Been shredding as often as I can, assuming conditions are at least OK.  I refuse to ride on ice and crap this season.

 

So yesterday it started snowing around 11AM.  High temp of 7° yesterday, so snow was very light and dry compared to typical MN snowfall.  I was kicking myself in the ass for not coming prepped to leave from work, but I knew I had domestic responsibilities with my wife gone a few days.  As I left work, i knew I needed to ride the freshies, so I busted ass to get my errands done.

 

What was usually a 20 minute trip to Afotn turned out to be 70 minutes courtesy of dipshi*ts doing 20mph on the multi-lane interstates.  As soon as I got on the regular highways I easily did 55 with no issues.  I got to Afton about 6:10, ans on the slopes by 6:30.  Hardly anyone was there!  Even better, those that were there had crappy wax jobs and/or didn't know how to ride in fresh snow!  Most were in the chalets :)  I had free-reign!  Snow was slow in the flats, but no issues if you pumped your legs to build speed.  Soft and easy to cut!  Best night at Afton I have had in nearly 2 years!  No groomers out to ruin the fresh stuff either :)

 

The only draw-back was the cold.  I was warm and had to open vents to dump heat, but sitting on a snowcovered chair caused it to melt, then freeze to my legs and ass on my next run.  This took it's toll ad required 2 pitstops to the chalet for a Rusty Nail.  I lost about 45 minutes of riding, meaning I only got a little over 2 hours on the slopes.  I made the most of it, shedding like a mad man and possing people left and right (the few that were out there).  One skier was keeping up with me....or should I say I was keeping up with him?  I had to strap and unstrap afterall, and we were always 1 chair apart.  Most times I would get 2+ runs in before others made it down, and I like to lay some deep lines.

 

So, all in all, Afton is doing pretty damn good.  They are 95% open now with good coverage.  More snow in the forecast on Thursday night and Friday AM, so hoping this will be a great winter!

 

-B

 

EDIT: forgot to mention I started ordering new gear yesterday....boots and board are coming already, but the bindings are awaiting new stock and I was told the website will be updated in 1-2 days.  I'll post pics once it all arrives!