Strike a pose.... on Mousetrap.

Strike a pose.... on Mousetrap.

The clouds and showers of the last couple of days have given way to a beautiful spring day in Killington...just perfect for a few turns on the mountain.

When we spun off the Snowdon Quad this morning, the clock was striking a resounding crack-o-10:30. In the spring, you do need to let the sun work it's magic you know....plus a few extra zzzz's are not a bad thing either! The mountain was resplendent in full sunshine. Soft bumps were developing everywhere. It was just a nice day to be out on the mountain.

Snow conditions were "interesting". The showers of the last couple of days combined with warm spring temperatures have left surfaces very soft. Today's surfaces went right past cream, through corn, all the way to Slurpee. (What's your favorite color?) Trails that still had groomed corduroy (and yes, at 10:30 there was still groomed corduroy visible on some trails like Killink from Snowdon to East Fall) were squishy under foot. Trails compacted by skier traffic were wet with slush bumps in abundance.

Surfaces on Sky Peak off the Superstar Quad were firmer, given the north facing aspect of the trails. But even here, the snow is feeling the effects of spring. Superstar itself had small bumps developing up and down the slope. There was still evidence of it being groomed. I would guess that the resort will give it one last flattening for this weekend and then let nature take its course. (Only conjecture....not inside information.)

Tonight the temperatures in the area are due to go down to the low 20's. Surfaces for Friday should firm up substantially in the early morning hours, allowing the groomers to smooth out any surface imperfections created over the last couple of days by the warm temperatures and high moisture.

With plenty of snow on the mountain, spring skiing conditions should hold up quite well. The last hurrah for the 2010/2011 ski season is quickly approaching. With the mountain scheduled to close on May 1, if you want to make any more turns this year, now is the time.

With spring snow, and bright sunshine...don't forget your sun screen!