Mark Renson
New member
<I>(Note from the Administrator: This report was originally posted on 2/27/00. Due to our move to new servers, the date and time attributed to this post is incorrect.)</I> <BR> <BR>Arrived at about 8:30AM. "Charles" - a parking lot attendant - assisted me when I dropped my gear, so I made sure I filled out a customer comments card recommending that he "get a gold star on his next paycheck". <BR>I was sad. It wasn't Stowe's fault, it was the weather. After the thaw, the freeze came in and hardpack was everywhere. It was foggy, dreary and no powder was to be found. After a while, a temperature inversion occured and the sun tried to show itself at the Octagon and on top of the Gondola where the snow softened. Nontheless, many trails were closed due to the firm conditions. No really special ski experiences to mention. <BR>One bright spot was a small display I discovered at the top of the Gondola that showed early photos of Stowe. Being a history nerd, I enjoyed that and I always am captivated by old photos of skiing. <BR>Anyway, I have been spoiled by the prior 4 weeks which had been the best Eastern skiing that I had ever experienced, so this thaw is a bitter pill <BR>to swallow.