The powder deprived masses descended on Jay Peak. Sixteen inches of fresh, pent up demand for powder, the biggest storm of the season (with plenty of advanced publicity), negative temperatures, frigid wind chills, and lift holds: what could possibly go wrong?

The snow was supportive and creamy with just a bit of wind loaded density. The Tram and Freezer were on wind hold, so the powder hounds were all consolidated in the Stateside area. As a result, the Stateside untracked went fast. Sooner than expected, I was cycling the Snail and Bonnie to ski Stateside.

More people than usual were making the Freezer hike from the Bonnie. But what is the point of that when you can just take Wedelmaster? Take it all the way to Beaver Pond if you insist on skiing the most overrated glade in the northeast. But I am dropping into the DP from Wedel for deep untracked after lunch.

Due to the cold, I went inside after every third or fourth run. The Tramside wind holds made for long lines at the Bonnie and the Jet. Normally, I generate enough heat to stay warm in line and on the lift. But the lines were excessive, as was the wind, and I was constantly getting chilled before the next run.

The bitter wind, muscle fatigue, and long Snail to Bonnie cycles all combined to end my day sooner than I would have preferred. It was a great day that had its frustrating moments. It wasn’t epic, but it felt like it should have been. If the weather pattern doesn’t improve, it could end up being the best day of the season.