Unofficial Rose

Lots of BBQ's, beer wagons and costumed patrons led to a great last day of the season at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Many closing days have been less than extraordinary with frozen crust, snow or high winds. Today was the exeption. Although there was some wind at the top it didn't amount to much and the snow softened quickly with temps in the 50's. The Chutes almost didn't open. Understaffed, the lift department just didn't have enough liftees... in stepped Mikyla (pictured below) a ski patrol rookie who volunteered to run The Chuter Unload... thanks to Patrol for making The Chutes happen the last day. They were absolutely sublime with all gates East of El Cap open. One could also downhill traverse over to El Cap which was the best I've seen it sans pow in many years. Pic is of Naia Selby ripping down it like it was a groomer. I can say with confidence The Chutes were absolutely stunning today and so forgiving that even I felt pretty good dancing with gravity. Groomer

Raymond Joseph and his entourage hit the slopes one final time this season on Friday. It was perfect with warm weather, great skiing and facinating stories (plus some "attention" from some of the 75 year old younger women). A good day was had by all! See you next year Ray!

The third and final in the Rose Legion of Honor series that highlights Mt. Rose Ski Area staff who are exceptional at their jobs. The Slide Dogs are lift staff on what's referred to at Rose as "the other side". They are more on their own over there and as a result are a little more independent and freedom loving. No other lifts operate quite like the Zephyr and as locals know... its often a local's crowd in the morning. What can I say... they take care of us over on the Slide Side... just like they always have. Unofficial celebrates Ulf, Jim, Brooke and their colleagues... we always feel mighty welcome over there! Next up is Naia Selby representing the Special Teams & Race Department. Always happy to be coaching and to share adventures with the little Green Coats, Naia comes at this from a lifetime of skiing. She was riding Northwest at 16 months old and skied all the chutes including Dragon Lady by the time she was seven. Yep, she is a Badass for sure. Rep

Ask anyone hurt at Mt. Rose and taken care of by Meri Broderic and they will all say the same thing: her tenderness and care for the comfort of her patients make her the absolute HEART of the Mt. Rose Ski Patrol. She is an extraordinary professional patroller and Rose is lucky to have her! Next up is none other than Ryan Senft, manager of the Best Ski Bar in the World. Look at his offerings, how he treats us locals and you know the first time you walk into the Timbers Bar that you are in a special place. Where would we be without our very own Charlie Brown. Despite the fact that he is only a mediocre snowboarder we love him as the Voice of Mt. Rose. Always down on us skiers but in good humor he keeps us laughing and engaged. Off the mic... also a sincerely nice guy. The reason we get to all park on those powder days is because Damian and his colleague are out in often blinding blizards all night there moving snow off the lot with their loaders. Damian pictured here on the righ

It's been said a picture is worth a thousand words so... here are 3000 for your enjoyment. Looking good so far right? Another pro Finnish competitor headed for success! Still looking pretty good although starting to look a little like a Russian skier bending forward at the waist... And finally... its ALL OVER for Aki as he has goes ass over tea kettle to the cheers and jeers from the crowd. This is the day the Um Pah Pah music died... Sven

There are those that do their job and then there are those who rise above their position description and become an exceptional employee and host to the area. Come along and meet some of the exceptional staff who have proven themselves once more as those that go above and beyond and make Mt. Rose Ski Area a special place. Some of these folks are up front who you see all the time while others are in the background working to make things better behind the scenes every day and night. Lets start with Ted... he has been grooming for years and his experience and stoke to provide perfect cord for the public makes him our number one choice from the grooming department Next up is Darja from the Food and Beverage Department. Darja is one of the most positive and wonderful people one could ever meet in the lodge. If you haven't met her yet, this last weekend is the time. Make it your mission. She can probably be found cashiering. She is seen here with our very own 98 year old Raymond Josep

Looked like the thousands who showed up to watch the return of the Pond Skim after a ten year hiatus enjoyed it as much as the participants. A good time was had by all. It was nice to see that return... will the Downhill Dummy make a epic return as well... only time will tell. Sven

The Ski Pope has declared all holy services but the one on Slide Mountain are hearby cancelled. Come for the Holy Water, Get religious and Be there or be Square. The pool party will be a good one! Word on the street is that CiCi may make a special appearance. -Sven

Big Kudos and Gratitude go out to Mary Weneta and Bobo's for continuing to support their 98 year old sponsored athelete, Raymond Joseph. Next season they are not only supporting Ray's ski equipment needs but am also purchasing his Season Pass for him. This is a business we need to support. Make sure you let Mary know we all value what a BIG HEART she has for lending Bobo's support to a guy that deserves it. Pictured here is Mike Selby with Mary since whe wouldn't let us get a photo of her alone as she is EXTREMELY shy around the camera. With some cajoling and surprising her a little working out the paperwork for Ray, we were at least able to capture this image. Way to go Mary!!! Sven

When we are thinking about when to ski spring snow, seven factors should be considered: 1) Whether it froze the night before, 2) Current Temperature, 3) Amount of Sun on the Slope, 4) Slope Aspect, 5) Slope Angle or steepness, 6) wind, and 7) The temperature when the grooming took place. If the night before remained above freezing then it won't take long for the very thin crust formed from evaporative cooling to melt off and reveal nice soft corn. If the slope experienced a hard freeze (remained below freezing most of the night) it will take much longer for the snow to soften as its frozen much deeper. Current temps play a large role in softening the spring snow along with all the other factors. If temps are in the 40's things will generally loosen up much quicker, if hovering in the mid thirties (all things being equal) they will soften more slowly. Direct sun plays a huge role in the melt-freeze scenario, as long as it is a cloudless sky the sun will warm up the snow quite

Nope... didn't win the trip to Hawaii again but had a great time nevertheless with good friends and a beer or three. Looks like everyone else did as well with Ralph and even Turnin Tim making an appearence. Another nice party hosted by our mountain to usher in Spring... (of course its 19 and snowing right now so maybe the "Spring" was a little preemptive...) Sven