last of the season at solitude

We had one day left on our Solitude 5-pack tickets and with their recent announcement that they would be closing for the season on April 8, 2012, we thought we should get up there sooner rather than later.  Not too sooner, however: without the ski guests urging us onwards, plus without any new snow since the 3+ feet last weekend, we got around to getting up there by about 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

There was no one there (not literally, but it wasn't like we waited in any lines); it was pretty warm, with 40s at the base and fitful sun trying to burn through the thin clouds; and all evidence of that last snowstorm had been skied into submission.  Once again, things had set up pretty well overnight and we had to ski the groomers for the morning until things softened up.  We stayed on the front side of the resort until lunch, periodically trying the bumps as they slowly warmed.

Saying so long to Honeycomb Canyon

After a quick midday meal at the Moonbeam lodge - Solitude's cafeterias are not quite up to Alta's quality or quantity and yet have higher prices - we took the Sunrise and Summit chairs to see what was happening out back.  Although the groomers and wide open bumps trails were soft, the gates into Honeycomb Canyon were closed.  When we ventured into the chutes we'd skied with the ski guests last week. the snow was extremely heavy and sticky, making it nearly impossible to turn.  I have a bad habit of picking up my inside ski when turning and trying to move in that heavy snow did nothing to cure me of that.  (H said he'd give me a pass, considering the conditions.)

In the trees of the Headwall Forest

When we made our way back out to the main part of the resort, the snow was getting too warm: we'd hit sticky spots that would grip our skis, almost stopping us short.  This is very difficult to ski on, as you might imagine.  We decided to do one last bumps run and took the Powderhorn lift up, then skied Vertigo (or thereabouts) down.  It wasn't too bumped up but it was really, really soft.  I hate to admit the end of the season is near, but I'm not sure how much longer little Solitude will keep their snow - I hope they make it to the 8th.

We got back to the truck and cracked open a couple of tailgate PBRs, giving a toast to Solitude.  We didn't get any epic days there this year but we got a couple of good ones and, given the terribly low snow this season, that's all you can ask for.  I really like Solitude and am looking forward to getting my skis on its slopes again next season.