It's cold!

We're exepriencing the coldest stretch of weather seen in several years. It's hasn't been above freezing for about a week (it's 19 degrees right now), and a howling snowstorm is under way as I type this:

We're hoping we don't lose power for long, but with 60-80 mph winds predicted, we'll see. Unfortunately, I've been stuck in jury duty during almost all of this time. I skied a logging road on Thursday night across from my friend's house, which was fun as hell. Spent yesterday at Crystal (court was closed due to snow) with our friend, Brandon, where we found amazing powder all day in single-digit temperatures.

Amy and I took today off to get some stuff done and avoid driving as much as possible, but we'll hopefully be back at it tomorrow!

Winter arrives

At least in terms of temperatures, winter is making up for it's late arrival. On Friday, a blustery, cold storm blew in, dumping 12-30+ inches of snow in the mountains, and even a little bit at our house.

There was enough snow for Crystal Mountain to open some lifts Saturday, so I rode there on about a foot of powder over a crusty, thin base...when there was any base at all. With superfat skis and staying light on one's feet, I was able to stay above the worst of the rocks/stumps and had a great day.

My new, huge skis were incredibly fun. Can't wait for a better snowpack to really open them up.

After much discussion, friends and I decided against driving to Mt. Baker on Sunday for their opening day, fearing a slow crawl due to snow and ice, which coated I-5 Saturday night. The consolation prize was a leisurely skin up the closed Summit West ski area at Snoqualmie Pass.

Despite what the photo looks like, they really need another 10-12 inches to open even that. We did three laps in the bitter (by NW standards) cold. It was 10-15 degrees with some strong winds.

Took a drive over to Alpental afterwards, which got 17+ inches in the Friday storm. Still needs a lot more to open, but it's starting to look promising!

The White Ribbon of Death

The first Washington ski area to open was Mission Ridge on Saturday, thanks to their snowmaking. Mission is just south of Wenatchee, on the east side of the mountains. While it doesn't get much snow (this year: none), it's elevation and climate allow snowmaking. It was your classic East Coast shaved ice strip of white down a brown mountain.

Kind of fun, but kind of not. It's supposed to start snowing this week, so hopefully this will be the last time I have to stoop to this level.