December 26, 2004, Alpental

Good enough that I didn't turn the car around before even gearing up (this happened last month) but not good enough to make me want to do it again. Lots of vegetation to avoid, rock holes, and running water to cross all over the hill, even coming out of Edelweiss Basin. The 5 or so inches of snow felt nice going up but already felt a little styro by time I started down a bit before 11. The stuff under the 5 inches was loathesome enough that it DIDN'T feel like powder skiing, in contrast to superficially similar conditions at Paradise a few days ago. Alpy needs at least another 2 feet. But it was good exercise, and nice and quiet breaking trail. I was just wishing that it was snowing while I was there because it SO needs it. Definitely another rock ski day. Saw 2 other snowboarders tracks but never saw them.