Conditions: Good, Bad, and Ugly

[KingM]

I had a bit of disappointment this afternoon when I got to the mountain (Sugarbush) and realized it was so foggy up top that I wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the awesome snow on some of my favorite trails. After one somewhat-unsatisfying run through heavy fog, I retreated to the lower mountain.

But after about two runs I had a thought. I realized that whenever I have a complaint about conditions it's because I'm comparing them to a perfect day: good visibility, perfect temps, lots of great snow with a few inches of fresh powder on top. If instead of comparing, I focus on what is there, I always have a good time. It doesn't matter if there are icy spots, if it's windy, thin cover, etc. So long as I'm prepared for the cold, everything else works out pretty well.

And this was just a bit of fog. It pushed me into some trails I might not have otherwise skied. They were blue groomers, but there were still a variety of ways down the mountain, there were still woods to dip into, and it was so much easier than what I'd skied at MRG this last weekend that I had that confident feeling you get sometimes when you start feeling like yes, you're a pretty good skier.

 

[severine]

The Power of Positive Thinking! Nice way to turn your lemons into lemonade! :beer:

 

[BushMogulMaster]

KingM, didn't you want to ski Twist, Moonshine, Mall, etc.? I only ask because you said you had to ski blue groomers, but those three were incredible today. Soft bumps, with a nice coat of 4" or so on top. Absolutely spectacular! And they were all below the fog even!

 

[Warp Daddy]

No such thing as a BAD day of skiing -- Just SOME better than others

 

[riverc0il]

Nothing that hasn't been said before, but I have a more realistic approach and attitude to conditions. Then again I wouldn't bat an eye at some heavy fog, that really doesn't bother me, especially when you duck into the trees....

 

[KingM]

KingM, didn't you want to ski Twist, Moonshine, Mall, etc.? I only ask because you said you had to ski blue groomers, but those three were incredible today. Soft bumps, with a nice coat of 4" or so on top. Absolutely spectacular! And they were all below the fog even!

Yes, I did take Twist->Lower Moonshine on one of my runs. On that run I rode up and then skied with someone from Florida who must be racking up some serious frequent flier miles because he didn't ski like a kid from a flat, warm place.

 

[billski]

Some people think they have to have a "whole mountain experience." to make the day a success. Depending on conditions encountered, I will vary what I do for the day. Part of that is experience, but part is just stepping out and trying new things. I tell my kids, practice, practice, practice. At 52YO I practice something most days, excepting the powder days. Here are some ideas
- NASTAR racing
- work on your carving on the greens
- woods/glades
- bumps
- powder
- take more pictures!
It doesn't have to be bigger, faster, longer all the time, and we don't need to have bragging rights all the time. Whatever you do, make sure it's fun and make sure you feel good about it!

 

[Terry]

[QUOTE
It doesn't have to be bigger, faster, longer all the time, and we don't need to have bragging rights all the time. Whatever you do, make sure it's fun and make sure you feel good about it![/QUOTE]

I agree 100% with this statement. You can have fun out skiing any day. Just relax and go with the flow. Some days are better than others, but all days out are good.

 

[Geoff]

Last Sunday when the high wind closed most of the lifts and made riding the Snowdon lifts at KMart rather unpleasant, I just headed over to Rams Head and did laps in the easy trees in untracked powder on Squeeze Play. Not exactly chest-thumping testosterone runs but the surface was great and I was completely entertained.