Loose or frozen granular snow which has become wet and soft from a thaw or from rainfall. Provides a delightful skiing surface.

Loose powder snow compacted by skier traffic or mechanical apparatus to a state which leaves little air space between particles. Also may be produced by dry machine-made snow.

Very fine crystal of snow produced when atomized water, which is sprayed into the air by a snowmaking ‘gun’, freezes and falls to the ground as snow. Depending on temperature, humidity, type of snowmaking system and type of snow desired, machine snow can be either dry or wet.

Wet heavy snow. Much like the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Loose granules formed after powder snow thaws, refreezes and crystallizes; or, an accumulation of sleet. Also may be produced by machine grooming of frozen granular or icy surfaces.

Granular surface: Snow that has been groomed and is not fresh powder. The surface looks like millions of little, snow pellets.

A hard surface of old snow formed by granules freezing together after warm temperatures or by the granules freezing together after a rain. A surface that is less hard than ice and which will support a ski pole stuck into it.

• Of course we can never really be sure. However we are usually open December through March. When temperatures drop below freezing for a few nights in a row in November, we usually start making snow.
• If temperatures drop to the teens we can make enough snow in just a few days to open the entire Resort.
• The minute we start making snow and have an idea of opening day we will announce it on the daily conditions report on our website and phone systems.

• Double-check the area, just in case.
• Report it to the main office of the Resort and the police as soon as possible – you’ll need to do this for your insurance.  Often they will show-up being mistakenly taken. The office staff will help you call the police and fill out a missing equipment report.
• Lastly, theft happens when you least expect it. Even leaving your skis or board inside the door of a ski shop or outside the ticket office can be a mistake – BE AWARE. Equipment is expensive. Think of leaving your equipment out as the same a leaving your wallet out. Way too tempting to some people.

• Shorter skis are lighter, more maneuverable and less tiring to use.
• Improved edge grip: the deeper side cut (hour glass shape) and improved flex of the shaped ski gives you much more use of the effective length than with traditional straight skis;
• Modern Materials and constructions have created skis that are easy to flex and to ski on, but are strong enough to deliver performance and handle the stresses and strains of skiing.
• Increased understanding of vibrations has resulted in passive and active systems being added to many top brand skis; which has made them smoother.
• New generation shaped-skis, especially Freeride models have increased surface area and provide more stability and floatation in varied snow conditions.
• New skis have an accentuated cut which allows easier turning; simply rolling the knee to the inside is enough to put the ski on its edge.

Yes, you should know it by heart.

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way; it is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail; or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Know the Code: It’s Your Responsibility. This is a partial list. Be safety conscious. Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association, National Ski Patrol & Professional Ski Instructors of America.

• Contrary to popular belief, rain does not ruin the skiing. In Fact, some of the most enjoyable snow surfaces occur while it is raining or just after.
• A wide choice of wet weather gear including pants and jackets with hoods are readily available. In a pinch, use a large plastic trash bag. Cut a hole in the bottom and slip over your head. The next time it rains, dress appropriately then see for yourself how great the skiing conditions can be.
• As long as you are prepared with a waterproof outer layer, skiing in the rain can be enjoyable.
• Goggles or glasses are recommended as rain drops irritate the eyes at high speeds.

NOTE: if lightening is present we have to close the ski area due to the threat of lightening strikes.

The symbols comprise the standard international trail marking system. Remember, these symbols are not absolute. They describe only the relative degree of challenge of a particular trail COMPARED WITH ALL OTHER TRAILS AT THAT ONE SKI AREA. Gradients (steepness) and difficulty vary within each trail. Therefore, it is always a good idea to start off on the “Easier” trails and when visiting a new ski area; then, if you wish, progress to the “More Difficult” and “Most Difficult” as you get a feel for the area’s general degree of difficulty. Snow conditions, visibility and the number of skiers can make a trail more difficult to ski than its rating may indicate.

Green Circle. Easier trails and slopes.

Blue Square. Intermediate trails and slopes which are between easier and most difficult.

Black Diamond. Most Difficult trails and slopes.

• The cooling power of the wind and temperature on exposed as an equivalent of temperature in still air.
• The Myth about “Wind Chill” If you plan to ski naked, then you should pay attention to the ‘wind chill factor’ that weather forecasters alarmingly refer to whenever it is cold and windy. (Not recommended or allowed).
• However, if you plan to ski with clothes on, the wind chill factor is only partially relevant. Wind chill is the combined effect of wind and temperature on exposed flesh expressed as an equivalent of temperature in still air.
• Wind CAN wick warmth from loose-knit clothing and wind or the movement of air from skiing will also affect your exposed face. To negate the effect of wind, wear outer garments with a wind-proof fabric and wear a facemask, or protect your face with a scarf, neck gaitor and goggles.