whats going on up there today??

[KevinF]

I was at Mt. Sunapee this morning. There was a delayed opening of the Sunbowl; once they dropped the ropes, it was actually pretty nice -- soft, spring-like conditions.

The rest of the mountain -- well, in the morning it was dust on ice. I had freshly tuned skis, so I could hold some pretty fun lay-em-over carved turns, but once it got scraped down, forget it. Ice skates wouldn't have held on that stuff.

The bumps looked like that picture that 2knees posted earlier, so needless to say, I stayed out. I did see one or two brave/stupid people very slowly and cautiously picking their way down some of the bumps.

 

[2knees]

o3Jeff took that pic this morning at sundown. Just want to make sure he gets credit for it. its actually a very cool pic to look at i think. nice job Jeff.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Copied from my post on mogulskiing.net:

No worries, gentlemen. I didn't go out today because I thought it would be bulletproof. But quite the contrary. Just got a call from my almost 52 year old father who just skied the steepest, narrowest, most technical bump run on the mountain and said it was "good." He skied Black Diamond, Lookin' Good, Cliffs, and Exterminator, and said they were all skiing well. No sign of glare ice or anything like that. It was much better than merely "edgeable." In fact, he noted that he was able to ski fairly direct, not just make technical hardpack turns.

So all is well, and it's bound to get better by the 13th. March is usually a snowy month.

 

[gmcunni]

So all is well, and it's bound to get better by the 13th. March is usually a snowy month.

is there significance to the 13th @ SB?

 

[Johnskiismore]

This afternoon the snow was pretty good to be honest, enough sun to soften it up a bit

 

[BushMogulMaster]

is there significance to the 13th @ SB?

Bumpapalooza East! 13th-15th @ Mt. Ellen.

 

[NoisyDissonance]

Hello skiiers, I wish I read into these forums before i made my trek out to Stowe saturday. Regardless, Things were pretty bad in many places and the mountain took a MAJOR pounding. Things looked nice but there was ice everywhere especially up top, death cookies and lots of loose/scraped off granular. I attempted one turn in the trees and it seemed like a death wish so i immediately backed out, were talking about 1/2"-1" of powder with about 2 feet of solid glacier underneath. The bumps looked like suicide and most ungroomed was closed. Despite the hit fine skiing was most definitely available , the groomers held up ok ,Lord/Standard/Sunrise/North Slope were decent, fast and icy but edgeable. The gondola terrain was very scrappy but the sides offered some decent frozen granular. Cliff Trail held up well and Nosedive was fantastic, with a nice fast surface. A groomed Liftfline was very wild, possibly the fastest surface i have ever skiied on, turns were possible but your really had to watch out and avoid forzen ice mounds and scrapped patches.Things softened up as the day went on but there was scrapped ice everywhere. Being an East Coast skiier i am used to conditions of this nature and things will be great again after a few days of warm weather and some more natural. Sounds like the Bush was a better place to be, but after 3 epic powder days last week, I'm still smiling and can deal with a little ice.

 

[billski]

I'm just back from BV on Saturday and Stowe today. Stay home unless you like very limited trail count on brutally groomed, extremely flat, wicked fast terrain. We had fun, but they need a lot more time to grind it up. Many shiny spots... I will write more in a TR later.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Sugarbush Mt. Ellen was really nice today. Hard? Yep. But not that hard. Especially in the sun. I skied bumps while the sun was out, and it was really great. I could ski direct in the zipper without taking a beating. Much much better than I expected. Just needs more skier traffic. But with 6-12" in tomorrow's forecast, all should be well sooner rather than later.

 

[billski]

Sugarbush Mt. Ellen was really nice today. Hard? Yep. But not that hard. Especially in the sun. I skied bumps while the sun was out, and it was really great. I could ski direct in the zipper without taking a beating. Much much better than I expected. Just needs more skier traffic. But with 6-12" in tomorrow's forecast, all should be well sooner rather than later.

So Patrick, tell me about last night's grooming strategy. Where was the focus? How many shifts were worked? Did you use the tiller?

 

[BushMogulMaster]

So Patrick, tell me about last night's grooming strategy. Where was the focus? How many shifts were worked? Did you use the tiller?

At Mt. Ellen, we ran two cats first shift and two cats second shift. We use tillers every night. We focused on leaving a skiable surface! Actually, we spent the first half of first shift doing some patching and rebuilding in some rough spots. Then we worked on grooming half of two trails that hadn't been groomed in a while (Which Way and Lookin' Good). Those each took some TLC to make them look nice. But they came out good. The name of the game last night was SLOW! Take your time, blade pretty deep and really turn the snow over. Second shift focused on the main thoroughfares (Rim Run, Elbow, North Star, Cruiser, Straight Shot).

Bumps were better than groomers today, IMO. At least in the sun.

