2006 3rd Annual Crystal Fest

it was a sad, sad day for that hibachi.

really sorry about the grill ally....you're welcome to borrow mine anytime (but please remove the cannister before you back over it...I was just lucky) and nice action pic there gregg, thanks for posting!

This sounds like a fun time, I'll be there for sure. 

Now, I should mention tho... it seems like I heard somewhere that Crystal allows snow-mos on their slopes after their season ends, if there's enuf snow.  I'm assuming tho that my source musta been mistaken, or maybe they're only allowed certain days or on certain slopes ....  or else you all wouldn't have planned this, last year and this year.  

Another question:  I'm assuming we want to bring avy gear right?    ???   Green and blue runs are probably just fine, but blacks could potentially slide a little, what with the warm temps we're having?   Main reason I ask is that a co-worker of mine is starting to sound kinda interested in b/c skiing, and Crystal is his favorite ski area ... so I'd like to suggest he rent some AT gear and come join us, but... wondering about avy concerns thereof.   

Ethan

Another question:  I'm assuming we want to bring avy gear right?    ???   Green and blue runs are probably just fine, but blacks could potentially slide a little, what with the warm temps we're having?   Main reason I ask is that a co-worker of mine is starting to sound kinda interested in b/c skiing, and Crystal is his favorite ski area ... so I'd like to suggest he rent some AT gear and come join us, but... wondering about avy concerns thereof.   

Ethan - My guess is you won't find the more experienced folks standing in line to answer questions like this.
My personal practice on the subject is that when the ski area closes, avy control stops and it becomes a backcountry tour just like any other trip into the mountains where typical safeguards apply.  You may chose to evaluate the inbounds slopes a bit differently due to your perception of the effect of earlier control work and skier compaction but the decision and responsibility as to what to ski and where still rests with the individual.  And you're right, the steeper slopes inbounds of Crystal DO slide.
Most of us feel there are no shortcuts to training and experience, other than, possibly, traveling with someone you trust that has both, and learning from them.

Hope to see you there this Sunday  

Better bring a birthday present for the MadDog though, or avalanche concerns will be the least of your worries :

I might take my 9-year-old son to the picnic on Sunday. Two years ago I towed him up, but this year I would put him on snowshoes. (He's getting too big!) If anybody else is thinking of taking kids up there, give a shout. Sometimes it helps to have moral support from other kids.

Based on the fact that there will be snow (and beer) I think you will have more trouble finding adults (or those acting like adults) than children.

Better bring a birthday present for the MadDog though, or avalanche concerns will be the least of your worries :

No, no, your presence is present enough  .