December 1, 2002, MRNP Mazama Ridge

Arrived at Paradise around 8:15 a.m. with the gate open. No new snow, road clear, no problems. There seems to be this temperature inversion hanging around the PNW that's getting pretty boring, and making our BC skiers really scrape the bottom of the barrel for skiable snow. It was more like late spring early summer conditions at Paradise, with the berms and banks of snow that were starting to accumulate around Paradise almost completely gone. With sunny skies, warm conditions and not wanting to carry or hike to the Muir snowfield, for enough snow coverage, our destination changed to a closer spot with enough possible coverage. Looking around we decided to try the Mazama Ridge. The angle of the sun had been warming the SW facing slopes producing spring "corn" conditions. After learning the hard way, many years ago to NOT leave good snow for better snow, we yo-yoed our hearts out until the suns angle changed and that beautiful corn started to harden. It turned out to be a great day of skiing, only seeing three other people who were not skiers. BTW the lower Paradise Valley Road is so bare that until there is any new snow, it's a long carry back up, to the upper Paradise parking lot. We do have some great photos that should be ready to post shortly.

The Rangers have posted signs warning skiers/boarders that there is not enough coverage to ski below Pan point. From the looks of it, the rock skis won't even help here.