It’s the last day of the season, and it looks like Mother Nature decided to push off the rain for all of us trying to get some last minute turns in.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort will shut down all things snow after today, and transition over to the mountain biking and golfing paradise that I’ve heard so much about.
There are 19 trails open, three lifts spinning, and one open terrain park. Those trails include Skidder, Spruce, Upper Ballhooter, Gandy Dancer, Upper Whistlepunk, and Whiffletree.
The temperature this morning is around 45 degrees, and it could touch 50 degrees today. Thunderstorms that have been forecast for the last few days look like they’ll hold off until tomorrow.
From the daily snow report:
Closing day has arrived here in West Virginia! We had a lot of fun this season and we sure hope you did too. The weather today is certainly emphasizing the arrival of spring – it looks like we’ll get an hour or two of soft, delicious corduroy followed by some potentially heavy rain. Thunderstorms are possible which could impact operations. Watch for thin cover areas and bare patches out there. Upper Flume and Powderidge trails are open for Basin access only (return via shuttle). Last call for the lowest prices on 24/25 Winter Season Passes – Prices jump at midnight so act fast!”
Yesterday at Snowshoe was an absolute blast. The snow finally softened up enough, and things were moving fast! I was able to slash slush at a good speed, and the side hits were ripping, as always.There was absolutely no lines whatsoever, and that meant you could rip a run really quickly, then pop right on the chairlift and do it over again until the burn in your legs was so bad you had no choice but to take a break.
After my day on the slopes yesterday, I drove back to Raleigh. My dog, Ollie, and I, found a great hiking trail about 90 minutes from Snowshoe, across the state line into Virginia. The trail had a gorgeous view from the summit, and it was pretty isolated – there was only one other family hiking the entire time we were there. I won’t name the trail here, in order to protect its solitude, but if you’re interested, send me an email, and I’ll shoot you the address.
Ollie and I also hit Mountain View Brewing in Axton. It’s an unbelievably tranquil spot, and they had a live band playing Led Zeppelin covers as the sun set over the valley. I couldn’t recommend it more.
This time of the year is always so bittersweet. Yes, it’s sad that the season is coming to an end, but it’s also frustrating, because I often feel as if I’m riding my best. After a season full of laps, my spins finally feel dialed in, my landings are perfected, and my carves feel more effortless than ever. And we’re supposed to just abandon all of that when we’re feeling our most confident, store the skis and boards, and transition to bike season or golf season or trail running season or whatever it is we do to fill the giant void left in our hearts by an absence of snow.
Summertime
So what do y’all do during the off-season? I definitely hike and bike more. Every year, I set out to golf at least one day a week, but that goal has generally fallen flat so far. Maybe this is the year I get more consistent on the course.
My big change comes around the end of May, when it gets so hot here in Raleigh that I have to spend much of my outdoors time either in the woods covered by trees or by the pool with a good book and a beer. That is when I get back into rock climbing, in the nice, air conditioned gym.
Let me know what your summer hobbies are. And if you’re in the Triangle and looking for someone to golf with, drop me a line.
End Of Season Sentiments
In case you missed it, the rest of the SkiSoutheast staff wrote some words about the final days of the season. Editor and founder Mike Doble gave thanks to all of those who hung out with us this season. Joe Stevens handed out his annual Snowie Awards. And Brian Dix reported in from Appalachian Ski Mountain’s Meltdown Games.
I know I’ve written about three or four “end-of-the-season” reports already this year, so I’ll skip the sappy stuff. Thank you for a great season. I already can’t wait for the next one.
Video of the Day
The producton team at Teton Gravity Research has a special ability to showcase the best skiers and snowboarders while pulling at your heartstrings and getting you stoked to head to the mountains, all at the same time. This year’s feature film from filmmaker Mike Hatchett – Flying High Again – is no different.
“In a world where the snowboard corporatocracy cares more about the next Instagram swipe, Teton Gravity Research and snowboard film pioneer, Mike Hatchett, have defied all odds to bring the community a feature-length shred film,” the YouTube description says. “Flying High Again celebrates what matters most: a bomber crew, a rowdy soundtrack, and pure, unadulterated riding action.”
The Rest
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