First in line, 8 AM at the Northeast chair, and the early start was a <BR>blessing--except for my out-of-shape ski legs, which were stretched-taut <BR>rubber bands of ache by the end of the day. Each step down the stair case <BR>brought first a wince, then a grin to recall just how it was knees and <BR>thighs had been gotten to their sorry post-ski state. <BR> <BR>Contrary to the reports, there was not a drop of r*&^ all day. <BR> <BR>In fact it began snowing nicely on the way there and first run was a sweet <BR>untracked 6" on top of crust off the Northeast quad. Like cruisin' through <BR>heavy whipped cream with just a little taste of icy surpise underneath--just <BR>enough to keep it interesting. Best first run of the season I've ever had. <BR> <BR>Snow ended early, though (temps got unexpectedly frigid--had to actually go <BR>in for an hour to warm up), and most of the trails were quickly skied out. <BR>Okemo claimed 26 or so trails open. Trail sides had better snow but very <BR>little fresh. Trail middles got kinda icy. <BR> <BR>Except... Oh Yeah! Yowza! and Howdedoo!--for the ever-so-considerately <BR>"reserved" trails to skiers right of Glades Peak Quad. Had 1st and 2nd <BR>tracks on one, then 1st tracks on another, for some sweet, sweet turns <BR>through the same 6" as on the first run, but without the crust below. One of <BR>the trails reminded me of Glade at MRG. The couple of branches sticking <BR>through were easily avoided and the waterbars near the bottom were passable. <BR>Many, many laps were had. Eventually had to share with just a bit too much <BR>company for the spectacular conditions to remain spectacular. They became <BR>merely very good. <BR> <BR>Also sampled yet a 3rd reserved trail in the area, but the snow wasn't <BR>nearly as nice. Much heavier. Man-made, maybe? Or just a different exposure? <BR> <BR>Hopefully, Saturday will prove an auspicious start for 02/03.
Okemo 11/23
- Thread starter telenaut
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