tl;dr
Today was beyond unreal. I skied yesterday at Beaver creek and it was a solid 7" in the morning and snowing all day. I come home and see on a ski forum this notice about Aspen Highlands:
"When planning to extend the season at Aspen Highlands, one of the risks was getting so much post-season snow that we’d be required to ski track the mountain. Fortunately, that concern has materialized. Aspen Highlands is holding a Powder Posse on Friday, April 11 to help break up snow layers.
To join this Posse:
· You must be an expert skier or rider in good physical shape
· You must be comfortable in deep snow on double diamond terrain
· Report at the base of Highlands at 9:30 on Friday morning
· Sign a waiver
· Bring lunch and liquids
You do NOT need a transceiver, shovel or probe. You will be directed where to ski and ride…you have a mission!
You do NOT need a ski pass and parking is free
If you meet these requirements, please join us—Highlands needs your tracks,
Thanks,
Doug Mackenzie and Mac Smith"
Considering Highlands has been closed since Sunday and its been snowing most of the time since I was in.
I showed up to work really early and told my boss as soon as he walked in the door I wouldn't be working today.
After signing the waiver about 100 skiers got on the lift. Once everyone was up to the top part of the mountain they shut down the bottom lift. If you skiied to the bottom, you were done for the day. I stuck it out to the bitter (oh so sweet) end.
This is what it looked like before the rabid horde of skiers descended:
Sorry no action shots, fighting the horde for fresh lines, camerawork would have cost me the best run of my life. No shots of the horde either. I was rabid with powder frenzy myself as we all waited for various ropes to be dropped throughout the day.
This doesn't look too shabby, if you are willing to hike for it:
So much for April.