Killington 4/24/10

[Zand]

Date(s) Skied: Saturday 4/24/10

Resort or Ski Area: Killington, VT

Conditions: Spring, Sunny, 60

Trip Report:

Over the last week or so I've been really sick but I decided to suck it up for one more day as I was feeling a bit better this morning. Of course as soon as I start hitting bumps my stomach gets wicked upset. So basically my final day of the year consisted of about 7 or 8 runs and they all sucked for me except the first one. Took a couple down Superstar, and all but one of the rest on Skyelark (to Bittersweet on all but one) with the other one on Ovation to dirt to Superstar. Basically, my skiing sucked badly today and I felt awful in general. Pretty telling of how most of the season went.

My goal this offseason is to get in way better shape. My freshman year of college has done what it does to most people lol. Looking forward to hopefully a lot more snow up here next year and also looking forward to lots of Jay.

 

[riverc0il]

I skied with roark at Killington on Saturday so I might as well toss in my two cents. They groomed the center of Superstar which proved to be a disaster. The snow formed long well spaced out mounds. Right and left sides had bumps but lines were fairly irregular though things did get better after noon time and some sun. I would be surprised if Upper Ovation was open today on Sunday. There is one spot where there is literally a full 10 foot break in the snow mid-trail. Sensible folks were taking off their skis but more adventurous folks such as yours truly just pointed the skis straight down the wet grass and went for it. The portage back to Superstar was short and not the problem.

Skyelark to Bittersweet was definitely the best option afternoon when upper Skyelark had bumped up. Really nice lines in places on Skyelark and Bittersweet was really sweet.

Crowds were significant. You can't tell me Killington was not making money this weekend, and a lot of it. Up to a 3-4 minute wait at its longest for the chair. When you stopped, it took a little bit of waiting to find a hole where you can merge. And once you got going, frequently your line would get cut off. I am glad they were not down to just Superstar like I feared they might be or else it would have been extremely dangerous.

As far as snow coverage.... well, I am not sure what to say. They have enough to go at least two more weeks, maybe three if they got creative. Upper Ovation is done but Superstar has has top to bottom and edge to edge (at least the snow making pole edge) coverage excepting lower Superstar where the normal coverage creep is occurring. Lots of snow stockpiled at the top of Super given that you needed to traverse uphill to get to Skyelark. Skyelark and Bitter had two small spots that need some pushing around of snow and the rull out and base area will need to get patched up. Essentially, there is way more snow than I expected and they are absolutely 100% NOT closing due to lack of snow, not even close, not by a long shot. It is laughable that they would even suggest some warm weather and rain might wash them out by next weekend.

Great day of skiing and I am happy to end my lift serviced skiing for the year on a year good note. We liquid lunched it in the parking lot and tail gated with some burgers off a grill when we were done. Life is great.

 

[riverc0il]

N/M

 

[180]

Amazing , outstanding. Can't believe it's sunny this morning (Sunday) as I skied yesterday really hard in anticipation of the rain. Things didn't soften till noon, but then it became incredible. Ovation was great except for the bare spots which were manageable. Lower Skylark had some of the sweetest lines despite the dirt, but SS was great. Upper headwall on left side. The middle which is usually horrible rollers was great right along the grooming ridgeline. You had to go with speed and then you could just zip along the tops of the bumps. Lower Headwall had lines on the left and right. Left side were huge staircases to the lift tower. Right side was 2 zippers all the way.

Party as raging in the lot after skiing and we hung till 6pm.

Sorry to see it go. We could easily ski another week.

 

[Zand]

Figured out my problems... found out today I have Mono. A REALLY fitting way to end the season lol.