If next week's storm turns out to be rain and washes everything away and we do not get any more snow, I will end my lift serviced portion of the 06-07 season a very happy man. This was the day I had been waiting for since the lifts started turning. Easily the best day of the season and a top five day for my skiing career.
After having skied hard open to close at Burke on Friday and Cannon on Saturday, I originally planned to take it easy on Sunday. Probably only ski until noon time or so, then warp up the weekend. One of my little toes had been extremely sore lately from my neglect and abuse, and I knew Sunday would be painful. The original plan was Mad River Glen, but they did not report any new snow from last night whereas Jay reported eight inches. A no brainer, I changed my plans. Dare I say Jay under reported eight inches? Well, maybe that was the official number but the woods were socked full of goodies. When I got to Jay, eight inches on the trails sounded about right actually. It proceeded to snow all day long with a few puking sessions thrown in for good measure. Hard to even guess what the total was by the time I left at 4p, but lines were already been replenished for the next day.
Getting my boot on in the morning was a rather painful experience due to the toe. Much grimacing, wincing, and pained expressions were had including a few choice cuss words muttered under my breath as I bowed my head low so no one could see the look of pure agony and pain on my face as the toes set into place. Any other day might not have been worth it, but today was truly a no pain, no gain day. Got to the Jet slightly after it started turning, so The Jet and Haynes were already well tracked. Into the woods I went and I only came out for lunch and the close of the lifts.
Boot deep minimum with most untracked lines going knee deep in many places with the occasional thigh deep shot. Untracked all day, every single run, from open to close. Crowds were generally light and less than expected, especially at the generally busy 10a Rush. Jet queues never maxed out and only got half full briefly at worst. Most skiers packed it up and went home around noon time as the place was nearly deserted after lunch. By 1-2p, the Jet was nearly ski on. Due to low traffic and high snow, lines were beginning to replenish themselves. But why settle for a slightly refilled line when you can ski boot deep fresh untracked at 2p?
This was like Burke on February 14th all over again, just with deeper and better quality snow. Not total blower, but generally light. Easy to ski through knee deep even on low pitch but dense enough that you could leverage the snow for speed reduction as needed. Essentially, really good quality snow that felt fantastic. I charged lines hard and fast all day. The snow was really forgiving and allowed for aggressive line choices which felt almost too easy at times. The snow depths at Jay are impressive with everything filled in. Snow banks on Route 242 were above the roof of my car approaching Jay Peak. No picturestoday... you just do not stop for pictures on banner days like this.