Bristol Conditions

[Johnny V.]

Skied upper Northstar for the first time in two years since it never opened last year. The snow was pretty good and seems like the new guns made a lot better snow. I expected it to be wider given the trail renovations, but it seems only a little wider.

If you ski it a couple of times, you'll notice the difference-there's actually room to pass someone (assuming they are not totally erratic). They did away with the side berms that sort of funneled everyone into the center. It sure will make a nice run if they can ever get the top and bottom open. From what I hear, it will be the new race trail sometime in the future. I skipped today, figuring it would be a madhouse-be there tomorrow and Tuesday.

 

[Andy_ROC]

If you ski it a couple of times, you'll notice the difference-there's actually room to pass someone (assuming they are not totally erratic). They did away with the side berms that sort of funneled everyone into the center. It sure will make a nice run if they can ever get the top and bottom open. From what I hear, it will be the new race trail sometime in the future. I skipped today, figuring it would be a madhouse-be there tomorrow and Tuesday.

Thanks for the info. I skied on the far left side so I didn't notice the berms being removed. That's a nice improvement!

 

[Johnny V.]

Meh day at Bristol today-some new manmade on the upper trails, but still sugary on the lower with ice underneath. The sun finally came out which always makes things better. Backside greens were nice. Colder night temps should allow for resurfacing and the pond is full and ready. Looks like sun tomorrow for our Tuesday morning race.

 

[Johnny V.]

Amazing the change between days. Bluebird skies, some fresh blown snow and warming temps made all the difference. Adult league race in the AM and we stayed out and skied until past 1:00. Very edgeable and so nice to really be able to see! They're maintaining what they have, but speculation is nothing new will get opened unless we get a snow dump. Time will tell..............

 

[Johnny V.]

Skied Wednesday and today and it's holding up. Getting some brown in spots today, but all trails are open-just hoping they can make it through the weekend and get into the colder temps next week. They just can't catch a break-they blew snow earlier in the week to resurface, but at 60+ F it disappears pretty fast.

We had lunch at Lock Stock-haven't eaten there since the new owners took over. Everyone's food appeared to be excellent and the service was with a smile. If you're hungry and thirsty after a ski day it might be a good place to stop.

 

[Johnny V.]

Two day report for 2/13 and 2/14. Raced yesterday morning on Outer Orbit-course held up well for our small group. Went out afterwards with one of my friends and called it about noon. Snow was getting sugary and it was gray and overcast-not conditions that make you want to stay out.

Today was nicer-got on the slope around 9:45 and the snow was much better. They blew snow on many trails to resurface-the loop was getting brown in some spots yesterday and today it was fine. In addition to the the manmade, there was about an inch of natural on most trails. They have begun to make snow on Lower Galaxy and the top of Galaxy by the chair-they may have it open for the weekend and next week. Comet chair was running slow and they closed it around noon for repairs. Took a couple rides on the triple and called it. Webcam shows the Comet chair going again, so apparently not a big problem to fix.

 

[Johnny V.]

Not bad today, but missed the 9:00 sun for the first run. Once again, they blew snow to resurface open trails and they did try on Lower Galaxy, but not enough yet. Upper Rocket was marbles and part of the top had Freestyle team moguls on it. Upper Northstar was great-smooth and fast. The widening really helped it. They should be in fairly decent shape for the February break. Caution-Cleveland Metro will be there Saturday and Sunday-Comet will be closed part of the day for racing and the bar will be packed (they like their beer!) I'll be one of the raceholes on Saturday-NY Masters is combining with the Cleveland Metro group. Can't pass up an opportunity to race top to bottom at Bristol! Been a long time since a Masters race has been there-we just don't get the numbers anymore.

 

[Andy_ROC]

Thanks Johnny.

Skied last night and found the conditions to be very nice, especially with a bit of fresh snow falling. It actually looked like winter!

Made a few more runs down Northstar last night and it was awesome especially skiers right. I'm definitely noticing the extra width and snow improvement with the new guns.

Hopefully they can get the galaxy quad going for the holiday week if mother nature cooperates.

Side note... OMG the kids Thursday night! Apparently they don't know how to form rows nor count to four. Even if they manage to get through the axess gates as a foursome, inexplicably they break apart just before loading the chair and ride up in twos.

They also apparently can't read the sign outside the lodges that tell you to rack your skis because 100's of skis are scattered on the ground like a yard sale. I'll have to take a picture next week

 

[Johnny V.]

This is the first year in 20 or so years I haven't raced in the beer league on Wednesday nights and yeah, it's hectic and crazy. The kids (God bless 'em-we were there once) are a pain. I've gotten ditched and ridden up in the chair by myself quite a few times when you jump in on a group of three from the singles line. You end up looking for adults to ride with. Although, there have been some weekday mornings when you wonder about the adults-they split up or lag behind. I have no problem being vocal about it-it's not rocket science to load a chairlift.......My two older granddaughters ski with their school group on Thursday night and I'm sure are part of the problem. Often, the northern slopes are good and not too crowded, but you're taking your life in your hands on the Loop!

 

[Andy_ROC]

I hope I don't regret it because of the crowds but I'm going to Bristol tomorrow morning