Crystal - 01/30

Ahh just beat Mr CD....Gotta say it was a big day, regardless of what kind of season its been. It was also probably the 3rd or 4th biggest snow dump day of the season, with just the right quality of snow – not to light and not to heavy, just Goldilocks right. It bounded great to the ice under the sunny slopes, and was pretty perfect on the north facing slopes. Biggest bonus was HC running, great runs early down PB, BP’s was very skiable, Doors I did nice and deep, Valley great cut up pow as the day progressed, Grubstake Trees very enjoyable, lift lines (other than early on HC) not an issue. Coverage on the upper mountain greatly improved – even getting off the top of Chair 6. Fun, fun, fun. Southback opened and heard big things out there. Lots of bombs going off all mid day. Quit early to save what little energy I have for more tomorrow, should be good, especially for the NW folks if it opens tomorrow.

Other – Soup at CB lodge was Ched Broc, so sad. Pay lot was huge again and as usual not full, 5 buses, C lot maybe almost full to the shuttle stop, B lot had some cars. Great day other than the ice skating rink down in the base area – definitely got wet down there yesterday. Heard various reports about yesterday, some happy, some not so, sounded like late up high was pretty fun, depending on how wet you where by then.

Only a couple of things to add to DDK's report. Some very good snow in Snorking Elk bowl, particularly if you dropped into it from the front side trail. First tracks there mid-morning that were excellent. Also, Ann's run in Green Valley (the cut-off to the left before the last face that goes to chair-line). When south back opened in the afternoon, decided to do the short hike to Avalanche Basin (as opposed to the long hike to the top of the King). Man, I hate hiking. But, the untracked in Avie Basin gave up the goods with the tree run down to the lake being as good, maybe even better.

A bit more snow forecast for tonight before the clear weather returns for many days.

Side note, two troopers with radar on the way down, one with a car pulled over. Also, some Elk sightings around Green Water. Keep a look out for both.

Nice snow over a firm base of either styrosnow on high north facers, or bumps on the sunny areas of last week. Both skied well. The Frontside gave your memory a workout as it was hide and seek with the rocks. We got one good Campbell run in when it opened and left it, via Powder Bowl, to the frenzy. Came back later to an empty chair and picked up the overlooked pow stashes. Till Southback opened. Avie Basin was a pile of shit-eating grins as everybody was having a good time. Some really nice lines from the few people coming off the King. As CD said, the trees to Lake E were frosting on the Avie B cake. And boy do I like frosting.

Ken
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