YIPEE!! I guess that says it all. Never-mind that I probably would have used the same word on a dry day last year about May when it was STILL snowing. What a difference a year makes and what a difference a few days make. I'm feeling like a kid again (and that's not easy), running around like a puppy who's never seen snow, burying my nose in it and trying to catch every flake in my mouth. Well, at least that's how I feel. I've never been so happy to see the white stuff falling from the sky! I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen this year. The stars are aligned and the universe is back to normal. This was an incredibly long, painful delay to the start of winter but there's still several more months to enjoy it so get out and get started. In a normal year, people tend to lose interest in winter sports about April, even when the snow is abundant, but I have a feeling it's going to be different this year. There's no reason why we can't enjoy a full season on the slopes or in the back country on skis and snow shoes until the last patch melts.
This is the perfect storm, or set of storms. Some nice wet snow at first to form a cement like base and then colder air to put a fluffy top on it. The totals look to be measured in feet at the top of Squaw Valley's mountain peaks, maybe 3-4 feet total, with 2-3 feet on the lower slopes by Monday night. Sunday looks to be a great ski day in between storms. What a perfect day, ski on fresh snow in the morning and early afternoon and then watch the 49ers in the NFC title game for a chance to go to the Super Bowl in the late afternoon and evening. It just doesn't get any better than that! Go Niners!
After a weaker but colder storm moves through Sunday night and Monday, the storm track looks like it will move back to the north for most of the week so it should be the best ski week we've seen in a long time. Make your plans now to get up here if you're not here already. It's time to treat yourself. Here are some local weather blogs which are a great way to keep up on the latest weather conditions and forecasts for the area.
Lake Tahoe Area Weather and Snowpack Information
When you're not out on the slopes or snow shoeing through the back country enjoying all the new powder, surrounded by the enchanting winter scenery that seemed so distant a few days ago, there are a couple of events that can only add to the experience that's so unique to Olympic Valley.
Lake Tahoe Adventure Slide Show Series
January 25 Doug Stoup "Skiing The Planet...North to south".
Sounds good eh? Truckee local Doug Stoup is founder and expedition leader of Ice Axe Expeditions, which leads adventurers, skiers and riders to Antarctica and Spitsbergen, Norway. Doug boasts many first descents, including the first ski and snowboard descent of the highest peak in Antarctica (Vinson Massif, 16,044 ft). Having led 20 expeditions to Antarctica and 10 to the Arctic Ocean, Doug is today's most traveled polar explorer. In addition to his exploration accomplishments, Doug is a cinematographer, ski mountaineering guide, humanitarian, educator, father and "seven day adventurist." As founder of the Ice Axe Foundation, Doug also aims to educate youth about this amazing planet on which we live. He has been featured internationally in television and film and pioneered streaming media from remote expeditions.
Chutes and Hikes Squaw Valley
20011-12 Schedule
Mondays: January 23, 30
Mondays: February 6, 13, 27
Mondays: March 5, 12, 19, 26
The Chutes and Hikes clinic helps the advanced and expert skier and rider get the most out of Squaw’s legendary expert terrain. Access and conquer the steep lines and drops Squaw is famous for. Find the best snow conditions and “secret” lines only the locals know. Using a high energy tactical approach, skiers and riders are encouraged to learn through self-discovery in a fast-paced environment. As conditions permit, groups will hike the Palisades, Mainline Pocket and Granite Peak, and explore the cliffs and chutes of Silverado, KT-22 and other nooks and crannies of the mountain you won’t find on the trail map!
Let the games begin! I guess I'm talking about football and winter. I'm excited about both. No matter how the Niners do, they will have had a fantastic season but it will be over soon no matter how it turns out. Winter, though, will be here for a long time to come. Life is back to normal and I love it. Have a great week!
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