Ever wonder what the heck those ski bums are talking about when they say things like, “Yeah, I was expecting bulletproof but rode out the wave on 2″ of blower on top of cream”? You’re not alone. Like lawyers, doctors, and IT technical support, the industry has a lingo all its own. Ski words are another language.
Here is a glossary of most common idioms in a skier’s vocab used to describe snow conditions:
Powder a.k.a Blower Cold, new, loose, fluffy, dry snow that has not been compacted.
Chunder/Crud
Tracked up powder. Can still be fluffy but nowhere near untracked powder.
Packed Powder Powder snow that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but it is still quite soft. Setting an edge in packed powder is easy, and skiing the surface does not make noise.New Snow Fresh snowfall that is too dense to be called powder, but isn’t quite Cascade Concrete.Hardpack This is an often-misunderstood snow term. When fresh snow becomes densely packed, it is hardpack. The snow has never melted and recrystallized, but has been tightly compressed through grooming, skier traffic, or wind exposure. You can plant a pole or set an edge in hardpack, and it is a relatively quiet skiing surface. Hardpack retains a white color, unlike frozen granular snow.Frozen Granular Snowsports folks often call this surface “icy”, but it is different from ice in many ways. Frozen granular is a hard surface formed when melted and refrozen snow forms granules that freeze together after rain or warm temperatures. Frozen granular is noisy to ski, but will support a pole plant or allow you to hold an edge. Frozen granular snow will often return to an easier-to-ski loose granular state after grooming. Frozen granular snow has a gray tint.Ice a.k.a Bulletproof Snow a.k. East-coast Powder Not to be confused with frozen granular, ice is a hard, glazed surface created by freezing rain or large quantities of rain followed by sub-freezing temperatures. Ice will not support a pole plant, will not support an edge for most riders, and will chip when hit. Ice is generally translucent and may have a blue color.
Sastrugi New powder snow that has been blown into dense ridges by strong winds.
Windblown snow A windy day can compact and drift surface snow, leaving an inconsistent skiing surface that can be either densely packed, keeping a rider on the surface, or leaving deep, soft drifts of heavy snow formed when snowflakes are damaged by strong wind. These are usually creamy conditions.
Windscoured Strong winds can remove all surface snow, leaving an ice-like surface in wind-affected areas. It is hard to set an edge in windscoured snow.
Loose Granular / Sugar Snow This surface results after new snow thaws, refreezes, then recrystallizes. This is also created by grooming of frozen or icy snow.
Wet Granular Loose or frozen granular snow that has become wet and soft after exposure to warm temperatures or rain. This is a fast, soft, easy-to-ski surface.
Corn snow Corn is similar to wet granular in that it is composed of large, loose granules of snow that freeze together at night and loosen up during the day. It is a soft, fast and consistent surface to ski.
Breakable (or unbreakable) Crust When rain falls on top of new snow, followed by freezing temperatures, a crust forms on top of the snow. The crust makes for inconsistent skiing conditions, as it may be breakable or not breakable.
Disclaimer- this was written last season when Utah had snow.
Ryan shook his head. “Why would you want to go to Portland when we have great snow in Utah?” he asked. My boyfriend doesn’t get out much and apparently he doesn’t follow the weather. It’s been snowing in Mt Hood Meadows; a lot. The snowpack at the Oregon resort has surpassed 200 percent of normal. You might wager that Hood has gotten snow at least three days a week, every week this season. The reports of massive dumps began rolling in around Christmas time and kept on rolling.
Ryan has a point, though. It is such a challenging choice to travel away from Utah in the winter. It’s often not as sweet someplace else. Utah is known for the driest, lightest snow on the planet and even on a mediocre day it beats skiing “Sierra Cement”. Those coastal resorts usually see a mix of rain and snow which can wreak havoc on a ski slope. Hence, I’ve never gone to the Pacific Northwest for a ski vacation. But there’s something to be said for a change of scenery. As yet another storm moved through the PNW, the timing just seemed right.
I didn’t get the memo.
