Anthony Lakes

I knew from the drive to La Grande last night that the winds would be an issue today. Unfortunately the chair at Anthony Lakes is very exposed at the summit, and it was impossible to load skiers today, so I was riding the handle tow all morning hoping for the wind to die down. It never did, so I stopped in the lodge for lunch, and then hit the road for Portland. Still, it was not a total waste. I got to try the special burger called a "Meaty Mogul". An all beef patty topped with a slice of roast beef, a slice of turkey, a slice of ham and two strips of bacon. That sure hit the spot!

Summit at Mt. Bachelor

After years of trying to catch a good day for riding the Summit at Bachelor, I finally got my chance today. The snow was a few days old, but holding up well, and the weather was absolutely awesome. I managed to get on the summit early, and enjoyed carving the groomers and exploring stashes of fresh snow as I made my way down. I explored the front side rather extensively, leaving the backside for another day, as riding alone is discouraged on those slopes.

The turns were great, and the wide open groomers provided well-earned relief after a few laps off the trails. The snow was soft and packed powder, with plenty of moguls, and also some fresh tracks left to be made. I carved my share in the bowl, and even down to the cat track, finding stashes of pow and spring conditions depending on the aspect. It was a nice day for photos, too.

Skiesta at Mt. Ashland

Conditions today at Mt. Ashland were surprisingly good. Even though the snow was a few days old, there were untracked patches, and the powder remained light and fluffy on upper slopes. It was a fantastic day to be on the mountain, with festivities ongoing, including a dummy downhill. I enjoyed a full day of riding on the steeps and in the trees, and found the snow was soft and very ridable all over. I hit it hard for the morning, doing fast laps on the Ariel and Windsor chairs, and poking around the trees below the bowl.

The dummy downhill was a great diversion in the early afternoon, and after a few more laps, I was done for the day. With more and larger turns on tap for tomorrow, I decided to call it a good day and get on my way.