Construction Update

The Kid's Center project is humming right along. The foundation walls are complete. The back fill work is in progress. Next week the framing crew shows up and this building will be popping out of the ground quickly.

Construction Update

The Kid's Center project is humming right along. The foundation walls are complete. The back fill work is in progress. Next week the framing crew shows up and this building will be popping out of the ground quickly.

Snowmaking Outlook

The snowmaking outlook for the coming season is very good. The amount of water available to us for snowmaking is directly related to how much water is in the North Fork of the Snake River. The more  water in the stream, the more water available for snowmaking. Going all the way back to February of 2013, we have had consistently snowy or rainy weather. The current streamflow is still high for this time of year and it is still raining. We anticipate very productive snowmaking and a great start to the 2014-15 season.



We are allowed to divert water for snowmaking September 1 through December 31. Once the water reaches a minimum level, .5 cfs near the bottom of Pali, we can no longer divert water and have to stop snowmaking. That usually occurs towards the end of December. The stream level drops well below .5cfs January through March. Our snowmaking never draws the stream down to a level even close to the low level it reaches naturally during the January - March period.  



We still have a lot of summer to enjoy. I am resting easily knowing we will kick next season off in a grand fashion. Soak up every ounce of these long, beautiful summer days.

Snowmaking Outlook

The snowmaking outlook for the coming season is very good. The amount of water available to us for snowmaking is directly related to how much water is in the North Fork of the Snake River. The more  water in the stream, the more water available for snowmaking. Going all the way back to February of 2013, we have had consistently snowy or rainy weather. The current streamflow is still high for this time of year and it is still raining. We anticipate very productive snowmaking and a great start to the 2014-15 season.

We are allowed to divert water for snowmaking September 1 through December 31. Once the water reaches a minimum level, .5 cfs near the bottom of Pali, we can no longer divert water and have to stop snowmaking. That usually occurs towards the end of December. The stream level drops well below .5cfs January through March. Our snowmaking never draws the stream down to a level even close to the low level it reaches naturally during the January - March period.  

We still have a lot of summer to enjoy. I am resting easily knowing we will kick next season off in a grand fashion. Soak up every ounce of these long, beautiful summer days.

Dark and Stormy

I am not talking about the drink. We have had some clouds and light rain roll in this afternoon. The weather here can create some dramatic images. It sounds like it is really raining down in the Front Range. The mountain looks really good. The grass and brush is green and high.

Dark and Stormy

I am not talking about the drink. We have had some clouds and light rain roll in this afternoon. The weather here can create some dramatic images. It sounds like it is really raining down in the Front Range. The mountain looks really good. The grass and brush is green and high.

Back From Vacation

Just rolled backed into town after a couple of good river trips. Kay and I and some friends floated Hells Canyon on the Snake River and the Rogue River in Oregon. Lots of good rapids, great scenery, wildlife (4 black bears on the Rogue) and great fun.



I missed a lot while I was gone. Yoga on the Mountain and the Trail Run and BBQ appear to have been big hits. I pulled in last night and wandered around the ski area for a while. The Kid Center construction is moving right along and the mountain looks to be in peak summer condition. Vacation was fun, but it is always good to show back up at The Basin.

Back From Vacation

Just rolled backed into town after a couple of good river trips. Kay and I and some friends floated Hells Canyon on the Snake River and the Rogue River in Oregon. Lots of good rapids, great scenery, wildlife (4 black bears on the Rogue) and great fun.

I missed a lot while I was gone. Yoga on the Mountain and the Trail Run and BBQ appear to have been big hits. I pulled in last night and wandered around the ski area for a while. The Kid Center construction is moving right along and the mountain looks to be in peak summer condition. Vacation was fun, but it is always good to show back up at The Basin.

Mid-Mountain Scenics

Each day the vegetation is a little greener and a little fuller.The bluebells are really coming on. A few employees have spied a moose wandering around the ski area. I have not had the pleasure yet to see it, but hope to soon.

FYI - Not many spots left for Yoga on the Mountain on Sunday.

Mid-Mountain Scenics

Each day the vegetation is a little greener and a little fuller.The bluebells are really coming on. A few employees have spied a moose wandering around the ski area. I have not had the pleasure yet to see it, but hope to soon.

FYI - Not many spots left for Yoga on the Mountain on Sunday.

6th Alley Hiccup

We have a little hiccup in our 6th Alley Bar and Grill program. It will continue to be open from 11-4 Saturdays and Sundays. This weekend, though, there is a little hitch. The Triple Bypass bike ride is going over the Pass Saturday and Sunday. State Patrol will be closing the highway to public traffic from 10 AM until 2 PM both days. We will still be open, but hard to get to. Maybe this weekend you could:



-Stop by after 2 for a late lunch and a drink.



-Arrive at The Basin before 10, go for a good hike, enjoy lunch, and drive down after 2.



-Or, if you are a Triple Bypass rider, you could skip the gross energy bar and stop here for a good salad, soup bowl, sandwich and more.



Anyway, it is a small hiccup and we are sorry for the inconvenience.



