Heavy Snow in the Upper Elevations at Killington makes for a great opening day to the 2005-2006 ski season.

Heavy Snow in the Upper Elevations at Killington makes for a great opening day to the 2005-2006 ski season.

Absolutely incredible! Mid winter snow, mild temperatures, a little sun, small crowds. What a great opening day of skiing at Killington!

I was very hesitant this morning about the first day of skiing. Usually the first day at Killington is a zoo with big crowds. Today, however, while there were plenty of people, when I got to the hill at 11:00 AM, I had no trouble getting a parking space and getting right on the lift. I would guess that crowds were kept down due to the late in the day announcement on Friday, by Killington, that the mountain would open.

The K1 gondola, Snowdon Quad, Snowdon Poma and North Ridge lifts were running. I started on the Quad, it was too nice a day to be in the box(the K1 Gondola). All of the Killington side of the mountain was open for skiing. From the quad, I did Chute, Bunny Buster, and Great Bear. Cover on all trails was very good. Chute was showing some grass in places, but the soft bumps in Great Bear reminded me that this was my first day on ski's in a while. No lines at the quad. Skied right onto the chair each time without waiting.

I then took the North Ridge Chair up to the Glades. Did a few runs down Rime. The trees were all very heavy with snow, the sun was blazing, unbelievable day. Skied right up to the chair each time with no waiting. I could have done loops all day without stopping if my legs were strong enough. I did take a peek at East Glade. In a couple of months, I would have enjoyed it, but it was very bumped up so I took a pass.

I then traversed the mountain over to South Ridge. I followed Great Eastern across the top of the mountain. Ovation was roped, but that had not stopped some people. Super Star was open. Upper was not groomed with nice soft bumps. A few hollows on lower Super Star made it interesting.

I had so much fun, I K1'd back up and did the traverse again. This time I took Upper Skylark, which was sweet, to lower Bittersweet. Lower Bittersweet again was not groomed, except for 1 cat track on skiers left. Bumps were nice and soft, although by this time my first day of the season legs were calling it a day.

I don't think I will get up on the hill on Sunday, as I have a commitment at the Inn I need to tend too, but if you have the opportunity to head to Killington, go for it... The conditions were well worth it!