• mish
• On December 14, 2011
• http://skieveryday.net

Today Vail mountain had all possible conditions, powder, fog, blue sky, perfect groomers, cruddy moguls and ice.  Chair 10 Highline Express lift is now open access from either Sourdough Express or base of Northwoods Express. I predict access from chair 6 Riva Bahn express midway to open any day as the catwalk now has enough snow (snow making).  Chair 14 Sourdough Express lift open as well as Two Elk Lodge.

Conversation Chair 7 with two Austrian men on their 10th day skiing Vail:
For over 15 years these two men (approx age 65) go on their ski vacation.  Visited ski areas they mentioned were Whistler, Breckenridge, Sun Valley, Squaw Valley, Telluride, Lech, St. Anton, Jackson Hole, Snowbird, Keystone…etc.  We also spoke about the many ski resorts in the homeland Austria.  Their conclusion was “Nothing beats Colorado” and within Colorado “Nothing beats Vail.”  What a compliment from two guys that have skied just about anywhere!

Speaking with the two men from Austria reminded me of my father who is also originally from Austria.  He passed away 12 years ago on Dec 14 and is missed everyday.  It is nice knowing that I live in a place like the Vail Valley and I thank my mom and dad for this.

Ski school class picture above is of kids ages 4 on their first day of class this year.  Under the 9am cold, windy and snowy conditions I didn’t expect much from these kids.  At 3pm I discovered all the kids had a great day which involved an on-mountain treasure hunt, pizza, hot  chocolate, ski drills and follow-the-leader.  There was no time for a movie at the end of the day which is an indication how the day went for these young skiers!