February 1, 2004, Peak5566,Granite West,Snoqualmie

A late start (left Bellevue after 8 am) with a low starting elevation, we didn't expect much in terms skiing quality.  However, there was 8-12" of well-consolidated powder, but still soft and dry on a wet crust to provide great skiing.  We stumbled upon a 1600' run at 25-35, some 40, deg protected by trees.  Skiing was so much fun, we ended up over 6k vert for the day.  A little too much for my 7-month old ACLed knee, but it was worth it.  The snow was not as light as on Jim Hill last weekend, but the sun was out and the fun factor was defenitly higher today.  Even skiing out through trees to the summer trail was enjoyable on 5" of powder on hard crust.  Hard to beat powder, sun and short drive!  -R/D/K