Crystal - 01/26

Yadda Yadda another Marketing report day two – another bonus all in all. Started as expected, pow hounds in the gates early, pretty much cut up the front of REX in 15 minutes, some broken clouds and sun bursts, typical deep new Cascade pow somewhat heavy by Rocky Mountain standards – made me think it might be a short day based on my tired legs today. But very cold temps seemed to improve the snow quality as the day went on – or maybe my typical pattern of increasing enjoyment kicked in. Doors, M-world, OuterFerks, Lucky Trees, PB!!!, various lines out towards the Throne, PB somemore!!! (sorry it was some of the best snow I did today), E top to bottom (last run of the day), EN (someone else knows about it John and Dean!) And one of them is on a single ski in a chair! – guy is old but very fast and good. BP’s improving every time I did it. Heard good things in other areas, saw folks skiing the big new run when I drove away at 2:30. Five buses, a fair number of pay folks, C lot pretty full and B lot had a few rows. No real lift lines, though most rides had someone to talk to. Cold temps should make tomorrow pretty fun – dang it

Arrived at 8:35am and easily got into the A lot, which was a big surprise.   Just not a lot of people early and never any lines all day.  Great day with much better snow than I was expecting.  Boot top to calf deep snow could be found in places.   Looking in areas that might not have been wind affected made a huge difference in the quality of the snow;  Did various doors to Lucky Shot trees to Bearpits,   MF,  then top to bottoms on Oh Meadows,  "ne" Employee Housing Run,  Right Angle through Kelly's Gap,  etc.   Lucked into being one of the first when the ropes dropped for Northway.   2nd track in Penny Dawgs, then multiple in Morning Glory,  BrandX,  then variations off of Bruces and Paradise.   Southback opened about 1:20pm and got some GREAT runs in A-Basin down to the lower trees.   Front lower face of the King seemed to be much more wind affected when I cut around from A-basin.

Have to say the "sobering run" of the day is the Employee Housing slide. I've skiied that left side of Left Angle trees towards Niagras many times and always felt "safe" way down in the trees.   To see how the slope was wiped clean and SO FAR down is pretty amazing.    If anyone is interested  I took some photos/video of the area both part way down and then from I-5. 

vimeo.com/35729203

That (old) guy Is Jim Martinson,He's actually young and a combat veteran
from Vietnam who lost both legs.He's a great guy and awesome skier.By the way, those tracks in EN were all mine!! Take care DDK

Actually did know it was Jim. He is painfully fast. Have ridden a number of days with him and Paul this season, always fun.