My 2005-2006 Ski Season began just over eight months ago on a snowy October 23rd. During the Summer of 2005, I had predicted that October 23rd would bring the first significant snowfall to New England and that I would be skiing that day. What I could not have predicted was the amazing amount of ups and downs my season would take. From epic early season hike-to-ski powder dumps to an injury that put me on the Disabled List for almost three months and then right back into the powder in March and onto some phenomenal late season skiing on the Presidential Range, the season was a wild roller coaster that I hate to see come to a close. Most people will remember the 2005-2006 Season as terrible at best, but I end the season with many fond memories. And I picked a fabulous day to end the season.
Perhaps the worst botched forecast of the year occurred this past week when forecasters suggested that Saturday had a 40% chance of rain and 50% for Sunday. By Saturday, the forecasts had been changed to mostly sunny with highs in the low 80s for both days. But I am glad for the screw up, as I had committed to attending an outdoor party that got postponed due to potential rain. Sweet!
There will definitely still be snow next weekend for the July 4th Holiday Weekend. But it is not going to be worth it and will likely be a lot more unsafe than today was (really no concerns).
Compared to my last day at Tuckerman Ravine last year (on July 2nd, seven days ahead of today), there was generally less snow but it was more stable (funny how that works!). The run was shorter and a lot narrower and held fewer turns than the previous year. Also compared to last year, there was almost no snow in the bowl with exception of three small patches as seen in the pictures. The edges of the snow were safe but the path narrow. The last 20 feet or so of the patch was definitely no go terrain. My primary concern was the snow patch resting on a lip of the headwall just above the patch as seen in the pictures. There will definitely still be snow next weekend for the July 4th Holiday Weekend. But it is not going to be worth skiing and will likely be a lot more unsafe than today.
I took three runs before running out of gas and calling it quits. I squeezed off any where between 8-14 turns during my three runs, starting conservative but trying to squeeze as many turns into my final run, much to the appreciation of my cheering section. On that final run of the Season, I received a lot of cheers, clapping, hoots, and hollers. Aw shucks, I am usually a ham but was too focused on the skiing to completely enjoy the moment! Good times.
A lot of Quebecois were in the ravine today! I chatted with one guy who spoke broken English, it was fun trying to communicate with him. I pointed to myself and said “Crazy American” to which he pointed to himself and said “Crazy Canadian.” It was a riot. Both the “Crazy Canadian” and another guy insisted on getting my picture. Just goes to show that the ravine is always a spectacle, even when only a lone skier is making turns!
I am content to wrap up the season now at 32 days. The total is close to last season, which is amazing considering I spent 84 days on the Disabled List this season. Almost half my days were earned turns and nine of those days were legit powder days. While the season could have been a whole lot better, I will remember it fondly.