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Saddleback 12/23

xwhaler

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Date: 12/23/09
Location: Saddleback, Rangeley ME

6th day out this season (4th at my home mtn Saddleback)
Best conditions of the year so far.....machine groomed PP was the general rule of the day on Grey Ghost and Green Weaver but some loose powder from last night could be found on the sides. Excellent coverage on those two runs; Saddleback takes a while to bury the trails but they release an excellent product when they do open em up.

Ungroomed Terrain
Made two runs down Golden Smelt....litle scratchy and thin up top but nice down below.
3 runs down Blue Devil was the pick of the day. Some water bars and rocks underfoot were present but still boot deep fresh lines could be had.
Parmachenee Belle was similiar to Blue Devil with a little less coverage up top
Peachy's Peril was the only trail I felt like they maybe shouldnt have open....nice up top and way down near the intersection with Green Weaver but the middle section was pretty rocky and thin. Fun for a run but no need to get hurt this eary in the season in what seemed like 6" on top of nearly no base.

The light dry snow we have up here is great to bash through but not the best base building snow on the trails they dont blow snow on.
Little more crowded than I expected....still no lift lines but seemed like nearly every chair was filled from 9-2 when we were there.
They were blowing snow on Royal Coachman but seemed to be removing hoses around 1 on that trail so I'm thinking they may have enough to work with....some huge whales top to bottom they can start pushing around.
Unsure why but am only able to upload 2 photos here.
 

tipsdown

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Good report, thanks...

Still got my fingers crossed for Snow for this next storm...That may mean the key to the Glades...
 

xwhaler

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The next storm sounds like of a mixed bag or at least some wetter snow....that would help build a better base in the trees than the real light stuff right now.
 

deadheadskier

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Do you have a home up there? That's some serious motivation from the seacoast for a day trip home mountain if not.
 

xwhaler

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Winter Rental in Rangeley....in the market for a 2nd home up here but renting this winter
We come up each wknd....3 hours door to door (Portsmouth-Oquossoc) if roads are clear and no major slow ups through Portland or Auburn
 

bigbog

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Nice TR/info xwhaler. Got a Boyne freebie from younger fellow..extra ticket, was easier for him...from Boston...for SundayRiver. On my return up #2 to Bangor from Newry...noticed quite a few people with skiing grins coming back down...had to be from either Sugarloaf or Saddleback. Think you and tipsdown are right, another snowstorm will open up some terrain for sure.
 

tipsdown

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The next storm sounds like of a mixed bag or at least some wetter snow....that would help build a better base in the trees than the real light stuff right now.

Yeah your right, the wet snow would be ideal. Accuweather is calling for all snow right now. I'm hoping Saddleback is just far enough North for that to happen. The Greens look like they may be in trouble at this point...
 

jerseyrob

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Oct 30, 2005
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Looks good xwhaler! Can't wait for the next storm! Hopefully soon(fingers crossed)! I've got a good friend from jersey coming up for the week and would love to show him Saddleback on a powder day! Enjoy the rest of your stay!!!!!
 
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