Updated: 1-22-08 |
It looks (and feels) like winter has decided to stick around for a while. After a final accumulation of 16" of snow last week, we had some of the season's best conditions for the long weekends. While the resort was packed, plenty of open terrain kept crowds manageable on the slopes, and I wouldn't be surprised if the subzero morning temperatures also had some guests heading to the Big Top, the hot tubs or just hanging out by the fire with some hot chocolate.
But for those who did brave the elements, they were handsomely rewarded. I think yesterday, with a cloudless sky, plenty of sunshine and temps that felt much warmer than the 13 degrees the thermometer was reading, was possibly the best day so far this season! Our snowmakers finally got some cooperation from Mother Nature, and they've done a great job of adding to what She has so graciously dumped on us. Unfortunately all week we had to have the snowguns blasting around the clock—you can't pass up temperatures like we had, especially after a week of 60-degrees and some damp weather—but, thankfully, by the time the crowds descended for the weekend, conditions were so amazing, we were able to give everyone a break and turn off the guns on open terrain. That didn't mean our snowmakers got a vacation. Instead, the guys were hard at work getting even more terrain ready for action, and it paid off. We opened Widowmaker, Bear Claw and Flying Eagle over the weekend, as well as Knot Bumper, Knot Bumper Glades and Upper Ballhooter early this week. Silver Creek is now 100% open, and has some of the best conditions on the mountain. Especially for those of you paying us a visit on the weekends when the crowds can swell, I strongly suggest heading over that way (I know I do).
With temperatures forecasted to remain perfect for snowmaking into next week, the handful of slopes (7) yet to open should be ready in the not too distant future. The upper half of Shay's Revenge looks like it has a good amount of snow already piled up, and the basin slopes should get another boost from Mother Nature with the National Weather Service calling for an inch or two to fall today, another 1-3" possible overnight and more snow in the forecast for Thursday and possibly Saturday. That natural stuff will provide a perfect powdery cover for all the machine-made snow we're able to pump out this week, and all season our groomers have been kind enough to leave patches of the pow untouched. So if you're paying attention to the forecast and see snow is falling on the mountain, get out to your car and get up here—you'll forgot that nickname "Ice Coast" ever existed.
For the freestyle set, this return of winter weather has allowed our Parks Crew to remain busy as well. The guys have been out every night for the past week building in all four of our terrain park areas. In just the last few nights they've added, a 25 ft. tabletop on Mountaineer, a 10 ft. jump on Timberjack and a 10 ft. flat box that is a surface level feature on Timberjack. In the Snowshoe area a new 20 ft. flat down rail was added to our Spruceglades park, along with a 3 table top rhythm section consisting of 2 25 ft. tables and a 35 ft. table and our popular rainbow box. Those guys should remain busy this week as they continue adding features, revamping jumps and improving landings. The park is really starting to come together, as the guys finally have good conditions and enough snow to work with.
The new parks should give everyone plenty of practice this week leading up to the West Virginia Open on Saturday. The region's richest rail jam, the Open has a $4000 cash purse on the line, with $2000 going to the top snowboarder and top skier. Hard and soft good prizes will also be awarded. This event always has a good turn out, with some of the best freestylers from the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, and will be especially spectator-friendly this year, so be sure to check out the action just outside the Shavers Center on Saturday afternoon. If you want to test your skills and go for the cash, stop by the Depot in the central Village on Saturday to register. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and genders are welcome to participate. We hope to see you out there!
Well, I could keep going, as we've got so much positive news to share, but the long-term forecast looks like the good news should just keep coming, so I'll save some for next time. If you haven't checked out the HOT DEALS section of the website lately, make sure you stop by. We've got some incredible deals right now- iPod© anyone?—and with these amazing condition, you've gotta get up here! Keep thinking SNOW!