 

[shadyjay]

Oh it was fun fer sure Saturday AM. Got to top of Gate House at Sugarbush-Lincoln Peak and the whole ride up, we noticed everything was frozen in place. Spent a good hour+ working on my ramp, watching the crews work on Slide Brook, and hearing reports of the status of the groomers. We saw then around 10 or so, then at 11:10, Pushover was ready to be opened, then Hot Shot and Sleeper. North Lynx did not see grooming, and it was delayed for a little while, but we put up some "advance skiing only" signs and other warnings and still had some good crowds... that area gets the sun and softens things right up. At least the late opening made the afternoon go by quicker, but the "granular" didn't like to stick to my ramp. "Last tracks" on Pushover was much better than I feared.

This morning, got out for a few runs during my breaks. Just stuck to the groomers on GH side. Not too shabby... considering what we've been through and the weekend traffic. I have confidence everything will be set right again soon enough.

And yesterday was "National Hug a Groomer Day" :grin:

 

[thetrailboss]

At Mt. Ellen, we ran two cats first shift and two cats second shift. We use tillers every night. We focused on leaving a skiable surface! Actually, we spent the first half of first shift doing some patching and rebuilding in some rough spots. Then we worked on grooming half of two trails that hadn't been groomed in a while (Which Way and Lookin' Good). Those each took some TLC to make them look nice. But they came out good. The name of the game last night was SLOW! Take your time, blade pretty deep and really turn the snow over. Second shift focused on the main thoroughfares (Rim Run, Elbow, North Star, Cruiser, Straight Shot).

Bumps were better than groomers today, IMO. At least in the sun.

I'm agreeing with BMM on the call about Ellen today...it was decent. They do a good job grooming things out over there...they have to because those trails are wide and can get hammered by the elements. I stuck to the groomers, but there were good reviews about FIS and Black Diamond. I can say from my perspective, folks are chewing up the bumps and they will be in OK shape in a few days.

Thumbs up to the recovery efforts. NO bare spots on groomed runs or even the ungroomed runs. There is plenty of snow out there. Had today been, oh 5-10 degrees warmer, it would have been nice. But it was what it was. I found one trail that had some nice corn snow beginning to form because the sun was working it over this afternoon.

In sum, you need to know the mountain you are skiing and know what they can deliver (or not). Some places like Bolton are not known for their grooming...it is more of a no-frills experience. Not defending the place, just saying. SB probably had every machine out there this weekend--but we pay more for it.

 

[billski]

Sugarbush Mt. Ellen was really nice today. Hard? Yep. But not that hard.

I would caution against readers implying from Patrick's comment that all is well in Bush land. Having skied the last two days up that-away,(not bush), in a mixed group on a wide continuum of surfaces and ratings, I would argue that the more skilled skiers had an OK time,if they are good with their edges and fast conditions. For a lower intermediate or beginner, not the best days to be out (and I had my share of them with me.)

Off piste in all but the highest of els was dreadfully prohibitive.

Agree that the future may change things.

 

[billski]

I'm agreeing with BMM on the call about Ellen today...it was decent. They do a good job grooming things out over there...they have to because those trails are wide and can get hammered by the elements. I stuck to the groomers, but there were good reviews about FIS and Black Diamond. I can say from my perspective, folks are chewing up the bumps and they will be in OK shape in a few days.

Thumbs up to the recovery efforts. NO bare spots on groomed runs or even the ungroomed runs. There is plenty of snow out there. Had today been, oh 5-10 degrees warmer, it would have been nice. But it was what it was. I found one trail that had some nice corn snow beginning to form because the sun was working it over this afternoon.

In sum, you need to know the mountain you are skiing and know what they can deliver (or not). Some places like Bolton are not known for their grooming...it is more of a no-frills experience. Not defending the place, just saying. SB probably had every machine out there this weekend--but we pay more for it.

I have to cast a skeptical "oh really?" on this one. Does this apply to all skill levels? I was at Stowe this morning and it was clear there had been significant damage to the steeps, down to rock and dirt. The bumps were simply impossible, bullet proof for sure, not a single person trekked into them. Stowe ran 2 shifts on mansfield last night too. My wife would have divorced me if I had taken her there. Signs were posted that summit runs were not for beginners or lower intermediates. Things must be significantly different between Stowe and Bush.

I am concerned that your comments may be applicable only to the highest of skill levels.

I trust that both your comments are sincere, but I am also a bit concerned that both trailboss and bushmogulmaster have an invested bias here.

 

[deadheadskier]

I think it's entirely possible that the conditions at Sugarbush North might have been a bit better than what they were at Stowe. Ragged had definitely gotten hammered with rain and while not 'good' conditions today, they had turned the snow enough to provide a surface on most trails that beginners seemed to be managing just fine.

 

[mondeo]

Groomed stuff at Kmart is decent again, small sized death cookies to LSGR. Ice underneath, but that was on O.L. and Cascade. The traverses I did between the two trails were decent.

