Up at Kirkwood, stayed at one of the lodges there, arriving Sunday, returning Thursday. Snowed about 9 inches Saturday, which was good for coverage. Am sure Sunday was fun that morning, but man, arrived around 3 and it was still mobbed, people parking out on 88. Worked out perfectly as I had the kids in ski lessons Mon-Wed so could rent their equipment the day before, reducing the Monday morning scrambling.
Monday through Wednesday was quintessential spring conditions, 40-50 degrees without a cloud in the sky. Little crusty on the very top but workable slush through the chutes in the middle of the mountain, moguls on Janek and others were super fun, but it did get very soupy at the bottom. Rode pretty much all my favorite runs there multiple times, absolutely no lines, chill vibes, just like Kirkwood should be. Vailification was observed but nowhere near as horrible as Mammothification. Funny how they ignore the existence of 7800 Bar and Grill, which is best place there by far. $3 Modelos go a long way.
Anyways, kids thrived, progressing really fast in spite of missing last season. Was my son's first time and both him and my daughter were skiing blues pretty handily, including the little Trench of Terror/Drain of Doom gullies through the trees. Stocked they enjoyed those so much because I love them too! Will be even more fun as they get better next year; definitely not sleeping on those Epic passes this time.
And best of all, my mom joined us and at 81 years old and multiple knee/hip replacements, she is still skiing. She takes it a bit easier but it was awesome taking runs with her and my daughter together; 3 generations holding it down at Kirkwood.
