First Trip For Me...Finally.

So I finally hit the mountain for the first time this season.  I went up after school today to pick up the badges for everyone and there was no way I wasn't bringing my board.  I got my first run in around 4:00 or so and the sun was just about going down and the lights were coming on.  Temps weren't bad; it was 32 at the base when I got there and 28 when I left a couple of hours later.  The mountain just received 9 inches of fresh snow over the weekend which puts them at depths of over 3 feet!  For the beginners, Indian Summer was in very good shape while Sundowner needed a little more snow.  For intermediates, Ralph's Run was excellent as was Challenger.  For those that are more advanced, Smith Walton will give you a great view and 10th Mountain had the best snow on the mountain.  For those that are hitting the Snow Park and want to know how the jumps and rails were, I have no report.  I can tell you this: there were a handful of rails, a few boxes, and plenty of jumps to keep you happy.  The jumps were built up pretty well but unfortunately they haven't started the half-pipe yet.  Give it some time and they'll have that built up as well.  If you plan on hitting the snow park, you have to pay a separate $5 fee at the main desk and watch a short video at the park (very short).  Anyway, that's enough for the Cray trail report.  3 quick things:

1. Eat well.  Make sure you bring a snack for the ride up (and maybe back).  Something that will give you some good energy for the mountain since some of you will have eaten lunch 3 hours earlier.  Bottled water isn't a bad idea either to keep yourself hydrated before and after.  We're not back to school until 9:30-10:00 so everyone should plan on eating dinner by bringing something to eat or money for the food they sell at the lodge.

2. Ski with a buddy and wear a helmet.  No one should be on the trails alone.  Stay with a buddy or a group.  Find out who is at your skill level and have fun!  Wear your helmet.  If a chaperon or myself find you on the mountain without a helmet, you will sit in the lodge.  You don't want to be in the lodge and neither do I so protect that noggin.

3. Last thing for today: the bus driver.  While a tip isn't mandatory, I think a little extra thank you goes a long way.  On the way back, if everyone throws in a buck, the driver should get 20-25 dollars at the end of the night.

That's it for now, remember to throw out three of your favorite movies on the posting before this one.  LESS THAN 3 DAYS!