We're Not In Kansas Anymore

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?" 

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?"