PCMR Sunday 2MAR2008

[TeleProphet]

Today was an upside down day. Bottom of the mountain was better than the top. About 8" new last night of light density snow. Yesterday was very warm, in the 50s in town, so the now snow crusted up the layer underneath. As is the case this time of year, the powder hounds were in such a rush to get up the mountain, they overlooked the runs off King Con, Eagle and Ski Team. Wife & I made at least 8 runs down virtually untracked, groomed underneath runs. Made for a much better experience this morning.

 

[ChrisC]

Can this be somewhat of a strategy for Park City on powder days?

 

[Tony Crocker]

Can this be somewhat of a strategy for Park City on powder days?

Usually not. The lower mt at PCMR averages 40pct of Jupiter's snowfall. Off piste coverage can also be an issue with low altitude and east exposure. But this year is different from what I saw 2+ weeks ago. It's been cold and the lower mt is nicely filled in.

 

[TeleProphet]

Can this be somewhat of a strategy for Park City on powder days?

It works under certain strategies. When we get a cold, low density storm, top to bottom new snow depths are not as extreme. In terms of competing with other skiers, there is no contest; the upper mountain tracks out way faster. If I have just an hour or so in the morning before work, I'll stay on the lower half and get far more untracked than if I had worked up the mountain. Now obviously that won't work if the storm is warm and the lower mountain is marginal.