Today was getaway day. I got everything loaded into the car and pipes drained by 7:30 – a new record. Made it to the mountain by 7:50. Plan was to meet Jeff in front of the Gondi at 9am.

A couple of solo runs down the front, a Twister and a Sunway. I hadn’t been on the trails up front at all yesterday. Twister, open officially for the first time was firm, but without ice. A few bare spots.

Jeff and I are living parallel lives. Two tele guys, with little kid(s), demanding jobs and understanding wives. We’ve got a lot to talk about.

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It was colder then a bear at daybreak so morning pictures are limited — every shot was a set back for fingertip warmth. Temps were below zero when I left the cabin, but it warmed up nicely later.

Gondi had brake trouble this morning, so I gave up first place in Gondi line and went over to the triple. First run on Showcase, ok but not great. Hit the natural north. Tawahas was decent skiers left, Sleeping Bear was probably better with snowmaking on it.

Took Wood Lot over to Lift 6 to access the summit. When the Gondi goes down it takes the masses a while to figure out they should get over to the High Peaks Chair. The result is if you push it to get there quick, you get first shot at a lot of stuff.

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I skied with Mike Pratt this afternoon. I asked him several questions about snowmaking. What follows is a breakdown on snowmaking capacity at Gore Mountain.

Ten years ago Gore used 80 million gallons of water per season. Last season Gore water consumption was over 300 million gallons.

The limit on the system is the ability to pump water uphill. There are two pump systems currently. Upgrading means more than adding pumps. When operating at full capacity the current “plumbing” is also maxed out. New systems are a big expense. Both Gore systems, cranking at full production can put out 7 million gallons in 24 hours.

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