March 29, 2018 Bachelor

We used our MAX Passes and got an early start. Sunny day with the kids on spring break. We rode the Pine Marten express and headed east to the Sunrise express where the sun was softening the firm pack. Skied a few runs and then moved west to start riding the Skyliner express trails. We avoided any trails that were near the trees because they were hard even with the groomers. We were heading to the Cloudchaser lift when Jill stopped and talked to an "Info" person. His feedback was that the narrow tree-lined trails were still firm and his suggestion was to go high on the Summit express. OK, he was right. The sun drenched summit was warm, no wind, and soft spring snow. The Beverly Hills, Healy Heights, and Wanoga Way trails were groomed. Steep runs with the sun softening the slots near the rocks and into The Cirque. The area had 360 degree open from the summit. We headed near Red Chair at 12:30pm it was still firm, so Outback and Northwest were still firm. Instead we skied down West Boundary. 31/2 hours of spring skiing and time to head north.

It is a short 25 minute drive from Bend to Bachelor. It will be interesting to see if Bachelor gets affiliated with Epic, Ikon, or ?? We had dinner the night before with Paul and Shari who moved to Bend several years ago. They are friends from our days with The Mountaineers and still plan and lead cross country trips around the world. We knew them when they did only backcountry hut trips They are in their 80's and are still going strong. It was fun catching up and swapping tales about body part repairs and//or replacements! Our advice: do it now and get medical professionals who support your life style.

Glad you and Jill are still going strong, Zap.
Keep up the good work.