Hidden Valley Highlands, Hinterlands, 12/26/11

SBR went skiing at Hidden Valley yesterday with Blue Toes and our holiday guest Martine. Two chairs running, not too crowded. Easy runs were nice and smooth and edge-able. The Flying Dutchman (theoretical black diamond) was barely edge-able manmade crust covered with death cookies in the golfball to baseball size range. Kept one on one's toes, at least. We had fun anyway and the gaper-fest was highly entertaining.

I'm liking the Line Bacons a lot and will love them soon. Once you find the sweet spot and stay centered, they slay the hardpack quite nicely. Much quicker turning than the Prophets, despite the extra width, though probably do not have the flat out speed potential. Had to endure the comments from the gang of old fart ski instructors" "Nice powder skis!" Whatever. One of them had his bindings so jacked up with risers it looked like he would fall over if he stopped moving.

Quote of the day:

We are lined up for the quad that tales you to the easiest runs. Soccer Mom works her way through the line looking very anxious, clasping a snowboard to her chest. I see that she is making her way to go up with us, and start cringing inside. Fortunately, she has the presence of mind to ask the liftie:

"Do you put the board on here or at the top?"

Liftie: "You put it on down here and scoot on to the lift..."

Soccer Mom: "Oh..."

She looks more anxious. We move on. I have no idea what happened next.

Conditions were not that inviting:


But we managed to have fun anyways. For the full report, click here.