I landed in the middle of freezing rain and an ice storm that closed the highway to Hood River. As people around me commented about how this was the “worst winter” they’ve seen, my anticipation escalated. Powder in the mountains! But… WTH is freezing rain? I stepped off the MAX lightrail train from PDX to Chinatown wearing my YakTrax for traction and the hipster dude next to me nodded, “You came prepared.” I solidly placed my boot into a pile slush that sat atop black ice. Yep, that’s what freezing rain is.
The Portland rain was heavy and wet and dank as I walked the few blocks from the commuter rail to the hotel. In Utah, we’re good with a down puffy and knit hat; in the PNW, Gore-Tex is king. Nothing is spared without an umbrella. The rain drenched the top of my boot bag and Eagle Creek carry-on as I wheeled it down the few blocks to my hotel.
Staying in Portland
My Utah mind had a hard time wrapping my head around rain in the middle of winter. I was now stranded in Portland at the uber hipster, boutiquey Society Hotel (no TVs in the rooms which are powered by solar, but a public coffee bar in the lobby for live podcasters). The vintage feel of the mahogany floors, vaulted ceiling and single check-in stand created a timeless calm to the chaotic weather outside. The minimalist lodging was built in 1881 to house sailors who stopped into port then later offered shelter to Japanese immigrants, gypsies and the homeless through the years. It eventually became this funky urban spot with a rooftop garden that offered beds to backpackers and honeymooners alike.
After a restful night (courtesy of the provided earplugs), I threw open the curtains. Rain. Then the email from the Mt Hood folks- Just in case you hadn’t heard, all of the roads through the Gorge are shut down. Wait, I came all this way and I’m not going to ski?? I walked myself to a delicious breakfast diner called Fuller’s to contemplate my next move. The communal place consists of two, horseshoe-shaped counters- no tables or booths- that serves up hashbrowns and bacon grilled to perfection. I would find my way to the slopes even if I had to bum a ride off the guy next to me, Craigslist or bus.
The waitress mentioned ODOT operates a carpool resource called drivelessconnect.com. There is also a Facebook Ride Share group. Dave Tragethon to the rescue! The resort’s head of PR picked me up on his way to work and drove us along the old-school ski road (Hwy 26). The rain quickly turned to light snow. A couple of hours later I had my Atomic ski gear from the mountain’s pro shop and was ready to rock the conditions which ranged from soft blower to coral reef, aka dust on corrugated crust.
To Mt Hood Or Bust
The overcast, white-out visibility prevented me from taking in those Willamette River Valley views. Not only that but the clouds socked us in to the point of disorientation and I had no clue where to go. Local ski instructor Katie Kadlub, was my hand holder. The layout of the hill made me feel like I was in different spots but that was due to her guidance. We actually kept circling back around. Funny, I expected a mom and pop place but Mt Hood skis like a big mountain. Though the resort has a base elevation of 3,600 feet, it has a vertical of 3,700 feet, an average base of 100+ inches on mostly intermediate and advanced trails. They’ve got steeps, bowls, tons of PNW trees and gentle groomers back to the base. And when you hit it right, the snow builds and builds.
When Your Day is Over
After a quick lunch inside the South Lodge at the Alpenstube, we were back out for laps in Heather Canyon. The snow accumulated during the morning and through lunch making the hardpack beneath nonexistent. With legs on fire and a Cheshire cat grin, we clinked beer mugs for the ‘Stube apres scene and I waited for Dave to get off work. He was my ride to the “Lodge Suite” at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort just around the bend from Meadows. The pet-friendly, cabin-style room had a giant log bed and flatscreen. All you need after a hard day of lapping empty trails.
I downed a hearty filet and chocolate torte at their Crooked Tree Tavern I rushed to bed. Cooper has its own attractions including a Nordic Center but most residents do their serious alpining at Meadows. There wasn’t a lot going on this evening.
The volcanic Mt Hood itself is home to six ski areas totaling over 4600 acres: Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny, and Summit. Though most are done for the season, Meadows closes on May 6 and you will still be able to ski through the summer at Timberline if you’d rather make turns than paddle in the Columbia River Gorge.