O.L. was fun both morning and afternoon. As much as I prefer it bumped, it is kinda cool to just fly down it in its flattened state, keeping a careful eye out for all those out for their "I skied Outer Limits" pos(t)ers. By the time I left at 3, some decent bumps were starting to form, the nice soft LSGR push piles. Need to throw in some extra turns between bumps here and there, but they'll get there. Next weekend, all should be good on O.L. again.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

I would caution against readers implying from Patrick's comment that all is well in Bush land. Having skied the last two days up that-away,(not bush), in a mixed group on a wide continuum of surfaces and ratings, I would argue that the more skilled skiers had an OK time,if they are good with their edges and fast conditions. For a lower intermediate or beginner, not the best days to be out (and I had my share of them with me.)

Off piste in all but the highest of els was dreadfully prohibitive.

Agree that the future may change things.

I spent today (except one run on Exterm/Cliffs) skiing with my grade-school aged siblings, and my mom... all of whom are beginner to lower-level intermediate skiers. They had a great time. They noted that it was a little hard and slick in some spots, but really had a great day. And before you ask, no... they don't ski nearly as much as I do. It was my mom's 2nd day this season, and about 5th day since 1986! Don't be so quick to point the dismissive finger at those of us who happen to live and/or work here.

 

[thetrailboss]

I have to cast a skeptical "oh really?" on this one. Does this apply to all skill levels?

The report speaks for itself. Overnight they groomed the usual blue cruisers. No black diamonds (IIRC) were groomed on Ellen side. The conditions were MG/FG with a firm base. A person with sharp edges and solid intermediate skills would have done fine. All of the runs, with the exception of Upper Looking Good, were all snowmaking runs.

I was at Stowe this morning and it was clear there had been significant damage to the steeps, down to rock and dirt. The bumps were simply impossible, bullet proof for sure, not a single person trekked into them. Stowe ran 2 shifts on mansfield last night too. My wife would have divorced me if I had taken her there. Signs were posted that summit runs were not for beginners or lower intermediates. Things must be significantly different between Stowe and Bush.

Sounds like part of your reference point is the Front Four. For the record, Goat, Starr, and the Upper Part of Liftline do not have snowmaking or grooming. 2/3 of Liftline and National can be groomed. There are some natural snow runs that are not groomed nor see Snowmaking. Some of those runs are on Spruce Peak...and that peak has a Southern exposure which hurts it.

[I am concerned that your comments may be applicable only to the highest of skill levels.

I trust that both your comments are sincere, but I am also a bit concerned that both trailboss and bushmogulmaster have an invested bias here.

Pretty dicky comments, billski.

For the record again, I pay for my Sugarbush pass, thank you very much. I chuckle when people pull out the "bias" card.

I had a decent experience today...but I had set my expectations accordingly.

The only bias is when one either doesn't read others comments, or slants their view so that he/she isn't wrong. I'm just hoping that you are so disappointed with your visit that you didn't process what was being said. So in the worst case.....

I am not going to debate you. I don't know what trails you were looking at today at Stowe. I'm sure parts of Castlerock were nasty. I wasn't there. I laid out my guesses above as to what you might have been looking at and some good reasons why they are what they might have been.

Again, I said the skiing was decent. In the interest of full disclosure, I skied Rim Run, Elbow, Lookin' Good, Upper Lookin' Good, Lookin' Good, Northway, Which Way, Cruiser, Straight Shot, Walt's Way, and Snowflake. I probably missed one or two. They were either blue or green and all but Upper Lookin' Good was groomed. I did not ski the ungroomed runs, but they were variable. That is my reference point. I don't know what you are using as your reference again. But I will say again that Bolton is known more as a bump/tree place...ala MRG to some extent.

And as for BMM, I will let him respond, if he gives you the time. He was pretty clear what runs were groomed. I can't speak for who pays him or how he gets his pass. But there was nothing misleading there IMHO. The kid's got passion I will admit that. Bias, I don't know. When things sucked on NY's Eve, he didn't mislead...he said it was firm.

All in all, it sounds like you are :angry: because you had a bad time. Sorry about that. I can't control the weather, but I can control my perspective and attitude. It is what it is, and I did laps on groomers, but it was better than working.

Was the skiing great? No. It is what it is.

 

[thetrailboss]

I spent today (except one run on Exterm/Cliffs) skiing with my grade-school aged siblings, and my mom... all of whom are beginner to lower-level intermediate skiers. They had a great time. They noted that it was a little hard and slick in some spots, but really had a great day. And before you ask, no... they don't ski nearly as much as I do. It was my mom's 2nd day this season, and about 5th day since 1986! Don't be so quick to point the dismissive finger at those of us who happen to live and/or work here.

And BMM I think I might have seen you today....assuming that you were not wearing a helmet and hanging out with your Dad.