Any other mountain would gladly have the conditions that Jay experienced today. But, for this season, at this mountain, the conditions were merely adequate.

My fifth day of the season was my first non-powder day. Back to reality. But it is an exceedingly excellent reality for December. I’ve skied Jay many times in December when it was hardpack-groomers-only.

An inch or two dusted over packed powder with occasional scratch. Everything is still skiable, but traffic since Thursday has taken a toll. I still managed a few turns of boot deep untracked, but not much was left.

The tram opened today, including (surprisingly) the Ullr’s drainage. Though, The Goat was closed for snowmaking. Most people went hunting for powder via the Tram. But I couldn’t stomach a three car wait, so I stayed Stateside.

Once snowmaking is done on Goat, they will move to Ullr’s. And, assuming there is no thaw, Jay could be 100% open by the new year. Snowmaking is the only thing holding up the ropes…