Jan 10, 2013, Alpental & Central

Was not expecting too much after the weather event earlier this week, and almost went straight to Central. But, decided to give Alpental a chance first, arriving around 9:30 to find light precip of dry, cold, stellar dendrites. Chair #1 terrain is groomed Lexan. Chair #2 snowpack consists of a shallow (6") layer of loose, dry, high-quality cotton fluff on alternating areas of bullet-resistant chunks or sheet ice.

Best line of the morning was Snake Dance area - actually pretty enjoyable untracked. Worst line was Breakover; definitely recommend skipping that. Nash is a mixed bag: the upper part of the upper slope is fair, but there is a lot of frozen slide debris filling the lower section of the upper slope. Schluct/Rollen/Gunmount all okay. Skipped Elevator based on reports of "crappy bottom". Nash gate was closed.

Then went to Central to collect the park pass, and found the piste to be softer and more carvable than at Alpental. The park is in great shape with a lot of features.

Nice report bro. I too was at Alpy this AM. Agree with all said and am fortuntate to say I didnt try Breakover. Also headed out E gate and was going to ski ropeline and decided it was not worth it.

Disappointing that the Nash gate was not open. Especially cause the website said it was first thing this morning. In fact, it says it still is at 4:30 PM. Oh well.

Nash gate opened about 12. Traverse was icy and I watched at least one person lose their edge and slide off pre-Knoll 1. Martin's was decent on the top with ~7" over the frozen rain event layer, bottom was fairly challenging . . .

Are Alpenhoiics too haughty to include a soup report?

Funny bro. No, more like too cheap to go in to the lodge to buy food. Most folks seem to have food with them. Perhaps more true though is the fact, IMHO, that the food really sucks at the pass. Crystal has way better food and I do usually eat there when I ski there. One last thought is that Alpy is so close to home, only 25 minutes for me, so just going home is easy.

Are Alpenhoiics too haughty to include a soup report?

No money left for soup after buying fries and coffee for $8 . . .