The Season Winds Down with a Bang & a Whimper...

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. Groomers were also well doen first thing in the morning with Sunrise being a big hit. Well groomed and welcoming the warming rays of the morning sun it was a must ski, over and over. It's not often that it has been groomed without a race coure set up on it this year so this was the day. As the day warmed all become skiable and fun. Sure there were some sticky spots and I guess thats what got people into BBQ mode with some drinks and headed down the hill like Captain Stubing pictured below. All the better to leave the area to just a few diehards for last chair. At one point near four o'clock I didnt see another human on the Slide side besides Levi and his crew. Slide pic from the chair taken a little after 4. Thanks to everyone on the Mountain for a spectacular season! Sven

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