Similar to Crystal, Stevens had a partial opening of Hogsback, Daisy, and the rope tow. Woke up late but after seeing they got 20" or so and weren't going to start turning until noon, my "I can still head up and ski untracked powder starting at lunchtime" thoughts convinced me. After a lot of prodding of friends and getting whiney responses I reminded myself it was a powder day and didn't need said friends, so embarked solo.
Snowing pretty hard on and off on the drive up. The lots still weren't plowed but very few cars made it not matter. Daisy was actually turning when I got there at 11 so i got in probably the extent of my pink lift runs for the year. Lots of bushes sticking out but coverage in terms of rocks was great. Snow was as deep as advertised and I was wishing I brought the fatter sticks. Lots of trail breaking due to the flats around daisy but convinced myself it was getting me in shape for the season. Hogs started turning around 12:30 I think and there was pretty much untouched or semi touched goods all day if you were willing to venture to the extreme "out of bounds" area they had roped off which was actually over near Brooks chair. Most extreme coverage/ obstacle issues were streams still uncovered in many places as well as trying not to run into mountain bike bridges/ banked turns. Not sure if they leave those up there all winter or just didn't get them pulled in time? To complete my review, I did take two rides up the rope to was well but did not ski the face due to sheer terror. Lots of people skinning the upper mountain and Big chief made me jealous I didn't bring the AT gear.
Sounds like they will keep with $20 tickets through Thursday and gradually keep opening the upper mountain. All in all can't complain about a 20" day mid-November where you regretted bringing your rock skis over your fat skis.
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