November 13, 2010, Crystal Mtn, Green Valley

I arrived at the parking lot around 9:30.  The snow at the base was sparse and unskiable.  I could not see any farther up the hill due to the cloud cover, but I had high hopes that Green Valley would be holding on to some snow so I strapped my board on my back and headed out.  On the way up I ran into a group of 3 who had decided to leave their skis in the car because another group told them they had been up to Rex and there was no skiable snow. 

    I headed up Kelley's Gap Road walking on 2-6 inches of snow most of the way up.  It wasn't until I reached the bottom of the Green Valley bowl I knew I made a geat choice.  Walking up to the ridge in boot top to knee deep powder I had a grin from ear to ear.  There was no evidence of any ski tracks from the previous days and I had the entire valley to myself. 

    I got strapped in and was just about to drop in when my binding broke.  Lucky for me I had a couple of ski straps and managed to get it to hold my foot in my binding.  It was a little loose but good enough to ride some pow.  I made it down to the bottom of the lift just as the group that left their boards behind made it up.  Judging from the language I would say they were pissed off. 

    Took 4 laps total..no rocks, not even through the trees.  The snow was a bit heavy near the bottom of the bowl.  I did set off a few minor sluffs about 6" deep on the more exposed slopes but nothing to worry about.  Although it might be something to consider in the future....

    It was a great day with some spectacular early season snow.....which has got me all juiced up for the ski season.