Day 2 Mt Hood Powder Day
The snow continued into the night, clearing by morning so that we had access to the experts only gates into Private Reserve and S&R Cliffs. PNW skiing? Now, we were talking! Nearly a foot swirled around us with no one else to poach it. Interstate 84 was still closed because of the ice storm so we danced among the glades and mini-rockchutes, lapping the empty lift mazes until it was time to fly home.
Ski Season Is Never Over In Oregon
At this point there are only a few resorts still doing winter – Snowbird, Utah, Mammoth Mountain, Calif., Arapahoe Basin, Colo. and Blackcomb, B.C.. There’s enough snow in Mt Hood Meadows to keep you skiing into August but with big plans in the works for their upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration, they’ll let Timberline do the honors.
The anniversary website has already launched. The list of events and deals is growing by the day. Some of the plans include a special 50 time pass (limit 50) as well as special midweek $50 lift ticket and learn to ski or snowboard packages (limit 50 each). There’s no better time than next season to experience Mt Hood, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Want to know why skiers and snowboarders flock to Whistler Blackcomb? The apres has its draw but, no, there’s a deeper connection. Magnetic, a 30-minute marketing endeavor by the Resort, focuses on that undeniable attraction; that hypnotic power of the area that keeps athletes coming back again and again.
Filmed entirely and solely at Whistler Blackcomb, the film will be the resort’s flagship piece of content for the 2017.18 winter season. The movie features athletes with connections to the Whistler area and filmed by local, high caliber talent.
Origin Design & Communications, a full-service, creative and marketing agency specializing in outdoor sports and tourism, created the concept with the award-winningoutdoor/adventure and commercial video producerJeff Thomas directing the project.
The film will be released free online this fall but here’s a peek at the trailer:
You would think with the snowpack we’ve had this winter that we’d be skiing into July. Darn, if the snowgods didn’t hightail it the Bahamas and leave us skibums to sweat in the 60-degree heat this month while we watch the resorts close all too soon. It’s now time for Utah’s spring skiing party.
Anticipated Closing Dates
Alta : April 16 Beaver : April 2 Brian Head : April 16 Brighton: April 16 Cherry Peak : March 26 Deer Valley : April 16 Eagle Point : April 2 Nordic Valley : March 19 Park City Mountain : April 16 Powder Mountain : April 9 Snowbasin : April 16 Snowbird : TBD Solitude : April 16 Sundance : April 2
Though sad to see our powder days in the rear view, spring skiing, with its corned-up groomers, funky retro ski clothes, and tailgate parties holds a certain charm. We wear lighter clothes and carry lighter hearts even if the snow is heavier and wet. After all, spring isn’t really about epic powder anymore, it’s about the epic, all-day spring skiing party.
Each day on the hill becomes your own personal spring break so don’t sit home and let it pass you by. There is the spring skiing party and picnics, music streaming from backpack speakers, rainbow wigs and the occasional man in a Speedo with corresponding sunburn. Despite the ever-melting conditions there are still plenty of turns and hi jinks left around the Wasatch. Bring the family and the outrageous costumes. It’s time to enjoy the deals, decent weather and debauchery.
Look to the corners of the Wildcat parking lot on any given sunny afternoon from now on. Those hardcore Alta locals are grillin’ and guzzlin’ and they’re happy to share both the food and tales. One story you will tell for years to come is how you sat up at the top of High Rustler on the last day of the season, dancing and tossing snowballs, and skied to the bottom at dusk with a few hundred of your closest buds. Make sure you’re there!
Saturday, April 8 – Demo Day. Demo 2017-18 skis from dozens of manufacturers and enjoy apparel sales, music and more. Wednesday, April 12 – Beer and Bratwurst for $10 at Alf’s Restaurant. Saturday, April 15 – Alta Earth Day. Sunday, April 16 – Alta Community Enrichment Easter Egg Hunt.
