I was just asked some good questions about weather forecasts. While some of my peers are actually pretty good forecasters, I am not. I don't try and interpret raw data, but I check the weather forecast several times a day and primarily use two sources. The first is from NOAA and I find it at weather.gov. There is a space to type in a zip code or city. I actually type in Loveland Pass, CO and get a pretty good forecast. In the bottom right hand corner of that page is a tab for "Forecast Discussion." It gives some pretty good detail about the forescast. The other forecast I regulary use is from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center at avalanche.state.co.us/. It offers a very good weather and avalanche forecast for a number of regions in the state.
How far into the future do I look? Usually the 24 hour forecast is pretty good. The 48 hour forecast is OK to good. The 2-5 day forecast is OK for what kind of trend to expect. Beyond 5 days I take the forecast with a grain of salt only. As far as long term forecasts go, I pay attention to them, but my expectation for accuracy is pretty low. When someone tells me about the big storm 1-2 weeks from now, I chuckle to myself.
So what are my thoughts on A-Basin specifically? Well, it looks like Saturday is going be wintery with a little bit of snow. The first half of next week looks like nice days and cold nights. Beyond that........................................? When someone asks how the winter will be, my business, marketing, and optimistic side always comes out and I say "Lots of Snow."
For the second year in a row a whole lot of people brought in the New Year (Manhattan time) at Black Mountain Lodge. The food was great. The music was fun. People were dancing and singing. All and all a good time was had by all. And I am here to tell you, that ski patroller, Louie, can sure cut the rug.
The new snow and a wind favorable to the Lower Mountain allowed us to open Lower Wrangler this morning. The Cat Drivers made some beautiful corduroy. Nothing like soft natural snow for skiing and riding. Wrangler is the ideal trail for learning green skiers and families. It has a very gentle pitch and great views of Lenawee Mountain, Black Mountain, and the Top 'O Pali.
It is always refreshing to see it snowing in the morning and to see Mr. T heading to work.
The "Over The Hill Gang" is a group of skiers 50+ years of age that meet every Monday at The Basin. They start gathering in the A-Frame at 8:30, hit the snow at 9:00, and eat lunch at Black Mountain Lodge at 11:30. I am not sure which activity they enjoy more, skiing, sociailizing, or eating. Whatever the answer, they always appear to me to be having a great time. Fun can be had by skiers of any level. Whether you are from Summit County or from out of town, if this sounds like fun, come join this very special group of of people any Monday between now and early April.
