Alta, UT 12/9/07

[Admin]

Day 9: A bit more window dressing

Well, we didn't get the 8-12 of additional snow forecast for overnight, but we did get another 4" so I headed back up for a few more hours this morning, joined by Marc_C, Skidog, Bob Dangerous, Pat and TeleJon. The Kid opted to drive to PCMR with a buddy to ride rails all day.

What was nice today was that we were by and large above the clouds enshrouding the Salt Lake Valley, with the occasional cloud blowing slowly past. Still no wind -- it's wonderful to have three feet of new snow fall without wind.

After a few more Collins laps we again graduated to Wildcat to lap more of what The Kid, Skidog and I enjoyed yesterday afternoon. Still nice 'n fluffy -- great stuff.

At least today I remembered the camera's memory card!

 

[tirolerpeter]

Got up there around 10:30 AM today. The temperature was somewhere in the low 20's and there were periods of snow squalls. The parking lot was full so I ended up parking on the road up near Rustlerand then took the surface lift to Collins. The Collins lift was pretty busy, but I got up top fairly quickly since I took the "singles" line. Admin and the gang were nowhere to be seen. I finally got to use my new BD Verdicts in some stuff they were designed for. I LOVE them! Carving the chopped up powder is easy since they are so light on my feet. I hooked up on a lift ride with a gentleman from Baltimore (sneaking in a little recreation while in SLC on business.) who was very well acquainted with Alta from numerous prior visits. He took me on a tour, and actually put us onto a number of fairly untracked powder stashes. After my first couple of runs the old legs started to loosen up and as a result of "chasing" my new friend I really started to enjoy the new sticks. We made numerous runs on the available open lifts. While there were some lift lines (good chance to rest) the trails were not too crowded, and there was plenty of still fluffy terrain available to ski. My new friend had to leave around 2:30 but I talked him into a beer as a "thank you" for the tour and giving me someone to chase! The sun alternately hid and peaked out, and I took a couple of extra runs before heading home around 3:30. When I see how beautiful Alta looks when covered with nice soft snow glistening in the sun, I just grin from ear to ear, and congratulate myself for (not to mention thank my wife for going along with it) making the move to SLC.

 

[mbaydala]

I was up at Alta today and had a great time as well. I thought the snow and the coverage was great. Did any of you have any issues on the High Traverse? I put a couple dings in my skis on the high traverse. It absolutely needs some more snow but my trip down both Thirds and West Rustler where absolutely worth it once it was opened. Today my friend said, "the dings in your skis are the price we pay for deep powder during the early season. Are you looking to have fun or do you want to ski groomers?." After I thought about that statement I felt much better about banging up my brand new pair of K2 Apache Coombas. Once I get a chance to upload my pics I post on my Saturday at Deer Valley, oh and I think I should mention, yesterday at DV I didn't as much put a scratch on my skis, though at the same time I wasn't traversing anywhere either. Other than the really rocky traverse at Alta overall it was a great day.

 

[Admin]

I was up at Alta today and had a great time as well. I thought the snow and the coverage was great. Did any of you have any issues on the High Traverse?

Damn! They did open it! Of course it was after I left, but my legs couldn't have done any more anyway.

And mbaydala, they're only tools -- they can be fixed or replaced. :wink:

Sorry we missed you and tirolerpeter...we didn't know you were heading up.

 

[mbaydala]

Didn't really taken any good pictures today because we were more concerned about getting some good lines in before the hordes came but here is what I shot.

 

[Marc_C]

Did any of you have any issues on the High Traverse? I put a couple dings in my skis on the high traverse. It absolutely needs some more snow...

Expect that....all season. Never be surprised at rocks on Sunspot Ridge (where the rope spool is - often the lowest line is the cleanest), where it drastically narrows just before the snowfences above Jakes and Annies, and almost always at Piss Pass. Often one of the cruxes of skiing Highboy is finding a clean entry. Also, the dropoffs on the back sides of those bumps going across Sunspot can get to be 3 and 4 feet between storms.