The spring skiing goes off here longer than any other in the Wasatch. The March/April days flit from sunny spring bumps to white-out powder days in an instant. There are unofficial pond skims, costumed clowns, torch-faced tourists, and parking lot BBQs. Although the mountain doesn’t really have an official closing date, the big party of record is the day the Tram stops spinning (usually the first weekend in May). “Jortski” celebrates the redneck in all of us with denim shorts and red, white and blue attire, and PBRs in the parking lot.
Spring passes are on sale now if you want to take advantage of this late season ho-down. Ski 12 times between now and close (TBD) and the $579 pass has paid for itself. The second spring pass sale starts April 1st but there’s no price for it yet.
March 25-26 – Subaru Winterfest. A one-of-a-kind mountain destination and lifestyle tour where skiers and snowboarders can come together. Enjoy live music, s’mores and craft OZO coffee. Participate in daily giveaways and test the latest gear from Nordica, Lib Tech, Thule, Klean Kanteen, and Under Armour. Plus, plan to meet adventurous Subaru owners and learn how you can support Avalanche Rescue Dogs.
April 16 – Easter at The Bird.
Easter Sunrise Service on Hidden Peak (stay tuned for timing)
Easter Egg Hunt 9 a.m. in Chickadee Bowl (meet on the Plaza Deck near Christy Sports) Free Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 11 years of age. Bring a basket and let the Easter Bunny help you find his eggs! The three age divisions are: 4 & under, 5-7 and 8-11.
Easter Brunch at The Aerie 11 am – 3 pm Reservations Recommended: 801-933-2181 or in-house ext. 3663.
Brunch at The Forklift
June 10-11 – Brewfest. Live music, food stations, crafters/vendors TWENTY-SIX local and national breweries sampling 3-5 of their finest brews.
As the days wax longer, the number of coolers and barbecues in the lower Moonbeam parking lot multiply. The season hits a crescendo when Solitude pulls off a last-run celebration akin to Alta’s. The on-hill party starts around 3 p.m. from the top of Powderhorn lift, where skiers and riders tough it out until the last chair reaches the summit then the hoard hauls down to the base of Eagle Express for the apres tailgater.
March 19 – Rossignol Demo Day. Test the latest in ski and snowboard technology. Visit the Last Chance Lodge to participate.
March 25 - 27th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Tour. Begin your day at 9 a.m. by grabbing a complimentary “Chocolate Lover’s Passport” from the Chocolate Lover's Tour booth in The Village (under the clock tower) or at Moonbeam Lodge (on the patio by the ski slope). Follow the map on your passport to find different stations on and off the mountain, where complimentary goodies are offered throughout the morning. Receive a stamp from each station and you will be entered to win great prizes. The completed passports are due by noon and the prize drawing is at 1 p.m.
April 16 - Easter Egg Hunt and Ski with the Easter Bunny. Children ages 2 to 10 meet at the Snowsports Academy in the Moonbeam Base Area. All guests are welcome and the event begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition, Swire Coca-Cola will be offering complimentary, full can samples at the Monster tent, located in the Moonbeam parking lot from 2 to 4 p.m.
The end of season got so rowdy at Brighton that they had to split the party into two days. And with the area celebrating their 80th anniversary, the last weekend is bound to go down in the rager history books. The beach bash and snowboard jam usually takes place on Saturday but it's closing day's Dummy Downhill that locals anticipate. Around 5 p.m. locals and employees of the mountain's various departments hike up to the top of the halfpipe and send hand-crafted "sleds" with "dummies" on top careening down the slope until they crash into bits. Throngs of drunken onlookers cheer. Money and prizes go to the contraptions that travel the farthest or look the slickest. The contest starts around 5 p.m.
If you want to join in the BCC 'derby' you need to register in advance. Your dummy will be judged at 1 p.m. and only the best are chosen to actually compete. They have to weigh less than 50 pounds with no pyrotechnics.
Thru March 30 - Friday night s'mores. Free treats at 6pm on the Alpine Rose Deck. ALL AGES WELCOME!
