February 2, 2005
Lifts/Runs
Lifts Open: 9/10
Runs open: 65/107
Snowfall
24 Hour: 0cm (0in)
48 Hour: 6cm (2in)
7 Day: 7cm (3in)
Year to date: 355cm (140in)
Snow Pack: 133cm (52in)
Text and Photos by Robin Siggers
It is better than it looks is the description that springs to mind as I drive up the mountain and look over the view from the base. Although the lower slopes are bare, above mid mountain I know there is still good coverage. The past few days after the rain has seen a variety of conditions that led to recommendations of sticking to the groomers. The cat crew have been doing a wonderful job and high speed cruising on piste is always good for the technique and edge control. The ice off piste loomed and it was hard to imagine how that blue glazed surface could be covered and healed.
Light snow began to fall on Monday afternoon and continued through the evening. By Tuesday morning a measly 7 cm had fallen over the ice I did not expect much of an improvement. Arriving at the hill I was greeted by the patrol saying that the skiing was great every where today. "On the groomers you mean" I asked " No everywhere" they stated. "Corner Pocket is good to go" they cheered. I headed up Timber and saw the forms of powder turns etched under the Timber chair as I rode over White pass. Although there were still patches of blue mixed into the windblown surface the majority was covered with a thick layer the consistency of cream cheese. I skied thru the trees to White Pass Chair searching for smooth lower angle terrain that offered a smooth silky feel and for the first time in a while no sounds of scraping ice.
Heading up the White Pass more signs that conditions had taken a radical turn for the better as the arcs in the new snow were smooth and even. I took the bait and headed for Corner Pocket. The entrance as usual was a little gripping as the ice was still evident but once into the Pocket and on the fans I was greeted with sweet boot top Pow. No sign of the ice that was so near the surface but hidden by this new layer.
I don't recall when I have seen conditions change so much with so little. The 7 cm of new snow came in as the surface ice was in a softened state that accepted the new snow and welded the two layers together. It is a small comfort but in times like these even a small miracle can lift the spirit. It's better than it looks.
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