Bristol Conditions

[Spencer]

Was hoping to ski this weekend but I'm just not sure due to the Thursday melt followed by refreeze. Saturday could be boilerplate--- but it could also be groomed goodness, especially early when I would go. I think I'm out for Sunday due to the snow on Saturday night which could make Sunday an overcrowded "piles day."

Will be interested in a Friday report if anyone goes.
Thank you

Today was soft and pleasant from what I was told.

 

[Johnny V.]

Got down around noon, so I missed the morning. Firm and fast, but with sun, so it was very manageable. Yes, you needed sharp edges on stiff skis! One run on my Nordica 104s to check the new binding position (for the upcoming trip out west), then switched to a pair of my GS skis which were a lot of fun. Hard to say what tomorrow will bring............I've heard 5-6" of snow, rain, ice-guess we'll see.

 

[Andy_ROC]

Got down around noon, so I missed the morning. Firm and fast, but with sun, so it was very manageable. Yes, you needed sharp edges on stiff skis! One run on my Nordica 104s to check the new binding position (for the upcoming trip out west), then switched to a pair of my GS skis which were a lot of fun. Hard to say what tomorrow will bring............I've heard 5-6" of snow, rain, ice-guess we'll see.

Thanks Johnny the update is much appreciated.

Sounds like tomorrow is probably out for me. While the snow doesn't start till 11 or 12 I'm not really into using one of my 5 remaining passes for boilerplate.

There will be better days.

 

[Johnny V.]

Sounds like tomorrow is probably out for me. While the snow doesn't start till 11 or 12 I'm not really into using one of my 5 remaining passes for boilerplate.

Probably a smart decision. We'll be busy with the race (and it will be a good surface), but crowds and firm conditions can make for an unpleasant experience.

 

[Johnny V.]

Got to the parking lot about 8:00 and was surprised how many cars were already there. Registered for the race and got dressed. Did a couple of Loop/Southern Cross warmup runs before course inspection. They were nice with little traffic at that hour. Comet/Outer Orbit were firm and fast-good for racing. Did a run down Rocket waiting for our starting time-at that point it was pretty icy-glad for race skis! The top to bottom race went well-the course stayed good even after the 30 or so Cleveland Metro racers who went before us. Reset/inspection then wait for about 80 or so runs before our two runs from the ladies tee (about half way down Comet). It started snowing and by the time we finished around 2:00 or so, there must have been 2-3" of fresh snow on the slopes. No energy left to free ski after the races, so had a couple of cocktails with the other Masters racers then headed home.

Yes, holiday weekend crowds as expected. We snuck into the ski school lane to make it back to the start and didn't get any grief in our race suits. Hopefully, the snow tempered the firm/icy conditions a little for the afternoon and evening. Predictions of rain for tomorrow, but who knows. Slalom race tomorrow, but I'm not participating-gotta know your limitations!

 

[Johnny V.]

Late report from yesterday/Monday. Good recovery from the rain/snow event on Sunday. Loose stuff on top and firm underneath. Galaxy chair was running, due to the holiday week. Crowds were low for a holiday, but cold temps and high winds probably kept people away. Started late and quit pretty early-there were still people coming in which is good for mountain finances.

 

[Johnny V.]

Late start today but a decent day. Slim lift lines, although there was a decent crowd in the lodge. While we were there got 1-2" of fresh which helped the surfaces. Other than that, conditions remained about the same-some icy spots (no surprise with the thaw/freeze on Sunday, but well groomed. I think the cold (was about 16 F when I got there and about 19 F when we left) has kept people away.

 

[Johnny V.]

We got our butts moving fairly early and got on the chair around 9:30. 3" or so of fluff on top of the groomed surfaces and it kept refreshing throughout the day. Brightened up a few times, but was pretty overcast for most of the time. All trails were good, but as the day went on still some icy spots under the loose snow. The mini bump runs on either side of Galaxy and skiers left on Comet were great-plenty of fresh stuff to be had. Crunchy underneath, but a nice change from the groomers.
Minimal lift lines-most times were ski up and get on. Plenty of skis in the racks, so they are getting business, although not the crowds you might expect for a holiday week. Wanted to try the backside trails, but my wife said "no way-have fun" about riding the crawler.

 

[Johnny V.]

By the time I got there, most of the overnight snowfall was cut up, creating piles to be blasted through. Still icy underneath-had to be a little cautious about really committing to an edge in some spots. Still plenty of snow on the slopes-should be very nice early tomorrow when it gets groomed in. Sunshine for most of the day which is always nice! Crowds once again weren't bad although when we quit at noon it was starting to get a little busier.

One caution-I went into the woods off Polaris. A decent amount of snow in there which can be deceiving. I hit a log or stump and did a double eject with a superman finish. Just remember that most of the woods have not been cleared and there are things you don't want to hit close to the surface.

 

[tirolski]

One caution-I went into the woods off Polaris. A decent amount of snow in there which can be deceiving. I hit a log or stump and did a double eject with a superman finish. Just remember that most of the woods have not been cleared and there are things you don't want to hit close to the surface.

It’s the stuff ya don’t see that can bite ya.
A lot of sticks & branches are glued to the snow after the big blow then got covered by snow.
Hope yer OK.