This feels familiar. Just like two weeks ago, a massive multi-day storm dumped a ton of snow on Vermont. Mad River was the place to be again, but not many people showed up. When I arrived, the power was out (reminiscent of the big storm last month). I came prepared for wind hold, but touring skis are also good for power outages.

I skinned up a dreamly landscape with variable surfaces. The wind was absolutely ripping at the very top of Upper Antelope. But, things were eerily quiet below the 20th hole traverse. After warming up in the Stark’s Nest, I dropped into Fall Line seeking shelter from the wind.

I considered skinning back up, but I was concerned that power could be restored and the lift could start running at any minute. So I opted for some big wide open turns on the mellow intermediate pitches of the mid-mountain, ending my run with perhaps the best run down Waterfall that I have ever had.

Sure enough, when I arrived at the Basebox, the word was that powder would be restored within a half hour. I gear changed and got ready for the lift-serviced part of the day.

Feeling more comfortable with conditions, I wasted no time in dropping into Paradise and enjoying the super dense and heavy new snow. Some thin coverage still lurked underneath. But I did not see too much need for caution.

I started working over some of my favorite rabbit holes. The Single never had more than a five-minute wait), so I was finding untracked lines throughout the entire day. The race was still on, though. The race was not against other skiers, but rather the clock, as the temperature was turning and a misty mank could arrive at any moment.

I was spent long before that moment happened. I wish I could have gone to closing bell, but the morning ascent and heavy snow put bullets in my legs sooner than usual. Hard to believe how few people showed up for such an amazing day.