Crystal - 12/21

With yesterday's reports, went to the mountain today expecting nice weather and less than nice snow. One run down Green Valley alleviated any concerns about the snow. The next several down REX chairline, Breakover, and Sunnyside were all effortless and fast. The snow had smoothed out on the base layer, then a layer of carveable transition snow, with a top 2-3 inch refresh. Outstanding. Then up C6 for the runs of the day down chutes .5 - 2.5. Never made it all the way over to Campbell Basin as kept getting fresh turns dropping in off the traverse. Having the chair closed most of yesterday gave us the goods today. Then, out to Northway for some excellent runs down Paradise Bowl and several out Penny Dawgs way. Finished the day back on the front side where the snow consolidated into great bump skiing in the sun. Oh, and two runs in Bear Pits where the shade kept the snow more to the powder side. The Bluebird skies were very nice and the first Bluebird day of the season for me. Been skiing a lot of cold, snowy days, which is just fine!

The mountain was crowded today with lots A through E completely full. Even the pay lot was full. Had a few lines on C6 and Green Valley (for our one run down there coming out of Northway). Otherwise, no lift congestion in spite of the hordes. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying the great snow and fantastic weather today.

woke up way late and got to E lot just in time, quick stop in the P room to pick up the new T shirt, Thanks Lisa, it was good today. I slid into spook hill and it was deep and soft. the long ride up, I saw a crowd in the shadows of Spook and knew it was done, I decided to just rip the groom, what fun and relaxed skiing, I just might have to buy a pair of carving skis (NOT), left early so I could drive slow and not piss off all of the locals heroes that own the firkin hill because they get to stash their gear.

Every one of my days this season has been different. Today followed suit in the best way. Can’t add to CD’s report as we tore it up from Campbell Basin to Northway. I’ll just add - The first of the year “crowd” has torn down the snow to rocks in the usual boney places and choke points on the hill. Getting off the top of Six will require walking. Strong ski legs, finally, and monday’s learning meant no stump hits out Northway or Bear Pits - but they’re lurking. A little air time and quick turns got through to the rewards. Sunny slopes will be crunchy till new snow comes in. The shades of Northway and Bearpits will deliver.

Ken
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and now for the real report.....drum roll....fireworks......48 flags unfurled....multiple songs used without permission .... this was the greatest weather day in the history of skiing ....includeing Mars ....so say it wasn't it to hate skiing itself ......it was ...done deal

Plenty of untracked likes were found by folks willing to hike or traverse.  12-16" soft powder above 5200'.  The wind was still before 3pm and the sun was warm. We enjoyed watching the birds play and sing.