Last week, Amigoette skied The King for her 70th birthday year. This week, took our 12 year old granddaughter on an expert tree run. And we all had fun leapfrogging down with many repeats.
This is the year Amigoette turns 70. As part of the celebration, she wanted to ski The King, Brain Damage in particular. So, with the weird weather this year, she decided to do it last week on one of the hot sunny days. Before any more snow melted as the rock were growing. One rocky area made Brain Damage almost impassable. But, she did it.
Spent the month of November traveling on the trip of a lifetime. Patagonia. 2 long days of flying each direction, but the destination was worth it. Unsurpassed views, 4-11 miles of hiking just about every day. Great time, great people, awesome guides. Video hardly does it justice (bigger screen better).
https://vimeo.com/897953612
I knew it was gonna be bad. And it was. Horribly frozen ruts and old tracks. Snow level rose and where it softened, mush over rocks and gravel. No improvement in the forecast for many days.
So, here’s to better times, some of the best snow and slopes as measured on my fun-o-meter. Revestoke 2023.
What a great day to end my season on. Warm, sunny, and softening from opening. The wind was lighter, the temps warmer, and we knew where to go following the soften snow. Once everything softened, 10:00, Powder Bowl, The Frontside, and The Gap Series went off and everything was fun. Not as sticky as yesterday, the overnight freeze and re-thaw is slowing fixing that.
Next couple days will be even warmer. Amigoette and I are done for this season and quickly starting our spring and summer activities. Coming up, a move to the summer playground and 3 weeks cruising the San Juan Island in May. (all planned before Crystal extended their season to weekends). But, secluded anchorages, hiking, and a summer of windsurfing. Wohoo.
Stay tuned if you’re interested. And a ski season wrap-up next week.
Ken
One year ago today, I had an excellent ski day that ended in pain and the most uncomfortable 3 months of my life. Today was a so-so snow day but ended in some of the most fun, energetic runs of this weird year.
Sixty-five years ago (actually 65.5) I was born. One year ago I blew up my collarbone. Today I had a great time with the ski gang.
The day started with the often opener of Valley Berg. Best caravability on Iceberg of the year. They’ve been finally able to groom it dispersing the harsh, icy moguls and covering the rocks. I think this was when Bear Pits entered the picture. Dodge the sticks and little treetops and it was a mix of big fluff and big, hard, icy moguls. Don’t know why we did it again. The Northway light had just turned green and the huge Rex line said Go to Northway. Paradise Trees were OK, actually good “considering”. After that, it was rain-soaked icy bumps that got bigger the lower you went. ROI was not up to snuff, I’d rather stand in line that ski that, so Amigoette and I got a good Green Valley run Grubstake to Collarbone so I could curse The Spot. And, the line grew too long behind us.
And, The Frontside for the win. Sunnyside and then Gully Gully and back and forth. Our Northway bound friends had returned, the sun was out, not all soft, but smooth, ish, and a fun time was had by all the Group W skiers. Best runs of the day, and, off the year? Definitely threw down some energy. And that’s were the 65.5, average age, of our group came to play. I don’t know if they let us win or not, but the old guys kicked ass and never got passed. Until, the near solstice sun was going down and the re-freeze started. Over and out.
Drove up in a top-to-bottom line of traffic and down in the same. Why, oh why, on dry, warm roads can’t people go the speed limit at least. With the COVID crowds, there is going to be hell to pay if there is snow on the road. Forecast looks great, for one more day. Then cold and icy.
Ken