SKIING SNOWBASIN IN THE SNOW

Well the last day on the slopes rolled round. I have skied Alta, Brighton, Canyons, Deer Valley, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Solitude and back to Snowbasin. It had snowed overnight then froze making the early part of the drive up treacherous with icy roads. In the first few miles I passed 4 accidents one of which might have been serious. But once out from under the inversion with it's lake effect snow the roads dried off and things got safer. This was good as I had organised a MEETUP for a tour of the mountain and I thought I was going to be late.

No worries though as Rob and Meg arrived as I got my lift ticket and we were soon being whisked up the Needles lift and hit the slopes. A few inches of the famed Utah champagne powder lay on top of the groomed runs and it was like skiing over silk.

Lunch was taken at John Pauls lodge, definitely a cut above the usual burger shack sometimes found on the mountains, check out the chandelier.

A few more runs and by 3.00 my knees were crying uncle so I said bye to Meg and Rob and packed the skis for the drive back down. As the miles rolled by under cruise control I thought of the strange things I had seen in the last three weeks.
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Yes Victor there are still lots of telemark style skiers even on the most difficult runs especially at Alta

The two guys skiing in shorts.

The squirrel foraging for food under the tables on the restaurant deck seemingly oblivious of the human presence at the tables.

The empty slopes and zero lift queues

The inversion which degraded air quality and kept the temperatures below freezing all day in town while the mountains were sunny and warm with good air to breathe.

The WW1 howitzer relegated to starting avalanches.

The hole in the side of the skilift garage from the time they got the aim wrong.

The kids on their tiny snowboards.

The obligatory bra and panties tree, an aspen this time.

I learned some surprising things too, The snow I was skiing on in the Cottonwood canyons resort might be coming out my Studio 6 tap next day and that it is really hard to buy a double rum in a bar , [ Apparently it is against State law for the bartender to pour you a double measure. ], and that a Chevrolet Impala with the V6 is a rocketship.


The MEETUP website worked well for me, finding like minded poker players with home games who were glad of a chance to win a Scotsman's money. [ Fat chance there ] and other skiers who were looking for piste buddies for a day on the slopes.

I am writing this at 35,000 feet heading South back to Jan in St Lucia who has been looking after Elephants Child for me. With the wonders of modern comms I could even connect to in flight wifi and post it from here but being tight I will wait to I get a free connection. Anyway I have pictures to sort out.