Saturday, April 29, 2023
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Case Study - Parking and Powder Days
Wow. Today was gorgeous. With 10 inches of new snow over the last two days, the skiing was fantastic. I think we proved again, on spring powder days, skiers' driving habits change completely.
I talk about comfortable carrying capacity (ccc) often. While not an absolute number, for us that is 4,140 skiers per day. Today we had a little less than 3,000 skiers. That is awesome for a Wednesday, but not a big, busy day at all. Parking on the other hand was a tremendous challenge. The lots were full by 9:30. Cars were backed up on the highway. People were frustrated.
I talked to several people this morning that wanted to blame someone for the parking (me or Ikon or the Front Range or whatever). The reality is that today's parking issue is purely an A-Basin community issue. On powder days, we change the way we drive. I worked the High Noon lot for a few hours. I witnessed the challenge. Our travel to the resort becomes a single person mission. Carpooling gets tossed out the window. With room to spare, the mountain very easily accomodated today's skiers. The parking couldn't handle the 50+% increase in cars for the same number of people.
The issue lands on all of our shoulders. This is a self inflicted wound and, interestingly enough, the issue is so easy to fix. When we head up on a spring powder day, we should should grab a friend or two. That is all it takes.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Snowing Heavily
We had 4 inches of new snow this morning. A few more inches of snow have fallen on the snow stake this evening. It is snowing heavily as I write. Snow is forecasted to fall all night long. I think Wednesday is shaping up to be a pretty good ski day.
Monday, April 24, 2023
Base of Tree Chutes
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Did Not Disappoint
Today was gorgeous and did not disappoint. Partly cloudy skies delivered a mostly sunny day. Kay and I found great snow in Roller Coaster, Black Bear and, of course, Booger. While there were certainly spots of spring snow, we sure found a lot of winter snow. I am keeping a close eye on these couple of weather events heading our way later this week.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Powder Day
Today was a beauty. We reported 7 inches of new snow. It snowed at least couple inches more after report time. The skiing was special and people were having a ball. Sunday looks to be incredible. There may be a touch of snow tonight. We should see temperatures in the low 30's. The sky is meant to be partly sunny. It might be one of those A-Basin days you dream about.
Friday, April 21, 2023
Return To Winter
As it happens every year, we get some beautiful, warm spring weather and then winter returns. And winter came back in a fury this week. Yesterday morning the temperature was below 0 F at the Summit. Today we have an inch or two of new snow on the stake. It is snowing heavily right now. The forecast is for a few more inches this evening. As I look at Joel's forecast on opensnow.com, the weather looks unsettled for the next 10 days. There is still a lot of good skiing to be had.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
IFSA 3 Star
Today there was an International Free Skiing Association (IFSA) 3 star event in the North Pole region of the East Wall. Almost 100 skiers and riders turned out in rather chilly conditions to ply the chutes and cliffs of the zone. Local A-Basin ski aficionado Wade Parkinson took the men's crown with a blistering run of big airs and sweet carving turns. His grand finale was a huge back lay off a buttress near the bottom. His mother would have been so proud.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Luau
This Saturday is our Randonee Polynesian Luau at Black Mountain Lodge. We do have a couple dozen seats available. There is no lift for this event. Skinners, snowshoers and hikers can enjoy a variety of South Pacific foods including Ahi Poke, Hoisin Duck Bao Bun, Hawaiian Kalbi Beef Short Ribs and more. Fire and hula dancers put on an exciting show. This is one of my favorite nights of the year.
For more info, check out: Moonlight Dinner - Luau Night
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Quiet Mountain
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Parking Team
Thursday, April 13, 2023
April Fool's Joke
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Enduro Wednesday
The 34th Arapahoe Basin Enduro and Apres Party is being held Wednesday this week. The annual fundraiser celebrates the best of Summit County life. 35 teams of two will ski non-stop laps on Pali Lift from 7 AM to 5 PM. Following the skiing, there will be a great party in the A-Frame that includes live and silent auctions. All proceeds from the event go to, everybody's favorite, 37-year A-Basin employee Tim Finnigan. Tim went through a cancer battle a few years back and is still working on a few complications. A-Basin is known for throwing community events and this may be the best one. If you can watch the skiing, great. If you can make it to the party, even better. For details go to:
Hiking
Kay and I had an exceptional Sunday afternoon hiking on The Wall. After a special run down Narrow North Pole, we hiked the Willie's staircase. We were the last ones heading up before Ski Patrol closed it for the day. We had the place to ourselves. We hung out for a while at the top soaking in The Basin before we slipped through the Snorkel Door. I am not sure I have ever skied Snorkelnose when the coverage was that consistent and smooth. Stellar day.
Monday, April 10, 2023
Spring Is Here
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Uphill N' Chill - Steilhang Hut
Friday, April 7, 2023
The Solarium
Land Of The Giants
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Spring Is Coming
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Monday, April 3, 2023
Wind Buff
The Spine, North Glade and many other places on Pali had the good wind buff today. The skiing just kept getting better today. Surf's up!