I Never Get Tired of Saying This … It’s SNOWING!!!

“It’s Snowing!” Definitely my favorite two-word phrase.

According to the NOAA, we’re supposed to get snow from now until Friday night! Tomorrow: New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible. Sounds like a great way to ring in 2009 to me!

A Note on Terrain Openings from CEO Tom Chasse

“What’s up with the slow opening of North/South Bowls? Your daily report has stated that 80% of the mountain is open but I’ve yet to make one turn in Siberia, Pucci Chutes or KMac.“

Your safety, as well as our staff safety is my number one concern. The current snow-pack is one of the most challenging conditions we have encountered in recent memory. There have been 20+ avalanche related deaths in the past 7 days in the Rocky Mountain region. We have taken a rather conservative approach over the past 4 days to reduce our chances of ending up on the list of resorts that have experienced an in-bound fatality. We have consumed over 300 rounds of emulsion in order to trigger avalanches to help stabilize the existing snowpack with significant result. We’ve had three in-bound natural slides during operating hours over the weekend which were triggered by skiers/boarders pushing the limit when we’ve tried to minimize access (rope lines) into areas we felt were unsafe.

My advice to each of you would be to respect our rope lines (they are there to protect you). Don’t ski alone, find a buddy and develop a plan. We do have an open boundary policy – once you venture beyond our perimeter boundary you’re on your own. Avalanche conditions are extreme and the forecast for the next week includes more snow.

There are other dangers associated with these types of conditions (tree wells and immersion) should you decide to leave the groomed trails, you are voluntarily accepting the specific risk of falling into tree wells or deep snow and suffocating, however, fortunately these types of accidents are very preventable.

Each skier or snowboarder controls his or her own level of risk and are the only ones that can prevent this type of accident from happening. To minimize your risk, you must know how to travel safely with your partners in these ungroomed deep snow areas.

Looking forward to a safe New Year.

Tom

Looking Forward to Skiing in the New Year

As I drove to the gym this morning, I looked up at the mountain as usual. Today it was looking spectacular, blue skies, fresh snow, etc. I wish I didn’t have so many meetings at work today or I’d be up there in a heartbeat. Maybe I’ll have to go night skiing tonight. Thankfully I have New Years Day off. Can’t wait to celebrate the new year with a few runs.

Attn: Park Rats

Schweitzer’s Shot in the Dark Rail Jam Series  has seen some cancellations, postponements, etc. Thought I’d set the record straight. The first rail jam scheduled for December 19th was postponed to January 3rd due to forecasted frigid temps. Rail jams aren’t fun for anyone involved if it’s -12 degrees outside. Mom and Dad would be watching from inside the lodge with a set of binocs and the judges eyes would be iced over, impairing their judging judgement. With that said January 3rd should prove to be a much more pleasant experience for everyone. The second rail jam scheduled for the 16th of January has been CANCELLED. Whaaaaat? Whyyyyy? Don’t panic jibbing enthusiasts as there is a rail jam in Sandpoint’s Town Square that same evening, bonfire included! Part of Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival, the evening should prove to be an eventful one. Details? CLICK HERE The third and final rail jam will take place in the Schweitzer Village as scheduled on February 14th. Taking your valentine to the Bonner County Mall for a cheesy romance flick? Save $20, spare yourself the candy-induced stomach ache and bring her to Schweitzer to watch you destroy some rails instead…she’ll be impressed, I promise. Get out there and start practicing because features are starting to pop up in the Stomping Ground Terrain Park. Seems Mother Nature is pulling through after all. Check the PARK SITE for the most up to date information. Park crew has been working hard to keep everyone happy so slap them a high five and a give ‘em a big “thanks” next time you see them out there digging/raking/manicuring features for your jibbing pleasure.

Night Skiing

Night skiing at Schweitzer is kicking off for the season from 3-8PM. After the sun disappears, the crowds substantially decrease and it often feels as if you have the moonlit slopes to yourself.  Whether you prefer slashing starlit powder turns, power lapping the fresh corduroy,  jibbing under the twinkle of a star/nightlight combo and/or indulging in a Schnapps laden hot cocoa, all are great ways to stay warm and have fun on the slopes after daylight hours have burnt out.

