2/12/10 Conditions

T360 · Post by **T360** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:21 am

Last run, end of day update: Ski conditions today were actually
better than anticipated and better than yesterday.

First of all, with cold over-night temps, the surfaces got somewhat
dried out, and then, with much less thermal energy due to the overcast,
the surfaces did not warm up to the same extent as yesterday, so there
was a more uniform consistency and grip quality. This difference was
apparent on virtually the whole Mountain.

There were periods of freezing snow crystals that definitely affected
safety. At some points, I had to pull up trail-side, and use emergency
goggle clearing techniques almost every 500 meters or so. While the
stops were not ideal, having clear vision on an overcast, grey light day
was critical to maximum safety and enjoyment, so the stops were
willingly made. As there was no snowmaking, the goggle covering
was all Mother Nature, so cope with it and move on.

Regardless of the vision, the edge control for Skiers and Boarders alike
was of the very highest levels possible. Carving on Beauvalon, for example,
was just about perfect, top to bottom.

Surprisingly good conditions, and exceptional surface preparations
meant that today was a very high quality Alpine experience.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In some dimensions, "Spring Like"...

93 Open Trails with forecasted moderate North-West winds
under light overcast skies, morning temps of -12C
daytime highs around-5C and the possibility of Snow!

There has been enough thermal energy in the sun and air
in the last couple of days to create "Spring Like" conditions
on the Mountain.

To a certain extent, the surfaces are softening up during as the day
progresses, then, with cold over-night temps well below freezing,
things get "Firm" and dare we say it, there is the odd ice patch that
forms where that has happened.

We still have excellent surfaces and the Tremblant Mountain Crews are
doing a fantastic job of staying on top of things.

From a practical standpoint, all it means is that you should use caution
as you explore the Mountain first thing, so that you can familiarize
yourself with the surface characteristics, before you go ripping around
with significant speed.

Holding a beautiful carved edge in higher speed mode can lead to braking
and steering problems if you encounter an icy patch coming over a crest,
or around the next bend, where someone might just be stopped in your path.

Please use common sense and remember the "Mountain Code"...
you MUST be able to stop and/or safely avoid ANYONE below you,
or that you are overtaking. People can and do make sudden unexpected
directional changes, so if you are passing, allow extra room for safe margin.

Here is an example of what we are talking about. In this Pic of
Grand Prix, you can clearly see the frost line in the trees.
Above the line ambient temps are below freezing and snow stays
on the trees. Below the line and the ambient temps are
going high enough to melt the snow out of the trees, so
conditions change as you descend through these zones.

: www.tremblant360.com Photo. All rights reserved.; 2.11.10 Grand Prix Frostline.1.jpg (227.47 KiB) Viewed 3515 times

Here is todays Official Grooming and Trail status report,
courtesy of http://www.tremblant.ca

: See Legend Below for Tick Column Symbols; Picture 4.png (193.86 KiB) Viewed 3507 times

Still Excellent conditions, with a hint of "Spring" seasoning!

Use common sense in variable surface situations,
caution with speed is essential to safety.

Links:

http://www.tremblant.ca

http://www.tremblant.ca/mountain/winter ... port-e.htm

http://www.tremblant.ca/mountain/trailmap-e.htm

http://www.tremblant.ca/galleries/webcams/index-e.htm

http://translate.google.com/translate_t ... =fr&tl=en#

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/CAQC0360

.