Rookie Snowmaker

The new guy is jonesing for the temps to get cold around here.

SNOWMAKING !!!!

OK, not really, but the crew did fire up the system. It is not cold enough to make snow. We took advantage of the cool morning to fully fire up the system. It was a combination of staff training and refreshing and looking for those last minute glitches. Although we have been doing lots of testing, that is not the same as turning the entire system on at once. This is the first time the reservoir, pumps, water lines, power lines and fan guns have all been on together since last December. We want to be sure nothing too weird has happened in that nine months of dormancy. This morning is the big test. I am sure we will do a few more big tests. The objective today is to be absolutely ready to go when the temps get below 28 F wet bulb for an extended time..

6:45 Above The Basin

I was puttering around the base area late this afternoon when I realized we were about to experience some very cool light up on Black and Lenawee Mountains. I took this photo on the Highway 6 hairpin above The Basin. Regular blog viewers will recognize the vantage point. I frequently visit this spot because it provides such an extraordinary image of the ski area. Being there helps me see what is going on and I also kinda' like going there and simply checking it out.

Around The Lake

Sunday was "Father-Daughter Ride Around Lake Dillon Day." Whitney and I had a great little bike tour. The aspens are at their full peak. They may actually be just past the peak. There was fresh snow still visible at The Basin. We had that beautiful, crisp Fall air and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The forecast shows three more of these bluebird days before rain and snow move back into the picture Thursday.

Ski Patrol Refresher

The Ski Patrol spent the last four days doing their annual refresher. They spent time practicing emergency care, cpr, explosive handling, loading helicopters, filling out reports, handling dogs, evacuating lifts and a whole lot more. Good to see everyone together again. Another good sign that winter isn't too far away.

Good Storm

It was snowing heavily as I left the ski area yesterday afternoon. I arrived to a beautiful snowy scene this morning. In the base area there is probably 3-4" of new snow. I suspect more up on the hill. Our temperatures just got down into the snowmaking realm this morning. We didn't quite pull the trigger on making snow expecting the window of opportunity was just a little too small. A good sign none the less. Moisture on the hill and temperatures starting to be consistently colder ---- I like it.

Typical Fall Day

Yep, this is your typical September 23 at The Basin.

Last Week's Snow

Here is a shot of last week's snow with some golden aspens leaves on the left. It looks like we have a decent snowstorm brewing for the weekend.