Robert
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2020
After the lake effect band dumped a record amount across northeast CNY, it returned to a more usual location over Syracuse. It was time for places like Labrador and Song to get some of the snow. I had been traveling for work while the snow fell so I was feeling some real FOMO. On Friday I decided to see how conditions were and headed to Labrador in the afternoon.
It was a bluebird afternoon and the parking lot was bustling when I pulled in. I grabbed my ticket and met with my friend Ian. I met Ian back when they used to run the rope tow at Val Bialas in downtown Utica. The now defunct resort used to set up a few rails and jumps, and only charged 10 bucks for a ticket. Someone needs to bring that back.
We headed up the lift and caught up during the ride. Coverage across the mountain was amazing and the snowcat was pushing out huge piles on Ptarmigan. We took a long cruiser down Jacobie, then Slack Waters finally taking Red Wine back to the triple. Its the longest way down. Over the course of the week the lab had reported 2 feet of snow. It had been a few days since the heaviest accumulation but the groomers were sweet. The afternoon sun has softened things up, lending for some great turns. Ian obliged me with some deep carves to shoot.
After a few laps we headed in to meet up with his Dad and grab a drink. We walked over to the Puffin Bar, which I never realized was there. I hadn't eaten lunch so I grabbed the clam chowder and specialty on tap. After hanging out for a bit we parted ways and I headed back to the triple.
I took a cruise over to the double chair via Grenfel. There were other riders but the wide open trails were roomy. I took advantage and worked the legs getting into a carving rhythm. After spending the previous week back foot riding through the powder, it was nice to get the front foot down and edge engaged.
Under the double chair a lone member of the park crew cleaned up the lips of the previous night's build. My friend Steve from Flower told me to look for Sam. The Flower guys have been linking up with the Lab park crew to renovate and build new rails and jibs. I introduced myself to Sam and we spoke about future plans. I definitely want to get out for their next rail jam, keep an eye out for that.
I took a few more laps before the sun started to set over the horizon. Lab has night skiing but I was satisfied with my workout. It was nice to stretch the legs after being stuffed in a plane. I might have missed out on the fresh snow but ripping the fresh corduroy made up for it. I headed home loose and ready for the weekend.
