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Base is Loaded - Sugarbush Stoke Exchange

Thursday, January 10, 2013

First things first, how about a loud cheer for one of the best stretches of skiing and riding at Sugarbush in a long time. Wohooo! The last three weeks are a blur of powder, sunshine and smiles.

If you missed it, don't worry. Lots of people were here and they will be glad to share how good it was and still is. Change is in the air, though.

Blazers know where to find the best snow.
Blazers know where to find sweet snow. The bike trails!

No matter which way you look at it, and I've studied every elevation/temp profile I can find, we're going to get a January Thaw in the next few days. Although, as far as thaws go, this one may be just a minor decrescendo in a long powder symphony. There are three reasons, I mean rationale, to back up this theory.

Bear territorial marks on a birch. Thankfully, they are sleeping now. Check out one guy who isn't sleeping though.

The mountain has more snow than usual for this time of year, with a summit total of 140+ inches already. Add some solid wind and a lot of skier-rider traffic and the snowpack is pretty well compacted. We've been able to blow a ton of snow too, and that stuff is durable. It would take several days above freezing, a flood of bright sunshine, warm snow-sucking fog and some hot rain to make a significant dent. (Mother Nature, please don't take this as a challenge.)

Reflected glory.

Sugarbush's elevation has been key to much this winter's accumulation and snowpack retention. In fact, we may see elevation-dependent snow on Friday night. The peaks could have above freezing temps only briefly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Forecasts are calling for mainly cloudy skies and then a return to wintery conditions as Monday progresses. More snow is predicted to follow this rebound.

It's been another stellar week. Coach Aaron picking a powder pocket.
Coach Aaron picking a powder pocket.

Once you've accepted the first two justifications and are ready for further positivity, please reference the Founding Principle of Eastern Ski Affirmations, "It's good for the base." A short warm-up on a big early season snowpack, followed by the snowiest part of the winter is a good recipe for awesomeness.

Check out The Weekly Rumble for fresh footage.

The weekend conditions are still going to be great too. The bumps and groomers should loosen to a creamy consistency and it'll be nice to lighten the layers for a few runs. Even though we are just coming out of a record stretch, 100% open and super soft snow should be enough to get you out of bed in the morning.

Mountain snomes have taken over the peaks.

If you need more motivation, tomorrow is Ski with the Point with apres-ski in the Castlerock Pub. This event is almost always a rocking party. NASTAR opens again at Lincoln Peak for Friday for a long weekend of racing, and the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge is Sunday. Mount Ellen is also hosting a USSA B Mogul Competition on Saturday. Be sure to check out these young athletes and their bump-shredding skills. This is also a great chance to sample our award-winning Reimergasse terrain park.

Pink Paradise.
Heaven's Gate awaits.