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day Party. Bag-Pipers, Corn Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Stew, Green Beer, and Free Music. Search for pots of gold on the mountain and win a 17/18 season pass. Après ski party in the Cinnabar at the end of the ski day with more FREE live music in Earl’s Lodge at 2:00pm
April 1 - Tap Takeover Semi Finals. Three local breweries vying for a chance to be named the favorite brewery from the Snowbasin crowd.
April 8 - 9 - Tap Takeover Semi Finals. Uinta Brewing will be facing off against either Wasatch Brewery, Squatters or Bohemian Brewery (votes are still being tallied).
April 8 - 9 - Retro Weekend and Pond Skim. Break out your spandex and best costume. On Saturday, enjoy spring skiing and live music from 80’s cover band, Breakfast Klub. On Sunday, join the annual pond skim and DJ Richie from X96. The Pond Skim starts at 12:00pm. Registration is on Earl’s Plaza between 9:00am and 10:30am. Cost is $5 unless you are dressed in your best retro costume attire.
April 15-16 - Tap Takeover Finals
April 15 - 16- Closing Weekend. On Saturday, April 15, there will be a last chair party at the top of Wildcat following the regular operating hours. Load and ride Wildcat chair one last time at 4:00pm. Participants will need to have a day ticket or season pass. At the top there will be a toast to Wildcat at 4:30pm with beverages for purchase by cash or check. Skiers and Riders who didn’t have a chance to purchase a Wildcat chair, can enter in a drawing for one of the chairs at the top. The winner will be announced following the toast.
April 16, Easter Egg Hunt. Bring the children up to Snowbasin Resort for an Easter Egg Hunt and to see the Easter Bunny before enjoying a delicious Easter Brunch! Ages 6 and under - 10:00 am, Ages 7-12 - 11:00 am
Get thee to The Beach. Every posh DV patron knows to snag a plastic white Adirondack chair outside the Silver Lake Lodge and never relinquish it. This is the place to see and be seen as one of the Deer Valley elite. Beer is served inside but you can also sip blueberry mojitos from the Royal Street Cafe.
March 25 – Avalanche Rescue Dog Awareness Event. The Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dogs and their handlers will be on the Plaza at Snow Park Lodge on Saturday, March 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. Guests can stop by and have their picture taken with the dogs and visit with their handlers. Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog logo merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, pins and mugs will be available for purchase and the proceeds will benefit the Avalanche Rescue Dog team.
April 16 – Easter Bunny Visits. Guests and their children are invited to bring a camera and take their picture with the Easter Bunny. Snow Park Lodge area from 9 to 11 a.m.
In the days of old, Park City threw the best party of all time- Clown Day, April 1. But resort officials and local police silenced the event when the crowd- and drinking -got too outrageous to contain. Anyone arriving in a clown costume would have their pass confiscated and be ejected from the resort. Clown Day was dead. The event eventually rose from the ashes some years ago, reincarnated as “Gaper Day” but it would never again match the status of its extinct ancestor. Dress in a one-piece or neon but leave the clown wig at home.
March 25- April 9 – Spring Gruv.
Park City presents the 10th annual Spring Grüv. Sixteen days of free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start.
NOTE: No outside alcohol is allowed in for our spring concerts. We will have food and beverage options available in the Park City Base Area and Canyons Village, so don’t worry! And, please carpool. Celebrate. Compete. Watch. Ski. Ride. Grüv.
Park City presents the 10th annual Spring Grüv. Sixteen days of free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start.
Saturday & Sunday S’mores at the Umbrella Bar in Canyons Village Hang around the fire pit on the Umbrella Bar deck in Canyons Village for all your s’mores fixings free from 3-4p.m.
April 8 – 21st Annual Pond Skimming. It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start. The Pond Skimming Contest is Park City’s most popular party and is the true indicator that spring has arrived. Contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. The pond and the excitement happen at mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge. Must be 10 years of age or older to enter. Spectators will need a lift or gondola ticket to watch. Then, hit up the Canyons Village for a free concert.
