Belleayre - 1/8/2012

[goldsbar]

Basically what you'd expect during a horrible snow year the frozen day after a spring skiing like day. Actually not all that bad. It was "icy" by all definitions but I brought the right set of skis (only in internet forums do wider all in one skis perform as well on hardpack as skinny race inspired skis) and was able to carve fairly well. The bump hill was fairly fun. Thought they could have had a couple of more trails open even given the high temps and lack of snow. Seems like they're holding back a bit on the snowmaking. Zero lines all day.

 

[thinnmann]

Basically what you'd expect during a horrible snow year the frozen day after a spring skiing like day. Actually not all that bad. It was "icy" by all definitions but I brought the right set of skis (only in internet forums do wider all in one skis perform as well on hardpack as skinny race inspired skis) and was able to carve fairly well. The bump hill was fairly fun. Thought they could have had a couple of more trails open even given the high temps and lack of snow. Seems like they're holding back a bit on the snowmaking. Zero lines all day.

I was there the morning also. Agree: sharp SL race skis rule at Belleayre with this limited terrain.

Aggregate of what my allegedly reputable sources have said: They are holding back on snowmaking due to budget cuts. They are down two compressors. With higher humidity, they have to move more air to blow snow at just-about-freezing temps. It also takes more water. The magic number for more acceptable snowmaking is 27 degrees, if the humidity is very low. More economical snow blowing is at 22 degrees.