They're Back

It is that time of year. The Ski Patrol is in the midst of their annual four day refresher. They will be practicing and training emergency medicine, explosives handling and safety, lift evacuation and a variety of other tasks. While many of patrollers work at The Basin during the Summer, it is fun to catch up with those that have been working (or playing) across the country and around the world. It is good to have them back.

Disc Golf Update and Summary

Today our crack Disc Golf crew took down the course for the season. Thanks to all of you that came up and enjoyed a round or two. This Summer we added six holes giving us a total of nine. It was exciting to see the great turnout. I must say, more people showed up to play than I expected which is great. It was also great to see people not only enjoying the course, but enjoying a bite and a beverage with their friends at The 6th Alley. No promises just yet, but we are working hard on figuring out and the getting the approvals for another nine holes. Ben has a preliminary map and vision for the back nine.

Thanks again to everyone that participated.

Snowmakers Are Ready

The Snowmakers are ready. They have spent the week training. All of the equipment is out on High Noon and in the base area and is ready to go. We are staffing key periods. We are checking the forecast six times a day and the checking the actual temperature more than that.

It looks like we may have a rainy/snowy weekend. Right now it appears that it may be too warm to make snow, but we will keeping watching. You never know.

Thick and Thin

Thick and Thin is one of the new gladed trails in The Beavers. It will be easily accessible by getting on the Davis trail in the West Wall saddle. This can be done from either the top of Pali or the Summit. Skiers and riders will find some incredible tree skiing. The trail has a North facing aspect. Not only will it hold a lot of snow, but the snow quality will be superb.

When the A-Basin founders started building the ski area in 1946 they built a sawmill on the flat portion of middle Sundance (aka Sawmill Flats). Pictures of the sawmill can be found on the walls of the A-Frame. In an effort to make the logging process a sound venture, they formed the "Thick and Thin Lumber Company."

Lingering Snow

There is still a bit of lingering snow in the very highest reaches of the ski area. Looking at the forecast, the Upper Mountain should see a lot of sunshine the next few days with highs in the 50's. I suspect all or most of the remaining snow will be gone soon. The snow is kind of a wake up/reminder that winter is getting closer. We are looking at the temperatures every morning. It was 33 F when I arrived today. Probably in another week or two I will be writing a blog saying that snowmaking has started.

Zuma Bearings

Our Lift Maintenance crew is in the process of completing another very big project. This time on Zuma Lift. The team de-tensioned the lift at the top terminal, lowered the bullwheel down to some cribbing, replaced the main bearings, re-attached the bullwheell and re-tensioned the lift. It is a difficult job requiring lots of patience and precision work. Always, hug your friendly lift mechanic.

A Little Snow

Check out the snow on our webcams this morning !!!!

Fall Color

It is definitely Fall up here in the valley of the North Fork of the Snake River.