bludbut
New member
So now that I am unemployed I had the chance to take advantage of skiing for free on my birthday. The forecast was calling for cooler temps and partly cloudy which could put a damper on the usual corn harvest we get in the San Gabriels this time of year. Driving out there on the 210 the foothills were socked in from the marine layer. I was wondering if I should go to Wrightwood instead but I guess I knew better. As soon as you got to the first tunnel the clouds lifted and it was bluebird. I got to the some what empty parking lot at the crack of 10:30.
I got my free ticket and headed up to the notch and over to Thunder. I took some pics to show the coverage.
Baldy proper still holding a fair amount of snow
Thunder was mostly winter packed firm with some death ice added just for fun. It softened up somewhat around 1:00 but I wouldn't call it spring conditions.
Telegraph looks wind stripped at the top but the chutes appeared to be holding firm wind packed.
The groomies were firm winter pack too then a little softer toward the bottom.
The fire road only went half way and was melted out at the hairpin turn lower down, so you have to take the lift back to the notch.
I took several laps in South bowl which was a mixed bag. Skiers right was firm until around 2:00.
Skiers left had some really nice wind blown kinda fresh duff but you had to deal with patches of death ice, so seeing as I was alone I only went on that side once.
Looking down at the Notch
Blatant plug for Splat.
I hit the Yacht Club and was impressed to find that they did away with "Lodge Brew" and had Stella and some kind hefewizen on tap. Had some decent clam chowder also.
Yes, I did ski down to the parking lot via Bentley's around 3:45. That was the only real corn run I had. It was smooth and creamy with a little bit of debri to avoid.
Job done. I am glad I didn't go to Wrightwood because Baldy still has plenty of good snow in the usual places and I think they should be able to stay open for a few more weeks.
I got my free ticket and headed up to the notch and over to Thunder. I took some pics to show the coverage.
Baldy proper still holding a fair amount of snow
Thunder was mostly winter packed firm with some death ice added just for fun. It softened up somewhat around 1:00 but I wouldn't call it spring conditions.
Telegraph looks wind stripped at the top but the chutes appeared to be holding firm wind packed.
The groomies were firm winter pack too then a little softer toward the bottom.
The fire road only went half way and was melted out at the hairpin turn lower down, so you have to take the lift back to the notch.
I took several laps in South bowl which was a mixed bag. Skiers right was firm until around 2:00.
Skiers left had some really nice wind blown kinda fresh duff but you had to deal with patches of death ice, so seeing as I was alone I only went on that side once.
Looking down at the Notch
Blatant plug for Splat.
I hit the Yacht Club and was impressed to find that they did away with "Lodge Brew" and had Stella and some kind hefewizen on tap. Had some decent clam chowder also.
Yes, I did ski down to the parking lot via Bentley's around 3:45. That was the only real corn run I had. It was smooth and creamy with a little bit of debri to avoid.
Job done. I am glad I didn't go to Wrightwood because Baldy still has plenty of good snow in the usual places and I think they should be able to stay open for a few more weeks.
/ no ice, no hardpack..soft and smooth, great coverage, great weather.
