Report from February 23, 2024

An unplanned slow morning.

We tried to get out early, but we were just too tired.

The plan was to go ski shady snow in the trees and find some hidden pow.

Then we saw these chutes sparkling in the sunshine.

We knew the snow wouldn’t be great but we went anyway.

The hike up was hot and sweaty.

I started out OK but ended with a thud…

I was spent.

The sunny sky slowly shifted to a high overcast and the wind picked up on top.

We were hoping for some barely nubile corn and it felt that at first.

As we climbed the snow got more and more firm.

On top, I was exhausted.

I took a 15-minute break, ate 8 cookies, pounded water, and sat down.

It took me a while to get my gear together, buckle my boots, strap on my pack, and get ready to drop in.

The top was powder until I got through the trees.

The upper middle section was rock-hard ice.

Then things started to loosen up…

The aspect changed towards the sun a bit lower down and suddenly nascent corn appeared underfoot.

Not quite the creamy spring corn we know and love, but something going through the process of becoming that treasured commodity.

I was able to dig and edge and trust a turn.

The turns became smoother as I descended where the valley warmth had heated the snow.

Everyone once in a while a catchy spot would throw a ski into an errant tantrum that I quickly reined back in.

Trust was difficult to come by but the skiing was good.

Good enough to rip the chute somewhat confidently all the way down to the bushes where Fox awaited.

We exchanged laughs and high-fives.

It was so much better than feared.

There was nothing to do but laugh.

This place just always delivers for us.

Thanks to Fox and thanks, California!

Photos