Feb 18, 2006, Alpental

Clear and sunny all day. Cold in the morning (16F on the car thermometer in the parking lot at 9:30) and a bit of warming during the day with a bit of melting in the parking lot (34F at 3pm). The groomers on the lower mountain got a bit softer and slower in the afternoon. <br><br>Overall, mixed conditions on the slopes. Groomers were nice--hard pack good for high speeds. Off-piste things were mostly icy/hard crust. However, there were patches here and there of the powder from wed, especially formed into bumps. Also, far skiers right on Edelweiss Bowl (almost to the boundary) still held some powder. I ducked the ropes and found some light windblown as well, for about 10 turns. Above it, heavier settled powder, next to it crust. Like I said, very variable, and in near proximity. Some of the south facing stuff up high sure looked like it was softening, but it was only a few mm at the surface. Far skiers left down from International, more of the same mixed stuff. Generally crusty though. <br><br>Moral of story: you'll find most anything out in the backcountry tomorrow, and it'll be variable--even from one turn to the next. But cloudless skies make it all worth it