RULES: No teams allowed Minimum age is 10 years old No nudity, thongs, or bare butts allowed No full-face masks or costumes that inhibit full visibility No fire allowed in costumes No animals allowed Must compete on skis or snowboards. No sleds, sit-skis or ski bikes allowed Costume must be able to fit inside the Red Pine Gondola with the doors closed Poles may be used but must be dropped before skis touch the pond No pre-runs; each competitor gets one run to be judged
March 17 – F3T FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL. This fundraiser for Trout Unlimited will include multiple short films, fly fishing activities and great raffle prizes. This year will feature two screenings, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m.
March 18 – Banked Slalom. Junior and open classes for skiers and snowboarders. Same day registration is available. Race begins at 10:30 a.m. Lifts open at 9 a.m. Racer check-in at Jake’s Ticket Office: 8 – 9:30 a.m. To register, call 801.223.4849. $25 reg, $20 ticket.
The last two weekends of the season turn into Powder Daze at this area. The party kicks off with a mountain scavenger hunt for tons of swag. It’s rounded out with live concerts and barbecues in the parking lot.
March 31- April 2 – Fool’s Gold Winter Cabin Ski Party. Bring your neon ski onesies along with your best 80’s ski attire (or WHATEVER funky cool ski outfits) and get ready for a lodge/ condo/ ski dance party like none other! Canyonside Lodge.
The Event Includes: A whole ski resort to ride with event attendees, two nights (Firday and Saturday) of costumed live music, dance, DJ’s, performances, a pond skimming event, and a hearty family group style pre-show dinner inside the Canyonside Lodge (dinner is on Saturday evening).
Cardboard Sled Race 10:30 a.m. – Build your best and most creative sled out of Cardboard and Duct Tape. Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Race time and Appearance
Around The Mountain Noon – Snowmazing Race that sends your team of 2 you on a scavenger hunt all around the mountain. Best time WINS !
Bikini Slalom 12:30 pm– Female & Male – Wear your hottest bikini and ski/snowboard through our Racecourse – Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Race Time and Appearance
Pond Skimming 2 pm – Our Crazy Texan “Chuck” wants to know: Can you make it across our Brian Head Resort pond on your skis or snowboard? Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Best skim, Best Crash and Best Appearance
Registration will be held at the Last Chair Saloon from 10:00am to 11:30am.
April 15-16 – Kids Easter Festival. 11:00 to 3:00 – Navajo Lodge, Kids Carnival Games, Fish Pond, Lady Bug Toss, Hole in One Golf, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Dino Dig and more.
April 16 – Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Adults hunt for the Season Pass Egg hidden somewhere on Brian Head Resort property open to everyone. Kids Easter Egg Hunt, 13 and under, behind Navajo Lodge, three age divisions, 4 and under, 5 – 8 and 9 – 13.
It’s 50 degrees outside and thoughts have turned to spring skiing, the pond skim comp and spring parties. Park City Mountain is gearing up to rock Utah. Vail Resorts continues Canyons’ 10th Annual Spring Grüv Celebration with a lineup of local and national bands including Crystal Fighters and MAGIC GIANT. Park City Mountain will host its own annual Spring Concert Series.
As part of the series, there will be free après ski concerts at both base areas beginning this Saturday, February 18, with a performance by indie-pop band Knox Hamiliton. The Concert Series will continue on March 4 with concerts every Saturday through April 16, weather permitting.
Pond Skim & Concert Details
The outdoor concerts will take place at 3 p.m. on the Canyons Village Stage at Canyons Village and the PayDay Plaza Patio of Legacy Lodge at the Park City Base Area. This year’s concert lineup features local Park City favorites like Changing Lanes Experience, Mokie, and Please Be Human as well as a collection of folk, rock and funk bands.
Beginning March 25, Park City Mountain will also host the annual Spring Grüv Celebration. The 16-day event will feature daily activities at both base areas including the 21st annual Pond Skimming competition on April 8 and free concerts headlined by Crystal Fighters and MAGIC GIANT.
