We finally got a little snow last weekend during the opening weekend (American Thanksgiving) for Blackcomb. Then on schedule after the first weekend it snowed. Monday was fabulous with Utah powder giving us many faceshots. Eddie got the best one when he did a double ejection from his bindings head first into the powder.
Now it is cold, and when it gets this cold, it stops snowing and we have beautiful sunny days.
Today was uncrowded with a few more runs open, They have now groomed Springboard, Ross's Gold and Upper Buzz Cut. The ski out to the Village on Village Run and the base of Blackcomb may be open late tomorrow. They are making a lot of snow with the low temperatures. I saw a snowcat grooming Village Run when I left Base 2 today.
Tomorrow, Friday, they are opening the Peak Chair on Whistler. Not sure what runs will be open but I expect the Saddle, Highway 86/Upper Peak to Creek and maybe Matthews Traverse/Burnt Stew Trail. Still not a lot of snow in the alpine but I think we are remembering some really good early snow years recently and forget that this is probably not that abnormal. If you look at the mountain's weather stats we have had Novembers with less snow and some that are pretty close. The bad thing about those similar years is that December did not produce a lot of snow either. Things usually balance out eventually. I would watch if you go under ropes if you go up the Peak as it is a very rocky place when there is low snow. I have not bought gas for the snowblower yet so don't blame it on me. I am hearing rumors that Grahame may have jinxed the snow. Something about not taking a vacation this year in early December like he usually does.
Saturday will be the big opening of the new/old Crystal Ridge Express Quad Chair. This is the old Harmony Chair that was moved from Whistler. Free chocolate bars if you get there early enough. To access the new chair go straight at the bottom of Wishbone and look for the sign for Crystal Glide. If you are on a snowboard with a slow base you probably won't quite make it without taking your rear foot out. I can just make it on my board. You will cross White Light and descend Trapline to Crystal Glide and then to Lower Rock and Roll to the base of the new lift. Looks like some glading has been done above Crystal Glide. Also I hear the Top of Crystal is more open now and Upper Ridge Runner is supposed to look different as well. Will know more on Saturday when I get up there. Info and photos next Thursday so stay tuned.
I think they delayed the opening for the new Harmony 6 Pack Chair until next weekend for two reasons. The amount of snow in the alpine and they can have two big openings on two weekends rather than one. I am going to miss the second opening as we have Mountain Host Orientation that day.
Looks like temperatures will moderate by Tuesday and hopefully bring the next snowfalls.
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| Trying out my new Prior splitboard on my 60th Birthday. Works just great going downhill. Will test the uphill soon. |
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| Powder under the Solar Coaster on Monday |
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| Eddie and Mike checking out the New Crystal Ridge Chair. |
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