We're Not In Kansas Anymore

Still Strong At 10

As our senior avalanche dog, Tane or Mr. T is going strong approaching age 10.  Last week he re-certified as a Colorado Avalanche Rescue Dog.  Due to his geriatric status, he has to test annually.  Well, as always, he smoked the test.  Mr. T and his handler, Becs Hodgetts, are regular fixtures at Patrol Headquarters on the Summit.  Don't let him trick you into giving him treats.

The People You Meet

One of the coolest parts of my job is meeting lots of people.  Sometimes those people live in my neighborhood and sometimes they are from the other side of the world.  One person saw my last name on my name tag and we figured out my cousin was his doctor back in Virginia. About 2/3 of  our guests are from Colorado with the remaining 1/3 coming from out of the state including about 2% from outside the US.  Whether I am riding a lift, meeting someone in The 6th Alley, or sharing BBQ at Black Mountain Lodge, I always enjoy hearing stories about how people found A-Basin and what they think of the place.

The marketing crew entertaining journalists from the UK.

Arapahoe Spring

Skiing and Deck Time

It is a good time of year to enjoy some very nice sunny turns in Montezuma Bowl and a bowl of chili on the BML deck.  Hard to beat spring skiing at A-Basin.

2nd Notch

2nd Notch is open and I think it is skiing better now than it did in the Spring of 2011.  As always, the entry is just a wee bit tricky and a little steep.  There were a couple of turns around rocks.  Below that, the coverage was side to side and the surface was excellent.  Views aren't bad either.

Spring Is Almost Here

We have had 73" of snow the first 24 days of April.  There was measurable snowfall 20 of those 24 days.  There was barely a hint of spring.  We had a couple of very cold mornings and not a whole lot of sunshine.  Everybody here was loving it.  Although it is about a month late in arriving, I think spring will be rolling in the next few days.  No snow is forecast for about 3 days.  I guess we will be dealing with those perfect Colorado bluebird days with plenty of great spring skiing and riding.  This has been my kind of April.

Snorkel Door Is Open

The Snorkel Door is open.  For those interested, climb up straight up the Willy's Staircase to Arizona Rock.  Years ago some people thought the shape of Arizona Rock looked like the outline of Arizona.  I think that, organically, its name is being changed to Borgeson or Borgy Rock.  Above Borgy Rock, the staircase veers a bit left.  It tops out at a traverse that leads to the Snorkel Door and into Snorkel Nose.  Some people think this might be the coolest spot in the ski area.  Getting there is not easy.  The skiing in Snorkel Nose today was quite good.

 Upper Willy's Staircase

Snorkle Door

Snorkle Nose

Snorkle Nose Apron

At Borgy Rock

Best Day Ever

So this afternoon I was just about to enter the tunnel walking from the High Noon Lot when a young woman drove by heading home for the day.  She leaned out the window waving her arm with a giant smile on her face and yelled, "Best Day Ever."  The smile factor around here is pretty high.

I hope you enjoy the Dave Reynolds' photos taken at 1st Notch and Willie's Wide.

Big Question Today

I think a number of people today had a really big question, "Was today the best day of the year or was it last Monday, April 15?" 

Ski Day

This is what today is all about.

13" New, 70" Base, 110% Snowpack

.............And still snowing heavily.

Could Be A Big Powder Day

We know with this forecast it is going to snow a lot somewhere.  At my house about 8 miles from the ski area, it has been snowing heavily for a few hours.  After checking the instrumentation, it is and has been snowing heavily up at The Basin.  Tomorrow could be a really big day.  Get there early.

North Pole Ridge and Willy's Wide

The North Pole Gate and Willy's Wide staircase were open for hiking at 9 AM this morning.  While I didn't get a chance to go up Willy's, I did squeeze in a North Pole hike.  Cruising along that ridgeline is an experience you don't get at many other ski areas.  Certainly the East Wall hiking is one of the extra special events at A-Basin.  Don't forget though, this is Extreme Terrain and for Experts Only.  The hike is dramatic by itself, then you add the big skiing.

More EW

That East Wall is pretty cool.  No wonder people like us to get it open.  The Ski Patrol pulled off another afternoon powder session today.  They couldn't quite make the hiking happen, but that will come soon.  We will see what tonight's snow does for the Wall.  It is Arapahoe Prime Time.

 

Montezuma

More great winter skiing in Montezuma Bowl today.  I think Schauffler is my "Go To" run this week.  Beautiful, soft, chowder skiing.  Northern Spy wasn't too bad either.  While there were a fair number of people back there today, the place is so big, it feels quiet.