Today at the 2009 PSIA National Academy, it was a scorcher out in Snowbird. The temps much have topped 60 degrees during the day and there was not a cloud in the sky. The day started out as usual with breakfast at the Aerie at the top of the Cliff lodge and we met once again down at the base of the tram.
The Peruvian Express was closed to day so the only way to get up the hill on the front was the tram. That’s ok if there is nobody at the resort but when you have to wait up to a half an hour to get on the tram, the Peruvian Express chairlift shouldn’t be closed. It’s also nice to have a charilift as an option up the hill becuase on the tram your feet never get a break since you have to stand on the tram.
Once we got up the tram it was off to Mineral Basin. The sun hits Mineral basin first and if you wan to have any chance of skiing something other than bulletproof crud, Mineral Basin is where the odds of good snow are best. We started out over there on some groomers working on controlling the skis, a little edging and turning to sharpen some basic skills.
After several runs on the groomers, it was off to the deep, softening crud also in Mineral Basin. There were some excellent runs in there and no major spills by anyone in the group. Afte that, we hit the Peruvian Basin (front side of Snowbird) and found some different crud and some steeps. Then came lunch. The group had lunch together in the Rendezvous room under the tram again.
In the afternoon, I was schedule to join the “powder and crud” clinic. Seeing as any powder would probably be at least several hundred miles away, crud it was for the full afternoon. This was a lucky afternoon! The clinic group ended up being only 4 people and the clinic leader, Jeb Boyd PSIA Demo Team member from the Eastern Division. Jeb was great and we had a blast while working on more upper body movements to help feel more stable and in control in the crud. We ran the Little Cloud lift for the entire session after waiting in line at the tram for about half an hour to get up initially. Jeb also runs the Arc2Arc Alpine Training Center that offers a variety of coaching, camps, private training and consulting services for recreational through pro athletes.
The Little Cloud area of Snowbird was awesome. It had softened up nicely, wasn’t insanely steep to the point where skiing it is simply no fun and the crowd over there was minimal. The folks in the group were all strong skiers and it was a very interactive session.
Throughout the day I took a few pictures and was able to finally get the helmet cam to work. It’s kind of a pain to take that thing on and off my head all the time but there should be some good video from it. Tomorow I’ll get more footage with it and possibly post anything that comes out well.
We were all on our own for dinner tonight and went down to the Mexican place in the Cliff lodge for some GREAT Mexican food. I went with Jeff Striper, an old bud I used to teach with at 7 Springs back in the good old days. Jeff is a cool guy and always up for an outdoor or travel adventure.
The first day of telemark skiing for me will be tomorrow and tonight I got fitted for boots and skis. The conditions don’t seem to be that good for telemark skiing but I’ll be learning from some of the best instructors in the country so should come away with some new skills.
The night cap was a local band in the Tram Club in the Tram building. It was the first time I’ve ever gone down there for any night life and it was a nice way to kick bck and relax for a little while. It’s now around 11:30pm and time to hit the sack so I’ve got plenty of energy for a full day of telemark skiing tomorrow!
