Perfect cruiser at Mary Jane.
Knowing the town fairly well, it was not much of a challenge locating après-ski refreshments though several of our favorite watering holes were on break.
Climate change be damned!
Despite a lingering headache (it’s possible we may have over-beered), we felt stronger the next day and spent most of our time in the bumps, including the notorious Outhouse. The lines were much more skied in and I was fortunate my buddy generously applied spring wax to my bases before we left. Outhouse is not the most difficult run at MJ and though it is generally comparable, it definitely seems like the big brother of Outer Limits, relentlessly plunging straight down to the MJ base lodge. I was only about a ¼ in before my lungs first gave out. But overall, the snow was less grabby and we felt like we were really skiing.
Outhouse from afar (pic from the web).
The next day was magical. We found beautiful corn snow under foot and the altitude was no longer a major hindrance. My favorite trail was - and almost always is – Trestle. Perfect soft bumps all the way including the mid run rock face. Another friend flew in from Boston and joined us. He’s a terrific skier, but the altitude hit him hard and he ended up taking a flight back home shortly thereafter. Those were some expensive runs for him.
Beginning of Trestle - some people pay really good money to ski here.
We then headed about an hour south for two days to Arapahoe Basin only to find more mid-winter conditions. I’ve been there several times before and as many of you know, A-Basin completely rocks – it’s an extreme western version of Mad River Glen.
A-Basin mid-mountain and mid-May view.
The infamous “Beach” scene was well underway with many young, peaceful, satisfied faces tending grills. We didn’t attempt any crazy hike-to stuff, but there’s plenty of super steep lift service terrain. Nothing but hero snow everywhere, so even for us East Coasters, the steeps were not overly unnerving. Both Montezuma and the Beavers were open with a ton of snow and Pallavicini was absolutely stunning.
Exhibition under the lift.
Miner's Glade at the bottom of Montezuma Bowl - nice little tree run.
Pallavicini - pretty steep but virtually perfect snow.
We never had to share the trail with more than two or three others and if there, they were always way off in the distance. Most of the skiers were very accomplished, including the grey beards, but I have to say I’ve never seen so many snowboarders handle such steep bumps with ease and grace while still managing to throw in an occasional big air.
After 5 knee and IPA pounding days, it was time to return to home to the Green Mountain State, tired but ready for SS – or at least Bay One.
