7" New

7" New and still snowing heavily. This is going to be one amazing day. Always a good sign when the day starts with 6 cars getting stuck. Parking lots are almost clear now. Come on up.

Snorkelnose

Yesterday was alright. About 1 PM I hopped on Lenawee with a woman from Longmont. The first words out of her mouth were, "What an incredible day." Shortly after that, I started hiking up the Willie's Wide staircase with the goal of skiing Snorkelnose. The staircase is steep and heads directly to Arizona Rock. After a breather at the Rock, the staircase continues diagonally upwards to the "Snorkel Door". That location has to be my favorite spot in the ski area. It is along haul up there and I only make it once or twice per season, but the view is simply fantastic. There are not many places in ski areas that provide that experience. With Patio and Judd, we dropped into Snorkelnose, the chute immediately north of Willie's Wide. The snow at the top was pretty good, maybe a little stiff. As we were worked our way day, it got better and better. The lower half was perfect powder. It was a very special "in area ski tour."

Perfection

What a perfect morning. On top of all the snow, the sun broke out of the clouds and made for a perfect morning of bluebird powder skiing. On my first trip to Pali Lift, I bumped into a old friend, Jim McDonnell. We had a great morning skiing The Face, Slalom Slope, Max, Max again, Long Chute, and East Gulley. Never felt a firm surface. Powder every run. Had a bowl of chili at Black Mountain Lodge and now I am standing by waiting for the Ski Patrol to open the East Wall. Nice.

23" Storm

8 inches new this morning, 23 inches new in 4 days, 85 inch base, 26 feet for the year. I suspect you know all the superlatives. Do I smell a 100 inch base coming?

North Y Chute

Yesterday afternoon I skied out the East Wall traverse to the Tree Chutes with Ben and Steve from Lift Operations department. We hiked the Tree Chutes staircase to the ridgeline and then up the ridge to the North Y Chute entrance. Great views of Marjorie Bowl, Loveland Pass, Porcupine Gulch area, and of course, A-Basin. And, the skiing was great.

Hiking to ski is a very different experience compared to most lift served opportunities. This particular hike, though not long, is pretty steep and difficult. Hiking in your ski or snowboard boots is not for everyone, but if you like this type of adventure, I encourage you to check out our hiking terrain, particularly North Pole and Willie's Wide.