February 4, 2010 Crystal

With a report of 4" at the base and 2" on top, I just had to stop looking at the weather data and just go.  About halfway up the access road the first dusting of fresh snow appeared and a blue sky and the sun.  Arriving at 8:45, I was still able to park in the front half of the upper lot.  It was a very quiet day.  I was so lonely that a did numerous "senior stutters" at the bottom of the lift just to have company riding the chairs.

They actually received 4" at the base.  The groomers were perfect packed powder.  Off the groomers it was firm beneath the fresh snow in the steep terrain or on sun exposed slopes.  The moderate terrain off piste was really enjoyable.  Now there was a simple explanation why there was 4" at the base and 2" up high.   WIND !  High Campbell was operating and once past the "corral reef", thanks to Joedabaker for that accurate description, the winds were howling upslope right up the fall line.  The snow was drifted into the mogul troughs and around the avy debris. It was skiable and the winds kept filling in your tracks but it was firm under the fresh snow.  Avy control persisted in the South Backcountry which didn't open during my visit.  I skied Bear Pits around 10 and there was only 2 sets of tracks and the reason became obvious after turn #1 - firm under fresh.  Could be pleasant on Friday in the South Back.

I really enjoyed skiing today.   Sunshine and blue sky would have been nice.  First thing in the am, it appeared it might be like that.  Then early on, the fog rolled in over the south rim.  The fog level was about half way down from high campbell to campbell basin.   So, for instance standing on Green Valley Rim in wind ripping face stingers, it was skiing by faith and braille when dropping into the bowl.

The overcast/fog kept temperatures in the cold.  Good. Trees were loaded with snow.

Yes, good snow.  Like Zap said, groomers were solid.  Seems like six inches plus pow off groom that varied in quality with altitude. 

One fun run was Dear Fly.  Kind of a steep and deep heavy pow drop with boiler plate surprises.  Yes, you can find boilerplate if you look for it.

Fun pow shots off the sides of the groomers.  However, what I thought would be good pow stashes were already bumped out.  Somebody got there first.  Hmmm.... I guess it's not a stash if there is too much traffic there.

A weather day, but the skiing is great!!!!!   Totally great.

Glad you are having fun. I on the other hand spent the morning with the rehab PT guy and the afternoon with my favorite Active Release chiropractor. Am assured range of motion will return at some point. BTW anyone heard from Scotty ? Japan must be rockin.

Glad you are having fun. I on the other hand spent the morning with the rehab PT guy and the afternoon with my favorite Active Release chiropractor. Am assured range of motion will return at some point. BTW anyone heard from Scotty ? Japan must be rockin.

Craig, 

Is this the result of your "tomahawk divot" at Blackcomb ?

Based upon the "foot Kineseo" photo, I would think that a hot pink nail polish on your toe nails would highlight the tape on your arch.  You would definitely be the highlight at the hot tub. 

BTW anyone heard from Scotty ? Japan must be rockin.

Not there yet. Leaving on Thursday.
I have been working and behaving myself for a change. Don't like either.. I'm going to stop working and behaving soon.!
Hope you heal up fast Craig.

Have you been shaving your legs again Craig... yur calves look soo smoooth and silky?

What a good eye you have, you should have seen the chest and back when they got tapped. Hair removal prior to taping is helpful. Alas I couldn't get a good camera angle so I confess to grabbing a stock photo (but I did have the same colors). As an aside I skied a little yesterday, done after lunch. Rode up at 7:30 today to lend a hand withe snowboard comp. Leg is better every day. BTW 30 and light snow as I type.