JohnE

Went up Tuesday. Wasn't planning on new snow but they had 10" overnight. Was very warm the day before so what was underneath was very hard. A bit of a traffic jam getting to the lot. Lots of powder hounds out. Mostly non-Loveland regulars. First in line on #2. Ptarmigan wasn't open so we went to #4. We were on the 3rd chair there. Lifties and ski patrol had a hard time getting there so by about 10AM only Chet's Dream, #2, #6 & #4 were running. First ride up #4 Scrub was relatively untracked. Rode to top. Visibility was really bad. First run down Telstar / Scrub was a real surfing experience. The 10" of new was very dense. Greg went over the handlebars and had difficult time getting up. Second ride up Scrub was almost entirely tracked out. All the skiers/boarders were concentrated on a few slopes. I've NEVER seen a slope go from untracked to massacred so quickly. Second run down was like standing on the back of a bucking bronco. I was exhausted. Third run down Apollo. Terrible visibility. I tweaked my back trying to stay upright. Headed down to the lodge. Called it a day after 3 runs / 1 hour. My back still hurts. That snow should make a good base for the groomers if it doesn't get too warm.

Went up to Loveland last Friday & did their snowcat tour. Eight of us on the cat: 5 skiers and 3 on boards. Ski Patrol Phil runs the program. He's been a ski patrol for 41 years. He really knows his stuff. The cat picked us up on the top of #8 and went into Dry Gulch - the next valley east of Lift #8. Hadn't snowed for several days but the snow quality was pretty good. Didn't see any tracks. Perfect bluebird day. Warm - most stripped off their outer layers. One guy skied in short sleeves. I think we got in about 11 runs / about 12k vertical feet. Dropped us back on the top of #8 about 3:30. Fun time. Could be wonderful with new, light snow.

Ok - thanks for the tip. I'll try some.

I notice that Loveland is offering 2 for 1 seats on their snowcat tours for Dry Gulch. These are run Friday - Sunday for the rest of April. That makes it $200/seat. Has anyone done this? Any reviews on this? Any idea about what the snow conditions are like? The exposure appears to be similar to Scrub on Chet's over on Lift #8.

I figured out the best compromise (for me). I just took a small, 1.5 liter minimalist CamelBak, fastened the sternum strap and put it on backwards. This puts up to 1.5l on your chest (instead of your back). Like a 1500ml "uni-boob" in the middle of your upper chest. Kind of big when you start out in the morning but gets smaller every time you drink. This seems like a better solution to others. A 750ml bladder in my right waist pocket is too small and interferes when I try to bend down. A 1500ml CamelBak on my back is a pain to ride the lift with - feels like it's going to push me off the lift. But the 1500ml CamelFront is enough water and I'm the least aware of it. Anyone else try this?

When snowboarding, I struggle with hydration. I got a new Platypus water bladder that holds 750ml. What I have been doing is to fill it up in the morning and drink the entire thing. I then refill it and put it into a pocket in my parka. We go out riding for 4 - 4.5 hours. I usually run out after about 3 - 3.5 hours (then I'm thirsty). So this is a total of about 1.5 liters. I've tried various Camelbaks but I don't like the big lump between my shoulder blades on the lift. The 750ml Platypus bladder is about the biggest I can fit into an inside parka pocket. Do others have similar problems and have you found a superior solution?

That's hillarious!

I admire all of you that have the courage to get back on the horse after an injury or severe illness!

Alright Bob & Arne - enjoy the perfect cord! Greg & I had some great cord yesterday at Loveland. We are corduroy connoisseurs!

Juwan - Greg & I & Arne (I think) are heading to Loveland tomorrow. Can you join us?

Agreed. It was our best day this season so far and one of the best days ever! Maybe we'll see you again next Tuesday Juwan.

Juwan - we're heading to Loveland tomorrow if you would like to join us.

We figured you went to #3. Didn't see any other carvers from Ptarmigan. We spent most of our first 2 days this season on #3. Very nice. So was Firebowl.

St_Lupo - The experience you describe and the photos look wonderful. A year and a half ago we did a cruise up the west coast of Norway up to Honningsvag and down the coast through Tromso and Lofoten during the summer solstice. What a beautiful country! The little non-corporate ski areas are the best.

A skier friend lives in Edwards - just west of Vail. He is the biggest Vail booster I know. His wife has worked part time for Vail Associates long enough for them to earn lifetime passes. They have skied about 50 days a year for the last 30 years. He is so disgusted with the situation that they are considering a move out of state.