SKIING SOFT SNOW AT WHITEFACE IN JANUARY
Just two days ago, I had a classic Ice Coast ski day at Whiteface. Conditions were fast and firm everywhere. Sharp edges were a must! Today? Not so much. The snow was soft around the mountain, and you could really get some nice carves in.
Mid-mountain.
Mountain Run.
It was a mild day for January, hence the soft snow. I didn’t have to wear a face mask, and I believe just about everywhere on the mountain was above freezing, except maybe up at the summit. I was kind of surprised at how empty the place was. The weather certainly wasn’t bad, and though it was a Wednesday, we’re in peak season now, so I expected it to be a little more busy.
Lower Northway.
Connector.
Upper Skyward.
While the snow was soft basically everywhere, there were a few firm spots out there up high, but nothing too notable, aside from the entrance of Upper Skyward, which was pretty slick. Visibility was low when I skied Upper Skyward, and while I entered from a different side of the run today than I did last week, when I fell at the top on ice amid low visibility, I once again hit an ice patch I couldn’t see while entering the run.
My skis proceeded to sweep out from under me, and then I slid down the run a little. Fortunately, this go around wasn’t as dramatic as last week’s. Yes, this is the second time this exact thing has happened to me in one week. You would think I’d learned after last week’s incident, but no, I did not. I have never fallen on Upper Skyward until this year, and both times happened in one week at the entrance, amid low visibility and icy conditions. That said, I will no longer be skiing Upper Skyward in these conditions going forward. Full me once, shame on you. Full me twice, shame on me. It’s just not worth the risk.
Upper Northway.
Boreen Loop.
Despite that hiccup, it really was a nice afternoon on the mountain. It’s hard to choose a run of the day. I enjoyed Upper Northway, Mountain Run, Upper Skyward (not the top part), Niagara and more. Down low, the snow was even softer and it too was fun to ski through.
Never Quit Skiing,
Lincoln