PNW Trip Report

[p-tex]

Ok, so maybe that title sounds a little TPS-like but the trip was a blast. This is a little dated since my trip was the 9th and 10th but I've been offline since then.

Since Summit Co. has had poor snow this year - THANK YOU PNW FOR THE BEST TWO DAYS THIS YEAR (so far)!!

Flew into SEATAC Thurs nite and grabed a room at the Econolodge (rooms available with or without hooker). I went with the no-hooker option since I planned on leaving for Crystal early Fri morning and did not want to have to visit the clinic first. With some trepidation I crawed in between the rather questionable sheets to grab 40 winks. When the electronic chirp of the phone alarm went off at 6am on Friday, I egerly jumped from the sagging mattress to check the weather and the snow reports to determine if Crystal was still the choice for the day of if one of the other areas would be better. After ignoring the alarmist road conditions report that the morning talking heads were spouting, I was able to determine that the snow level and temperature reports indicated a good day above 4500 feet and wetsuits below that level. It was settled - Crystal here I come.

I jumped into my all wheel drive rental SUV (according to the news 2WD just wouldn't do) and headed out on wet roads for the 1.5hr drive. After getting some snide remark from the local coffee jerk (aka Starbuck asshole) about why I would want to go skiing at all, I was almost there. Pulling into the base area I wonder at the lack of people and cars. I know it is a workday but if this was Breck or similar, the place would be hopping. As I exit the car I realize that it is not even freezing - everything is melting and I begin to wonder what kind of day I could possibly have getting 2 day old snow with temps this warm. Not to worry - first few runs down Rex and Powder Bowl yeilded heavy but virtually track free fresh (or at least wind refreshed). Up on chair 6 the temps stayed low with reasonably light snow that made the turns the best I've had all year. The chutes in Campbell Basin were superb with only a few marginal spots. Hooked up with a couple of locals who seemed to know the mountain a proceeded to make one great run after another. Even the stuff under the Green Valley chair was fun, if a little mild. Only when we ventured into the lower levels did the snow turn into Crisco and make life a challenge for a CO skier who only gets to practice spring skiing in the, well, SPRING. Melting snow and soaked everything aside. It was a great day.

Had planned on going back to Seattle to couch serf but elected to grab a bunk room at the Apline Inn (not a bad deal for ~$60). Had every intention of having two beers, a burger and going to bed. Well, you know what they say 2 or 20. As beer 4 arrives (with more to come) and I'm still having fun meeting various people, I realize that getting an early start on Sat may prove to be a challenge. Dawn arrives, and man, do I feel foggy headed. Several glasses of water and three cups of coffee later I'm ready to go. Not nearly as good today but snow still pretty good on chair 6 and the hike to Avalanch Basin is open and some really nice turns to be had. Managed to avoid the 1,700 kids that were up for some type of ski school thing and called it a day around 1pm to head to Seattle to get ready for a long business related week.

Sorry I didn't get to ski with any local mags but had a great time and hope to make another trip next year.

[KQ]

Great report - yeah our skiing can be "different" at times but I'm glad to hear you were able to enjoy yourself.

Come back and see us some time, why don't cha?

[Buster Highmen]

You missed the Seatac Hookers wrapped in bacon? You haven't lived.

And if you know what's good for you, you'll delete any praise for Crustal and our slug snot snow.

[grrrr]

Actually, I enjoyed the "springlike" conditions at Baker yesterday - 3" of slop on top of heavy sugar. But no one was out, and it was better than ice on Saturday or plain sugar on Sunday.

For all the boasting and bragging about how the conditions in X region or Y region make the best skiers, you just can't beat the PNW for, well, variability.

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[Gregbo]

PTex... glad you enjoyed exploring Crystal... a great mountain (even when conditions aren't best)...

come again!!