After skiing every month for the last 98 months in a row, I faced an all-new challenge for month 99. Powder Panic.
‘Powder Panic’: a collective flocking of snow-deprived skiers to the local hills in a volume so great that it completely overwhelms and incapacitates said ski hill; the most frustration you can experience on a mountain.That’s what happened this January in Seattle.
After a big dump in October, November was the driest in 43-years, followed by a reasonably fruitful early–December. And yet, December still experienced some pre-Power Panic Skill to Send Ratio challenges. When a huge rain event pooped all over our December goods, we nearly gave up hope. Then, finally, it got cold. GAME ON.
Well, game on for everyone but me.
I skied only one day in January: a mid-week sleeper pow day at Alpental. I worked a lot of weekends lately too – a necessity due to competing deadlines and wanting to bank vacation days because I am a vacation taker – so getting out on a weekday tasted all the more sweet.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – Alpental
Alpy doesn’t open on Mondays, so this Tuesday brought the goods! We weren’t sure if the pass was going to be open. But open it did and we were rewarded with hip-deep pow. I don’t even have pictures from our first runs, it was that deep and that good.
We farmed laps for nearly five hours, skiing more than 15 miles and maxing out at 27.7mph. I don’t know why I always like to look at max speed, but it’s a number I enjoy. Seeing it so low made me realize how DEEP it was. Seriously. I did not understand the phrase “get pitted” before today. But skiing in 22″ of light, fluffy, relatively stable pow will teach you a thing or two.
We overheard a few seasoned patrollers debating whether or not this was the best day they’ve ever had. I don’t care if it wins out, but it was definitely a Top 5 All Time day for me! Makes it worth only skiing one day in the month!
