chair were knee deep powder.  A few lost skis on the first run saw some frustrated skiers wallowing and searching.  The front side lifts were operational except 7th Heaven and Double Diamond and the backside was closed.

Coverage was excellent.  Naturally the backside of some dips had holes and a few stream beds were still flowing but usually flagged. A few brave souls descended Shims Meadow.

I rejoined my buddies after they brkoe out the traverse and we skied untracked knee deep powder in the old growth for a couple hours until my hip began aching.

We shot a bit of video that Perl should be editing and posting later.

We departed at 1:30pm and it was raining at the 3000 ft elevation sign along hwy 2 westbound.  It was one of our best opening days in years.

Crafii and I were there too --- What a day!!!  No crowds, lots of pow and easy traffic.

I believe 7th Heaven opened in the afternoon, but the upper Mt was socked in so we didn't pursue.

Overall a wonderful opening day 

Here's Perl's video footage of Opening Day at Stevens.  It's unedited but I think the footage provides a view of how enjoyable it was.

Hey Zap,
I believe that you rode up with me on that first run (Big Chief)? Nice job on the old school skinny skis! Hopefully your fatties are arriving soon...