Good morning from the sunny slopes! We are starting out with blue skies, and even better, there are several  storms on the horizon, and the first wave could begin as early as this afternoon.

The snow that fell Saturday night into Sunday morning made for soft and carvy turns on the Sundown side of the mountain in the early morning. Get the grooming report if you are out early, and follow the sun and corduroy until the slopes warm up.

One of my favorites this morning was Tomahawk, with smooth lines to sink an edge into, abundant sunshine and great coverage. Sunshine Lift Line to Lower High Noon had a similar soft consistency and skied great all the way down. Though the early morning temperatures were chilly (good for snow!), it is already warming up, so dress in light layers and prepare for possible precipitation.

I could still draw lines in the cord on Lower Rainbow on the way to Thunderhead. If you are skiing lower mountain, start out with any slopes facing the sun. The far left side of the Heavenly Daze offered the smoothest ride, and Vogue was soft and already slushing up.

By late morning, everything should soften. It’s fun to try the slush bumps on Norther and Surprise in the afternoon. Whatever is facing the sun in the morning will be soft, and you might try some of the north-facing slopes later in the day. Snowflakes are on the way soon, so enjoy the sunshine while it’s here!

I’m feeling very grateful this morning to live in Steamboat, and to be a part of this magical community. Throughout the season, when I asked visitors and residents what keeps them living and returning here, they tell me the people, the community, the heart of this place.

CBS Sunday Morning had a touching profile yesterday on beloved sports announcer and avid Steamboat resident Verne Lundquist. He has been known to slip in anecdotes and nods to Steamboat during his sports broadcasts. In the interview, he talked about his first loves: sports and his wife Nancy, his second love, classical music and the special place Steamboat and its people have in his heart. You may even see him announcing from time to time on the Strings Music Festival stage.

There’s plenty to do to celebrate spring this week in the ‘Boat, including more live music at the base this Saturday with Flow Tribe.

Have fun on the slopes!

Jessica Berg, Alpine skier

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