Grizz Update #2

OK, for all you math whizzes out there, as per my previous Grizz Blog, we needed 6 ft or 72 inches at mid mtn to get anywhere close to opening the lower mtn. Lets do the math; Monday - 20 inches; yesterday at report time - 8 inches; Saturday at report time - 0 inches; day before that at report time - 12 inches; and on Thursday - 16 inches at report time... Combined total - 56 inches.

Now, to consider a lower mtn opening, as I stated, we needed about 72 inches. When you do the math, it seems that we are currently 16 inches shy. The good news is that it is still snowing today with more to come tonight and the snow level is very low. As I stated in my last Grizz Blog, once we get that 72 inch total or now 16 inches, I will be able to let you know within 48 hours when the lower mtn will open. So, if it snows the proverbial 16 inches by report time on Tuesday, I will let you know by Thursday morning when you can expect the lower mountain to open.

Now you may be wondering, why does it take so long? Well, the lower mountain is very prone to avalanche activity. An avalanche can be created when snow builds up on a steep slope. When the snow can no longer support its own weight, it succumbs to the forces of gravity and slides uncontrollably down the slope. Snow in this form moves very quickly and can be quite heavy and dangerous. Due to its steepness, the lower mtn is very prone to this sort of activity in many areas. The ski patrol will be initiating their snow safety plan (SSP) over the next few days, weather permitting of course. The SSP reduces the avalanche hazards but does not totally eliminate the possibility, as snow safety is not an exact science.

While many of you are expert skiers and have vast knowledge about snow and hazard management and can protect yourselves, we at the ski area need to also consider and manage to those who have not quite achieved a higher snow safety skill/knowledge level yet, but have the ski/board ability and desire for lower mountain experience.

In addition to the snow safety work, the perimeter boundary needs to be set, trail closure ropes and gates installed and towers padded. Lift operations must build the ramps top and bottom, set the perimeter ropes, maze ropes and set up the signage. We refer to all these little nagging, yet critical tasks as "opening procedures." These tasks can't even be started until there is enough snow to get to and from the job site, without putting our valued employees at unnecessary risks.

Bear Valley will always take the time necessary to open lifts and terrain without rushing and endangering our employees. If that takes an extra day or two, so be it. I understand your anxiety and that you may think we are just "saving it for ourselves," as our personal and private stash. I would hope as our relationship grows, so will our trust and understanding. Will we make a mistake or two in the timely opening? Sure. Will you let us know when we do? You will. Please keep in mind that we still have to manage the current open terrain and visitors as well. While the lowermtn may be your top priority we, as reasonable and prudent ski area operators, will balance our activities to service all.

Snow willing, I anticipate the lower mountain could open as early as Saturday at noon. Let's blog again about the Grizz on Thursday! Until then... Enjoy the snow.

Cheers, Gentling

Tips from a snowboarder...

I was recently asked as an instructor, "What's the best way to avoid people in front of me, when they tend to turn unpredictably or suddenly stop?" The first thing that came to my mind was the "Alpine Responsibility Code" (ARC). Three key components of the ARC stood out:

1. Avoid people ahead of you, they have the right of way.
2. When entering a trail or run or starting downhill, look uphill and give way to others.
3. Know your ability and always stay in control.

As confident as we may be in our own ability, snow conditions do vary and can considerably change the difficulty of a run, possibly effecting our turning radius or stopping capabilities. Never assume you know what the person in front of you is going to do next. Remember there will always be natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, lift towers and people.

Regardless of how you enjoy your snow-sport, always show courtesy and use common sense and personal awareness to reduce the risks of unnecessary collisions. Don't take it personally if someone avoids you on the hill... Avoid them!!

... No one wants to get taken out, unless it's for dinner!

Home Run is Open!

You have to check it out! After the long wait, the run to the village is now ready for you. Skiing is way good with spring like conditions. Best tip, head down and grab a killer lunch at Headwaters coffee house, then catch the bus back to the mountain!

John Mallard - Bear Valley Ski Patrol

When Will "Grizz" Get Open????

"Grizz" the typical name that refers to Grizzly Bowl and Snow Valley. Bear Valley's Famed lower mountain for expert riders, where as Powder Magazine put it "the place Bear Valley hides its secret stashes of steeps and chutes...a laid back hill where you can find Fresh tracks all the time". Yes, I know the spot - so when is it going to open?

Well, while we finally enjoyed a bunch of snow at Bear Valley Mountain Resort - nearly 3 feet at Bear Top, elevation 8,500 feet. It also snowed about 18 inches at the midway base lodge elevation 7,750. The bottom of Grizzly is 6,600 feet, and it received about an inch of rain and about 6 inches of snow. That 6 inches fell on top of about 6 inches already on the ground, totaling about a 12 inch base. If you have ever spent any quality time on the lower mountain you are very aware that the rocks and boulders are significantly larger than 8 inches. In fact a majority of those features are 4 to 5 feet tall, not to mention the willows, streams, stumps and logs all of which are in excess of 8 inches. It is a fairly commonly known fact that when it snows, the higher elevations collect more snow than do the valleys, that particular fact is no different here at Bear Valley.

If you caught the news and weather last night, Squaw Valley had an amazing 3 feet of new snow, at their summit -- but only 6 inches at the base of the mountain. Funny how that works !!

So back to the real issue "WHEN"? If you can tell me the day and time it will snow about 5 to 6 more feet - at our mid mountain snow stake - I will tell you within 48hrs of that time, when it will be open. That 6 feet should equate to 3 to 4 feet at the bottom of Grizzly. Pending of course where the snow level is, meaning, it could be snowing at mid mountain and raining a 1,000 feet lower. In the business we refer to that as the "snow line".

An indicator you can use - If you live in the area or when you are driving to Bear Valley Mountain Resort, you pass and area called Cottage Springs (el. 6,000ft) yes it is slightly lower than the bottom of Grizzly Bowl but "bear" with me here, it's a landmark you can use and relate to. First picture the Cottage Springs base area where the lifts are, strewn with 4 feet tall granite boulders, fallen logs, 3 feet or longer, and several open streams running through the area, then take a look at how much snow is currently on the ground, now you have an indication of the snow depth at the bottom of Grizzly.

While we all promote, measure and get excited about the snow at the top or mid-mountain, the fact is - we need to manage the snow to the lowest denominator, at the bottom of each trail. The whole trail needs to be skiable not just the top half.

The Ski Patrol is monitoring the terrain after each storm, our lift dept is standing by, and believe it or not - we enjoy skiing and boarding the lower mountain as much if not more than you - WE WANT IT OPEN TOO!!!!