The “waiting and working” is over. Well, the waiting anyway.

I recently read an amusing blog entry on Ski Journal’s website. The reason its contents were so entertaining was the fact that they hit home…in a big way. The cleverly written article referenced an all too familiar pre-season conversation:

 

“What have you been doing lately?”

“Oh just working and waiting for the snow.”

 

Sound harshly familiar? The “waiting and working” story has been a prevalent one in the greater Northwest for some time now. Until recently that is. As I enjoy a good understatement, I will simply say that Schweitzer has seen some snow. After having the last two days off to reap the benefits of this understatement, I was fortunate enough to kick “my Monday” off with the NOAA forecast that I’ve longed to have pop up in my web browser. Let’s just say there are a lot of snowflake symbols, 100’s followed by the ”%” sign and accumulation predictions in the double digits. This string of storms is in the midst of deliverance as “fatty flakes” are currently cranking down, blanketing both the mountain and Village. As I type this, a text message has just come through from a fellow co-worker, “You riding? Chair 6 is DEEP!” (Exhibit A). So you can stop abusing your public library privileges, excessively loitering at local coffee shops in search of free wireless, adjusting and readjusting your bindings one or two degrees to the right or left and/or obsessing over the “perfect playlist” because it seems the wait is over. I won’t be spending the holidays with my family due to the ”harsh” reality that it’s just not feasible to drive home to Alaska for the weekend. I gotta say, nevertheless, having the mountain to myself come the morning of the 25th with that “perfect playlist” ringing through my ear-buds, spraying Christmas cheer with every turn doesn’t sound half bad. Whether you’re with family, friends or your Ipod this holiday season, I strongly suggest adding some fresh turns to your Christmas Day itinerary. How long can you really huddle around the tree in your pajamas sipping coffee, watching the family cat tangle itself in assorted red and green ribbon, batting around the occasional bow with remnants of Santa’s milk dried to its whiskers?

Snow Angels on the Hill!

Today was the first day I was able to hit the slopes. My first run of the year is always Pend Oreille! Well this year it was quite the adventure. The powder was up to my thighs!!!

When I was about 3/4ths of the way down the run, my left foot got stuck on a tree that was hiding in the snow while my right kept going down the hill. This put my knee in quite the predicament. After about 5 minutes of flopping around in the snow trying to free my left leg, a girl came to my rescue! She was able to free my leg from my ski!! FREEDOM! She was my bonafide snow angel of the day. I wish I could have bought her a hot cocoa!

I believe there is a bit of a snow angel in all of us. Everyday that I’m up there I see someone helping a fellow skier or boarder out. I’m so thankful to be able to ski amongst so many great people!

The Golden Hour

Schweitzer's Golden Hour Is A Scenic One

The Golden Hour is a breathtaking one at Schweitzer. The hour in which the Schweitzer Bowl and front side of the mountain are illuminated with a blazing hue that’s enough to warm anyone up on a frigid morning. During this “dark”  time of the year, only the early risers are privileged enough to experience this mountain marvel. Guests and employees alike can’t help but pause for a moment to take a leisurely sip from their coffee mug and gaze at the optical phenomenon. This morning in particular was quite stunning as the warm light bounced and reflected off anything in its path. Everything was illuminated as lifties prepared the Great Escape Quad for it’s 08.09 debut and groomers made their final lap before disappearing over the horizon line. One employee sat inside the Lakeview and watched the sunrise from the warmth of the lodge. “It’s my morning ritual,” she told me as I passed. A fantastic way to start the work (or play) day in my opinion. In fact, I recommend everyone take a moment to visually absorb one of mother nature’s finest hours.

The Snowflake – part 1

Did you know that the largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 INCHES in diameter? Most people can’t even throw a snowflake that big. I wonder if it gracefully danced its way down or if it was hurled from the heavens in a ninja-star like fury. Either way – pretty cool.

Working for the Weekend!

Every weekday morning I check the snow report… not exactly sure why since I have to work all day. The news does brighten my day with the fact that I can look forward to going up the hill on the weekend. With 18″ of new snow in the last 24 hours it sure is tempting to call in for a “powder day.” I can tell you one thing for sure, I will definitely be on the hill this weekend.