Terrain For The Weekend

Runoff is definitely in full swing. The Snake River (a small stream 48 weeks of the year) was raging yesterday. Its flow jumped up over 1,000 cfs and washed out the road just below the Town of Montezuma isolating that community. Kay and I drove up that way last night to check out the flow. It was muddy, swollen and fast. I have included a few pictures of the flooding.



At A-Basin we have seen the effects of that runoff. One of the tricks to this late season skiing is seperating the water from the snow. The cat drivers have been busy the last two days making sure that water is flowing where it is supposed to and, importantly, that the snow is being preserved. The Lower Mountain has seen some big changes. The water is really flowing there. This weekend we are planning on Sundance and High Noon being open. Unfortunately, Wrangler and Ramrod (sorry you slush bump lovers) will be closed. The Upper Mountain should still be mostly intact. We will have the Treeline Terrain Park open with a few features. As of this afternoon there is still no sign of Lake Reveal. I am expecting that to pop out any time, maybe before the weekend.



While this a particularly big runoff, its impact to the snow is exactly what we have been expecting. If you like the summer scene, we are going to have extraordinary skiing and riding. I hope you can join the fun.



......And the paddling down on the Blue has been incredible.

Terrain For The Weekend

Runoff is definitely in full swing. The Snake River (a small stream 48 weeks of the year) was raging yesterday. Its flow jumped up over 1,000 cfs and washed out the road just below the Town of Montezuma isolating that community. Kay and I drove up that way last night to check out the flow. It was muddy, swollen and fast. I have included a few pictures of the flooding.

At A-Basin we have seen the effects of that runoff. One of the tricks to this late season skiing is seperating the water from the snow. The cat drivers have been busy the last two days making sure that water is flowing where it is supposed to and, importantly, that the snow is being preserved. The Lower Mountain has seen some big changes. The water is really flowing there. This weekend we are planning on Sundance and High Noon being open. Unfortunately, Wrangler and Ramrod (sorry you slush bump lovers) will be closed. The Upper Mountain should still be mostly intact. We will have the Treeline Terrain Park open with a few features. As of this afternoon there is still no sign of Lake Reveal. I am expecting that to pop out any time, maybe before the weekend.

While this a particularly big runoff, its impact to the snow is exactly what we have been expecting. If you like the summer scene, we are going to have extraordinary skiing and riding. I hope you can join the fun.

......And the paddling down on the Blue has been incredible.

Bighorn Sheep

Throughout the summer we frequently see bighorn sheep wandering the upper part of our basin. Almost like clockwork, in early June the sheep hang out along the highway about mile below the ski area. I took these two photos this morning. Getting to see them this close is very cool. This is a good reminder to keep your speeds down when driving around here. Between the sheep, deer, foxes and occasional bear, there are plenty of potential obstacles out on the highway.

Bighorn Sheep

Throughout the summer we frequently see bighorn sheep wandering the upper part of our basin. Almost like clockwork, in early June the sheep hang out along the highway about mile below the ski area. I took these two photos this morning. Getting to see them this close is very cool. This is a good reminder to keep your speeds down when driving around here. Between the sheep, deer, foxes and occasional bear, there are plenty of potential obstacles out on the highway.

Summer Events

Our 2014 Summer Event schedule is posted on the website. In addition to a whole bunch of weddings, on select Sundays we will be hosting five really fun events this summer that are open to everyone.



Yoga on the Mountain - July 13. Hike up to Black Mountain Lodge. On the deck enjoy a great yoga session followed by a spa lunch. Finish the day with a hike back down to the base area (and maybe a nap).



A-Basin Summit Challenge Trail Run - July 24. Take part in either the Mid-Mountain or Summit Division mountain trail races. Both of which finish at Black Mountain Lodge with BBQ and music. Non-racers are encouraged to come join the fun. The chairlift will be turning.



Farm to Table Dinner - August 10. Ride the lift or hike to Black Mountain Lodge and enjoy a summer version of our Moonlight Dinner Series this time specializing in Colorado cuisine. Not to be missed.



Sunday Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge - August 24. Again, hike or ride the lift to Black Mountain Lodge for a decadent Sunday morning feast. Maybe a little hiking can ease the guilt.



New England Style Clam Bake - September 14. The Clam Bake is back. Enjoy clams, mussels, and live Maine Lobster on The 6th Alley Bar and Grill deck.



For details check out our website:

http://www.arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/mountain/summer-events.aspx

Summer Events

Our 2014 Summer Event schedule is posted on the website. In addition to a whole bunch of weddings, on select Sundays we will be hosting five really fun events this summer that are open to everyone.

Yoga on the Mountain - July 13. Hike up to Black Mountain Lodge. On the deck enjoy a great yoga session followed by a spa lunch. Finish the day with a hike back down to the base area (and maybe a nap).

A-Basin Summit Challenge Trail Run - July 24. Take part in either the Mid-Mountain or Summit Division mountain trail races. Both of which finish at Black Mountain Lodge with BBQ and music. Non-racers are encouraged to come join the fun. The chairlift will be turning.

Farm to Table Dinner - August 10. Ride the lift or hike to Black Mountain Lodge and enjoy a summer version of our Moonlight Dinner Series this time specializing in Colorado cuisine. Not to be missed.

Sunday Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge - August 24. Again, hike or ride the lift to Black Mountain Lodge for a decadent Sunday morning feast. Maybe a little hiking can ease the guilt.

New England Style Clam Bake - September 14. The Clam Bake is back. Enjoy clams, mussels, and live Maine Lobster on The 6th Alley Bar and Grill deck.

For details check out our website:

http://www.arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/mountain/summer-events.aspx

Extra Innings

Today is the first quiet day around here in quite some time. It feels a little weird. Well, Friday we will get things rolling again. Going into an extended season like this takes a lot of extra work especially by the snowcat drivers. Over the coming weeks they will be focused on preserving our main snow corridors. This involves a lot of dozing and moving of snow. The guys will be consolidating snow in key areas to make it last as long as possible. This is a very slow, time consuming and expensive process, but a big part of the deal in summer skiing. We will keep as much of the terrain around Black Mountain Express and Lenawee Mountain Lifts open as we can. We will continue to have several features open in the Terrain Park. I look forward the weekend fun.

Extra Innings

Today is the first quiet day around here in quite some time. It feels a little weird. Well, Friday we will get things rolling again. Going into an extended season like this takes a lot of extra work especially by the snowcat drivers. Over the coming weeks they will be focused on preserving our main snow corridors. This involves a lot of dozing and moving of snow. The guys will be consolidating snow in key areas to make it last as long as possible. This is a very slow, time consuming and expensive process, but a big part of the deal in summer skiing. We will keep as much of the terrain around Black Mountain Express and Lenawee Mountain Lifts open as we can. We will continue to have several features open in the Terrain Park. I look forward the weekend fun.