Jan.7,2010, Hemlock Valley Resort

While most of you South-of-the-49ers have heard of Harrison Hot Springs, most of you are probably unaware of a small ski resort in the mountains just to the west. I introduced it to my European guest,Mario(aka Lone Telemarker) yesterday. We timed it right as the resort is closed Monday through Wednesday providing us with a situation offering lots of fresh stuff and few customers.
We warmed up on some intermediate slopes (photo 1) with a gray sky above and untouched snow below. When the sun broke through, we moved over to the steeps (photo 2 and 3) where unmarked snow was found until the end of the day. All and all, a very satisfying day after two days in a massive resort.

A few more photos with cations here: picasaweb.google.com/telemon.bob/HemlockValleyResort#

Hey Bob---I just saw this.  Interesting place to go. 
Looks as if the snowpack is low there too.

www.hemlockvalleyresort.com/ often gets a better shot at receiving new snow compared to the Vancouver area resorts during marginal snow producing weather conditions. It is a small ski area and would get boring pretty quick, so I only go every couple of years, especially since I can get to Baker or Cypress in the same amount of time. Retirement allows me to time my visit to take advantage of several days of fresh snow and no skiers; that is what made this particular trip so great, even with a low snow pack.