What seemed impossible even two weeks ago seemed overdue this morning. Over two feet of snow @ 2600' and considerably more above made for a great opening day at Hyak. Many discovered the nuanced flatter areas of the hill and it sure seemed like the slopes was combed by the Alpental grooming team, but once the morning's heavy snow showers broke into a calmer, clearer afternoon things got really good. Stashes were slashed, pillows were hucked, and many a trench was laid. Hidden Valley wasn't in play and I was surprised that not a single tourist ventured back there to sample the goods.
Despite an earlier pass closure than Saturday, the parking lots were full but after the first couple laps the lift lines at the triple seemingly evaporated while Rampart was steadily occupied but by no means busy. Soup was chicken-flavored Ramen with an egg poached into it around 1130, county plow rolled by shortly thereafter which made for an easy return to the ski area in the afternoon.
Last chair is already @ 3:30, but the season's finally started!
