Saturday, March 10, 2007

The Ice Lense; A flurry of facets to the solarplex

On Friday, the posse assembled to ski Mt.Fairveiw and Surprise pass. Given the warm temperatures and sun for the last few days, nobody was expecting waist deep powder and indeed what we found up on Mt. Fairview could be described as the polar opposite......After forming a line of boot-packers to the summit of Fairview, we headed west down a rock ridge to a broad col where we hoped to ski down and rejoin the trail to Surprise pass. What we discovered was quited possibly the strangest snow we had ever seen. A 1 inch thick blue ice lense over 100 cm of sugery facets to the ground. Survival skiing at its best. After re-grouping at a bench, we decided to head back and get some turns on the way down to the car and of course, Laggans bakery.From the Saddleback/Fairview col we got a few nice runs before having to head back to the car. Despite the disturbing snow conditions higher up, the day was great. For sure one one of the funniest and best group I've skied with all year. Big thanks to the Johns (2 Johns don't make a right), Warren, Lars, and Jay.