Great Skin, Great Light

What a beautiful afternoon. The air was still crisp but, the sun was out and there were just a few scattered clouds around. Every skier I saw was sporting a big smile. Conditions were excellent. After the lifts closed I went for a skin up the hill. At just about mid-mountain I caught that perfect East Wall, end of the day alpine magic light. Another good reason to hang out at The Basin.

Weasel Way and More

Scattered about the Front Side we have several fun, interpretive ski trails. They tend to meander through the woods and at the start of each trail there is an interpretive sign about a species of animal that resides at The Basin. While most commonly used by our younger visitors, there is something to learn for everyone. If you are looking for something a little different, try taking a spin down Lynx Lane, Weasel Way, Moose Hollow or Mountain Goat Alley.

Hiking The Wall

This photo shows another reason why hiking The Wall is so much fun.

The Alleys

Today was still fairly chilly but, the sun was out and the skies were blue. The East Wall below The Traverse was skiing well particularly just inside the gate. Upper Standard was soft. The usuals, The Spine and Face were great. I had good fun skiing The Alleys soaking in the views across the valley.

A Tad Cold But........................

I have to admit that it has been just a bit chilly the last couple of days. If you remembered the puffy, the toe warmers and the best mittens, you have enjoyed some wonderful skiing. We ended up with 5 inches of new snow and kind winds with this last storm. The skiing has been good on The Wall especially out in The Tree Chutes. Monday and Tuesday may be shaping up for a decent storm. 

Hot Wheels

After a dry evening, the skies let losing and it snowed very heavily from about 8:00 to 9:30 this morning. Mother Nature dropped 2-3 inches of snow in a hurry. I made my way to the North Side finding excellent snow on The Face, The Spine and North Glade. By 10:30ish, much of it was still untouched. Beautiful skiing and Hot Wheels was a hoot. 

Employee Ski Party

Our gang was due for a mid season party. This afternoon we ran the lifts for our employees for about an hour after the lifts closed. We followed that with dinner in the A-Frame and a good raffle. Several people won Ski and Soak trips and will be heading off for a little ski and hot spring vacation. Employees shindigs like this are part of what makes working at The Basin so much fun.

Snow Safety Sunrise

The Snow Safety team was in early this morning (as usual). Yesterday's storm had some winds that created some interesting snow pockets to work with. They spent much of yesterday on the East Wall and are out there bright and early again this morning. Much of the snow safety work involves being out and about during cold, dark and windy times. Other times, the crew catches breathtaking vistas including this beautiful sunrise. This photo was taken this morning looking towards Loveland Pass from the entrance to West Zuma Bowl.