Change In The Weather

     This has been an extraordinary ski season.   We have had a remarkably long cold spell starting in January.   My routine after each day of skiing is to record the day of skiing temperatures for the beginning and end of the day on the the slope.   January 15th the temperatures were about four degrees above freezing.  The following day the temperatures were below freezing and that trend continue until February 2nd for a brief warm up to 36 F.  From then on the temperature remained below freezing until today, February 19th, when  the temperature at the end of the day rose above freezing to 36 degrees F.  In that interval of 35 days I skied 25 days.   Our lowest temperatures were -7 F to  +1 F on January 22nd.  The good news is that it was fabulous weather for making snow.  Huge mounds of snow are now in reserve on the slope.
    Most hard core skiers have learned how to adapt to extreme temperatures and wind chill.  One could not enjoy skiing if that was not the case.   Each change in weather calls for appropriate layering of clothing.   Face protection if a must in subzero or single digit temperatures.   Toe warmers, hand warmers and other aids come into play as well.   Nothing like a down sweater layer for the low temperature days.  
    Our geezer group at Greek Peak  is a hardy bunch.   For the hard core group it is rare that they will stay home on a below zero or single digits day.    Even the octogenarians will be out there!  The coffee breaks will come earlier and the total day will be shorter but the joy of braving the elements is still there.   Early today some of us felt like the US Postal Service workers.  Neither sleet, nor snow or rain will keep us from our appointed runs on the slope.  

Ice Man Larry

Ice Man Gerry

    Every day on the slopes brings a unique set of weather conditions.   I guess for those of us who have a great passion for skiing the changes in the weather are just a part of the skiers life.