Super is the word that pops into my mind this week, super weather and Super Bowl. Last weeks set of storms was amazing with snowfall totals measured in feet. Squaw Valley got 5 feet of fresh powder, the total up top was an even 60", with similar totals around the Tahoe-Truckee area. Alpine Meadows, now part of Squaw Valley, got even more with a grand total of 72"! For a good overview, see Lake Tahoe Area Weather and Snowpack Information titled appropriately "Impressive". Other words that could be used to describe last weeks snowfall would be amazing, extraordinary, marvelous, miraculous, spectacular, stunning, stupendous, wonderful, awe-inspiring, massive, remarkable, thrilling, and splendid (thank you Thesaurus.com).
The photo from the Squaw Valley website shows the amazing transformation that took place in just a few days, from a landscape reminiscent of early fall to mid winter. Breathtaking! (Sorry, couldn't resist one more). This last weeks skiing was the best we've seen in a long time as the weather mostly cleared, aside from some pesky rain, and the snow covered landscape offered the full spectrum of groomed trails and powder skiing we've grown to expect this time of year. For a great account of what the conditions are like and pictures, see First Powder Day: Check.
The weather for the upcoming week looks mostly the same so it's a great chance to get out and enjoy the new snow while we wait for the next major pattern change, which looks like it may happen the week of Feb 6, although the weather charts have been inconsistent so confidence is low. That's pretty far out, so we'll have to wait until it gets closer before we can nail down any details. I guess nothing can be taken for granted with the weather this year. A great place to keep up on the latest forecasts and long term predictions for the area is the Squaw Valley weather blog.
The other big news next weekend is, of course, the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb 5th. The New England Patriots will be battling the New York Giants (instead of the 49ers!)
While this isn't the Super Bowl I was hoping for, it's still a great match-up between two great quarterbacks, Tom Brady, who's from my home town San Mateo, and Eli Manning, who's come into his own after being in the shadow of his brother Payton Manning. It's also a great excuse for a party. You can skip the 5+ hours of pregame they have every year and go skiing, snow shoeing or shopping, and still make it back in plenty of time to see the game. Sounds like a plan! While anywhere with a TV, close friends and beer will do, here's a couple of official parties you can go to:
Superbowl Party - Crosby's, Incline Village, NV
Date: Feb 5, 2012 (Sun)
Crosby's will be holding their annual Super Bowl party. They will be giving away great prizes throughout the game such as a Diamond Peal Season Pass, Lift Tickets, 42 inch Flat Screen, and much more!
Super Bowl Sunday Party - Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Date: Feb 5, 2012 (Sun)
2:30pm Join us in the Mountain Grill to watch the Super Bowl on 5 HD TV's.
Another couple of interesting event coming up this week are:
The Rahlves' Banzai Tour / Beaver Bowl Banzai at Alpine Meadows
Date: Feb 4, (Sat) - Feb 5, 2012 (Sun)
9am-6pm The Rahlves' Banzai Tour 2012 Alpine Meadows Ski Resort Ski and Snowboard cross head to head action, 4 at a time on an open set course. From the top to the bottom over natural terrain and snow conditions. First to the bottom wins.
Welcome Home Event Featuring the PUSH Team!! - Bar One at Squaw
Date: Jan 31, 2012 (Tue)
6-9pm Featuring The Push team: Grant Krogan (speaker) Keoki Flagg (slideshow presentation) Tom Day (sneak peak footage). Tickets available at squawvalleyinstitute.org. Appetizers and no-host bar provided. Funds raised support the High Fives Foundation-a local non-profit helping injured athletes recover from life altering injuries and bring them back to their sport.
There you have it, we have a super week ahead with super ski conditions, Super Bowl and super events. Get out and enjoy it and have a super week!
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