Misha (Login StackAndMisha) from IP address 199.27.128.198
Stack says it was like a race, everyone rushing down after taking the lift to the top. He said he got the 6th chair coming up again from HV.
He reports that the ungroomed part is crusty and difficult, but the rest is freshly groomed and is fine. Hoping for more snow today/tonight for even better runs tomorrow!
I hit HV at 2pm and all the untracked fresh was nice, had softened up to make it fun. Spent the morning with the kids at Little Thunder. Guess I didn't miss much early on anyway.
We got out there at around 2:30 and made a few runs, really nice to be able to go back there and not hike out! Really adds to the place, cant wait for a sunny day back there!
First Chair on the front and 3rd on the back for opening day at Hyaks backside. Snow was pretty firm at first, eventually softening up and even getting grabby by 1. Overcast and then it started snowing, silvering the firs nicely in HV with mixed slop at the bottom. Pole push test was a surprising 20 inches. Top crust, 4 of mank, 1 of crust, 6-8 of mank, 2 of crust, and then down to the bottom means that off piste waschallenging. Tried Silver Fir for a couple, then back to finish off in HV again. Really liking the looks of things back in the valley. Trees will be super nice on a good snow day. Done in after 24 runs of fun in five hours. Met up with Chad and his buddy for the final zip down Creek.
I caught "New Fir" just before 9:00 a.m., skied the crossover and was standing around at the top of "Old Fir" (East Peak) when the patrol dropped the ropes for HV. I thought it was kind of fun a great big Chinese Downhill for 700' vert & a fixed-grip double.
We chatted with Dan B. at the top after a few runs. He looked like a happy man-- like the father of a new-born-- and we offered thanks and congratulations on his healthy new baby. Everyone was smiling.
The corduroy was quite firm and off-piste was sketchy, but hey, it was HIDDEN VALLEY for gosh sakes. I quit about the time it got really damp, but I could see how the snow surface might have improved for it.
I was only able to take a few runs but thought the terrain was great! I'm looking forward to more turns this season before the area closes. Thanks to all who made Hidden Valley possible.
