The December to remember continues with strong snow squalls yesterday dropping a quick 2-3” followed by another inch of fresh overnight last night.  For early and mid-December, we are experiencing conditions like we have not seen in years.  The Front Four at the resort are open from the top, other steep, natural snow trails like National, Nosedive and under the Double chair are skiing so well right now.  This morning there was plenty of pockets of fresh to found on the trails with minimal bumps making the turns ultra smooth and sweet.  Upper mountain woods skiing is also skiing quite well with good coverage.  But be aware, there are lots of open water holes to be found out there and the there is a lot of running water sitting underneath the snow in spots, particularly off of Chin Clip. The ground is yet to freeze and this is a major issue down below 1200 feet on the mountain as it is advised that you stay out of the lower mountain woods. Still sketchy with not good cover and lots of open water.

The same can be said for the backcountry right now.  Just the fact that you can tour in mid-December is quite special right now, but the skiing is only good above the 1500-foot line. From there on down it’s a mixed bag of low snow coverage, open water, rocks, stumps and other snow snakes lurking.  Sections of lower mountain have rapid running streams going pretty good right now and you have to be creative to get around them to get out.  If you are going to travel into the BC, stay on low angle terrain and really watch out for streams and river crossings.  Elevation is the name of the game.

Looking ahead we are seeing warm air move into place with temps getting into the 40’s for the rest of the week with another system coming in on Sunday and Monday that looks pretty wet and warm at this point.  Fingers crossed we can continue to see snow on the back end.

Photo: Dave Hatoff

Locations: Middle Starr this morning