Red Resort and slackcountry update, Dec. 18

The conditions at/around Red this week went from gnarly rain crust to pretty fine powder, but variable conditions remain depending on the aspect. There’s a bomber base at the resort now. Judging from the lineups, yesterday’s Free Ski Day was a success. However the hill’s pretty skied out and in need of some snow. Groomer lovers rejoice. The rest...take a hike!

Speaking of hiking, back/slack country travel is fairly easy with the rain crust 15cms down. The wet heavy snow/rain episode earlier in the week consolidated the base and coverage isn’t much of an issue. I observed no avalanche activity, natural or skier-triggered. With future snow falls, the rain crust will be an important (scary?) one to watch. I did two laps on Mt. Roberts and enjoyed some sweet turns, but when I’d check speed/turn hard I’d sink below the grabby crust. Overall, certainly worthwhile and the sunshine is a bonus. I shot some helmet cam but it was pointed too low...so I'll save you from having to watch my boots in HD. Hope to have a vid up in the next couple days.

Happy turns, Zorba