THE 6TH ALLEY BAR AND GRILL IS OPEN THIS WEEKEND.

6th Alley Hiccup

We have a little hiccup in our 6th Alley Bar and Grill program. It will continue to be open from 11-4 Saturdays and Sundays. This weekend, though, there is a little hitch. The Triple Bypass bike ride is going over the Pass Saturday and Sunday. State Patrol will be closing the highway to public traffic from 10 AM until 2 PM both days. We will still be open, but hard to get to. Maybe this weekend you could:

-Stop by after 2 for a late lunch and a drink.

-Arrive at The Basin before 10, go for a good hike, enjoy lunch, and drive down after 2.

-Or, if you are a Triple Bypass rider, you could skip the gross energy bar and stop here for a good salad, soup bowl, sandwich and more.

Anyway, it is a small hiccup and we are sorry for the inconvenience.

THE 6TH ALLEY BAR AND GRILL IS OPEN THIS WEEKEND.

Argentine North Fork Trail

Over the last week I have been up and down the Argentine North Fork Trail three times. It is in fine shape. There are a couple of very small snow patches, but they are disappearing quickly. While most of it is dry, there are some wet spots. As you travel the trail on foot or on bike, be sure and take it easy through the wet spots. The road from mid-mountain to the Summit is also mostly good for hiking and riding. During and immediately following the snow melt is time to be an extra good steward to the land. Walk and ride gently and don't be afraid to get off the bike for the wet areas.

The trail was designed by Joey Klein from IMBA. He also did much of the construction and taught our crew how to do the rest. I can't thank him enough for this A-Basin gem.

Argentine North Fork Trail

Over the last week I have been up and down the Argentine North Fork Trail three times. It is in fine shape. There are a couple of very small snow patches, but they are disappearing quickly. While most of it is dry, there are some wet spots. As you travel the trail on foot or on bike, be sure and take it easy through the wet spots. The road from mid-mountain to the Summit is also mostly good for hiking and riding. During and immediately following the snow melt is time to be an extra good steward to the land. Walk and ride gently and don't be afraid to get off the bike for the wet areas.

The trail was designed by Joey Klein from IMBA. He also did much of the construction and taught our crew how to do the rest. I can't thank him enough for this A-Basin gem.

Not Much Snow Left

Not Much Snow Left

Summer Lift Evac Training

Thursday we did an "All Hands On Deck" lift evacuation training exercise on Black Mountain Express. Always a little fun and always good for everyone.

Summer Lift Evac Training

Thursday we did an "All Hands On Deck" lift evacuation training exercise on Black Mountain Express. Always a little fun and always good for everyone.

6th Alley Brunch

The 6th Alley Bar and Grill Inaugural Summer Opening was a success today. About 50 people joined us for lunch. Chef Rybak kept much of the winter menu, but added a few good entrees. There are brunch offerings including Frittatas, Stuffed French Toast, and Havana Eggs Benedict. There is also a tasty Vietnamese Noodle Salad. Mug Club Members still have privileges. 

6th Alley Brunch

The 6th Alley Bar and Grill Inaugural Summer Opening was a success today. About 50 people joined us for lunch. Chef Rybak kept much of the winter menu, but added a few good entrees. There are brunch offerings including Frittatas, Stuffed French Toast, and Havana Eggs Benedict. There is also a tasty Vietnamese Noodle Salad. Mug Club Members still have privileges. 

Dillon Farmers' Market

I managed to take the 4th of July off only to be drafted into service working at my daughter's booth at the Dillon Farmers' Market. This is a really cool event held every Friday through the summer. Open from 9 AM to 2 PM, a couple of hundred vendors share their goods in downtown Dillon. Booths offer every thing from baked goods to art work to meat products to coffee to books to brats to cheese steaks to fruits and veggies and so much more. If you are around one of these Fridays, be sure and stop in and check it out. It is a great place grab a snack or a meal and maybe find a groovy piece of art.

Dillon Farmers' Market

I managed to take the 4th of July off only to be drafted into service working at my daughter's booth at the Dillon Farmers' Market. This is a really cool event held every Friday through the summer. Open from 9 AM to 2 PM, a couple of hundred vendors share their goods in downtown Dillon. Booths offer every thing from baked goods to art work to meat products to coffee to books to brats to cheese steaks to fruits and veggies and so much more. If you are around one of these Fridays, be sure and stop in and check it out. It is a great place grab a snack or a meal and maybe find a groovy piece of art.

The Basin From Tenderfoot

Monday Kay and I hiked up Frey Gulch to the summit of Tenderfoot Mountain (11,441'). It is the rounded, tree covered dome a few miles East of Dillon.While I had wandered around Frey Gulch many times, this was the first time I had gone all the way to the top. It was everything I expected including very nice meadows and aspens along the gully bottom with lodgepole and spruce up high. What I was not expecting was the alpine East facing meadows just below the top. There were views of The Basin, Grays and Torreys, the Montezuma area, and Keystone that were new to me. Very cool.

Don't forget, The 6th Alley Bar and Grille will be open from 11 to 4 Saturdays and Sundays this summer.