Bluebird Blitzkreig @ Kirkwood – 02/23/14

The storm door is open and a new blanket of white is finally upon the Tahoe region. But, what was it like last Sunday? Radgnardical in my humble opinion.

I’ve been waiting for a day like this since November of 2013. The stars aligned and delivered bluebird skies, no wind, wintery snowpack, and every one of my favorite lines accessible. Its this early season snowpack (I know its late February) that really gives Kirkwood its raw feel and exhume its fun factor. Lines like Oops n Poops, Chamoix, Dan’s Cliffs, Thunder Saddle, Soul Searcher, Broadway Chute, Vista are all now finally skiable while keeping their steepest pitch yet leaving some gnar to work around. Did I mention that I was only wearing a flannel?

Talk about the single most perfect day to experience skiing in California eh?

My son and I worked on edge control in the Ditch of Doom….

After around 5 laps skiing skiing Timber Creek with my boy, it was time to let him and his troop rule the mountain.

Now that I’m riding solo, I probably should take advantage of the mountain being 100% open….

The Rahlves Banzai was taking place down the wall today…

Norm’s Nose is one of my favorite zones and it sure didn’t disappoint…

Another lap on the Wall to check out the Lower Cirque was in order…

The Cirque still looking a bit gnar…

First time of the backside this season for this skier….

Looking back as I traversed past the Wave….

Broadway chute made my day…

Grabbed a recon shot of the West Shore zone. With one more decent storm, I’d say its ready to explore every aspect.

Back on Chair 6, I discovered Oops Face was still untouched…

Always nice to see old friends around Kirkwood. Aaron Miller still rips around the mountain at an age OLDER THAN ME!

Sometimes its nice to finish a day with a sketchy air…

Sunset on the Delta on the drive back to reality…

More lovely bluebird skiing photos here:

http://www.slaythegnar.com/2014/02/bluebird-blitzkreig-kirkwoodmtn-022314/