- Sunshine (don't forget the high-SPF suncreen).
- Long days, inspiring some resorts to run the lifts longer in the afternoon.
- Late-season snowstorms. April powder is a bonus.
- No more cold toes. No more cold fingers.
- Firm, fast morning corduroy from the night's grooming (Crested Butte photo, right).
- Moguls softened in the afternoon sun.
- Lifties wearing fun hats and smiles.
- Skiers wearing fun hats and smiles.
- Lunch outside on a deck.
- Apres-ski out on a deck.
- Special end-of-season events (last Saturday's pond skimming at Crested Butte; yesterday's Falmingo Dance in downtown Telluride).
What I Don't Love:
- The reality that another ski season is drawing to a close.
Skiers note that many resorts are already selling 2007-08 season passes, usually at the best prices of the year.
Posts
What in tarnation are lifties?
ReplyDeleteLifties are lift opertors, who staff the loading and unloading areas of ski lifts. On older lifts, they usually hold the chair for easier boarding (not necessary on newer lifts that slow down at the top and bottom). Many of them manage a cheery "Have a good one!" every 7 seconds or so. They are charged with helping small children onto the lift, retrieve dropped ski poles and send them up with the next riders, keep the snow on the loading and unloading areas smoothed, and gather people and gear when someone falls down. Pretty full plate for kids (and it's usually kids) making minimum wage for working in all sorts of weather. But they do get to ski or snowboard gratis when they're not working. Too much information?
ReplyDelete