Winter Velvet
Mt. Werner looks extra pretty this morning with a new coat of snow. The 5 inches Mother Mature brought us Saturday night and Sunday made for soft, carvy groomers this morning and was a welcome sight for hungry powder hounds.
The groomed slopes were pristine first thing as they had an extra cushion that felt like silky velvet underfoot. Morning temperatures were chilly, and you could feel a trace of humidity in the air. Maybe a sign of things to come as the forecast is looking favorable with multiple chances for snow this week.
My favorite runs of the morning were off Sunshine Peak. Sunshine Lift Line corduroy was perfect, as the snow that fell yesterday was a cream cheese consistency that’s just right for building our base. Tomahawk’s rollers were skiing smooth from top to bottom with the additional coverage, and West Side was lovely if you like a steeper pitch.
It’s a good idea to ski with caution and respect for our beautiful mountain as you look for leftover stashes today. Making lots of turns will help you see what’s ahead, avoid the lumps and get your legs ready for the next big dump. I’m hoping with all my heart for double digits this week!
After a few laps on Sundown Express, I took Elkhead up and over to lower Rainbow, Vagabond and See Me, my favorite run down the front side of the mountain. If I had more time, I would have checked out Morningside as the snow over there was a little deeper and lighter yesterday.
If you have the chance to check out the side-country today, we had some phenomenal turns on East Face, North St. Pats and the hike-to terrain off of Pony Express yesterday. The feeling of shin-deep powder after a drought made me giddy.
After you hit the slopes, you can still enjoy the country music that’s been echoing through the valley all weekend as the 33rd annual MusicFest continues. Check out the free concerts on the mountain today.
If our weather is a mirror for turbulent times and its quickly shifting patterns are a metaphor for life’s constant change, let’s at least hope the arctic air moves on out of the Midwest and East and paves the way for storms to roll into the Rockies.
This morning I am remembering the power of Oprah’s speech at the Golden Globes last night as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement. She called out to the millions of girls watching, “A new day is on the horizon!” I can’t help but think it’s the truth.
Happy skiing and riding, and think snow!
Jessica Berg, Alpine skier
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