Bluebird Day
It’s a gorgeous day on Mt. Werner and a perfect one for riding groomers. First thing, the groomed runs off Sundown Express were skiing great and the corduroy was plentiful for any early birds who braved the cold. It is chilly with temps of 1 degree at the base and 7 at the summit as of 8:55. Dress in your warm layers, and get out and enjoy while the sun is shining. The views are spectacular and the snow is in great shape.
The groomers on the sunny side of the mountain were skiing the best so far this morning. I tried Sunsine Lift Line to West Side, which was velvety soft underfoot. Two ‘O Clock was skiing great all the way down, and I tried some of the rolling pitches off Tomahawk. Even on the fourth run, corduroy was still abundant if you kept mixing it up.
Yet another thing special to Steamboat is the violet blue color of the sky, especially when riding Sundown on a day like today. After years of skiing here, it still strikes me every time. Enjoy it while the sun is out as another storm could be on the way as early as tonight.
When the rope dropped, I traversed to Storm Peak face then upper Rainbow, where the snow was much firmer and more set up. It should soften up a little by late morning. The trees were looking a little skied out from yesterday, so I didn’t venture in.
Though I didn’t have the time this morning, my best guess is there will be some nice leftover fresh snow off of Morningside especially in Gate D and on North St. Pats. The word on the slopes is that runs off Pony Express are also skiing smooth.
After the crust on Rainbow, I headed left to Moonlight and the now super fast new Elkhead Express lift to try something on the front side of the mountain. The Daze was firmer than yesterday, but still carvy. I tried Ted’s Ridge, which was still fresh and lovely, and took one last run down See Me off Bashor lift before calling it a morning.
It feels like a leisurely day up there, so take your time, enjoy the sunny skies and maybe stop for a hot chocolate and take in the views from Four Points or Ragnar’s. I’m still feeling in vacation mode. After skiing the powder yesterday morning, I had the not-so-guilty pleasure of remaining supine for the rest of the afternoon reading, napping and whiling the rest of the day away with my sweet husband by my side. I recommend you find your own pace and groove today, skiing your own speed and treating yourself to whatever luxuries you please.
Speaking of little luxuries, there are plenty of places to enjoy a happy hour cocktail after spending the day on the slopes. My current favorites are Slopeside Grill, where it’s always lively, and if you venture downtown, the friendly staff at The Laundry serves up great small plates and creative cocktails.
Have fun out there, and I hope you create your own brand of a perfect mountain day!
Jessica Berg, Alpine skier
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