Happy Friday everyone, Noah here and I'm going to cut to the chase; it's currently raining and lots of lifts are iced-up. ☔️ It looks like showers will continue through the morning and lessen as we move into the afternoon evening. I could harp on about how it's not fun and you shouldn't ski but I'm not here to do that. I'm here to help you make the most of it whether you are visiting or a ski bumming local. So onto my thoughts for the day. ⬇️
Joe and I planned to meet around 6:45 a.m., but obviously, I didn't make it. Last night was date night and Rachel and I checked out The Hub in Weston, we highly recommend anyone looking for some good food. Needless to say, I needed some beauty sleep so I met Joe right around 7 a.m. for our adventure. 🧖♀️
Our texts this morning went like this:📱
Joe: GoreTex kinda day
Noah: I'm fully prepared to go but could be convinced not to
Today's Quick Facts:
🏔️ Trail Count: 97/122
🚡 Lift Count: 8/20
⛷️ Today's Ski: Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited
🎿 Today's Boot: Nordica Unlimited LT 103 DYN
🧤 Today's Gear: Helly Hansen
We knew we were going to be wet, Gortex and all. Either getting wet from the inside or outside, depending on what you wore. The snow was soft with a glaze on top. Just like your driveway probably with that thin layer of ice was just slippery enough to ensure we stayed on our toes. It was thin enough that you were able to find an edge easily but our skins didn't have the same luck. ⛸️
As we neared the summit, the trees developed more of an ice layer on them which isn't a good sign for lift operations this morning. 🧊 Icing is a big issue for the detachable lifts, like the Sunburst Six, Solitude Express Quad, and Quantum Six. The reason is that it causes issues in the terminals when they detach from the line to slow down and allow for a slower load and unload. ⚠️
The fixed grip chairs like Sachem and Glades Peak don't have these issues because they are static and ice buildup doesn't effect their operation. This is one reason it's great to have some fixed grips chairs in the arsenal, they may be slower but they can operate more easily in conditions like this. 😇
All of that being said the Mountain Ops Team is working hard to get things open safely for all of you die-hards out there. Stay up to date with the current conditions by checking out the Okemo Conditions X page.
Pro Tip: Pick the right gear. It can make or break your day.
We reached the summit in no time, soggy but with high spirits. Joe put it well, today's conditions are going to be like a bag of Chex, Mixed (you have to forgive him, he is a dad after all). He isn't wrong though. 🤣
The snow is a mix of soft spring-like snow and some firmer spots that set up overnight and didn't get a late morning grooming. That being said, it was very durable and fun skiing. We got wet, we had to clear our goggles frequently, but we were skiing and it was great to get out. I can tell you it made my morning cup of coffee taste that much better after braving today's weather. ☕️
If you are going out today be prepared for some wet weather, take a few runs, and know that you earned some bragging rights. Après will feel like you accomplished something more than all your fair-weather skiing friends. 🤘
"It's a great day to be a duck." - Joe Karl 🦆
Please follow the Uphill Travel Policy at Okemo, follow the rules, and be cool about it.
Think snow,
Abby
⬇ UNOFFICIAL OKEMO IS MADE POSSIBLE BY... ⬇
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
OUR SILVER SPONSORS
OUR BRONZE SPONSORS
Comments