rummy

Just got a text from a friend...."super conditions" Web site says about 8" overnight, packed powder surface.

2nd hand TR. A friend said Tues was the worst opening day he saw in the last 30 years with rain most of the day. Another friend skied Wed. He checked out the mtn opening day around 3:00 and it was pouring. He thought they'd have terrible conditions but, conditions surprised him and were very good. "Elk worked it's magic again." Terrain was limited but the snow was very good and the slopes were almost empty, mainly SP holders.

FYI posted on the web site. Open Tues with 4 trails Beginners, West, Tioga, and Susquehanna. 8:00-4:30. Tickets $30.

I heard from a friend and employee on Monday...she said, "they blow snow..then it melts..they blow snow..then it melts..." Elk's website said yesterday...their tentative opening day will be next Tuesday the 18th.

Hey Moe, looks like you have some sweet smelling birch in that pile too. I must say that's a very creative way to stack firewood. BTW The first thing we do when we get to our cabin at Elk is start a fire. So nice.

Yep that's the one the "ski tube". I've had mine for at least 12 years. At least 12 trips out west and never had a problem with the pin. The skis and tubes fit so tightly together that you have to really tug to get the sections apart. It takes two people tugging to seperate them easily. I don't think the TSA wants to bother that much, and just takes the x-ray's word that there's skis in there. The pin has a hoop that goes around the end ( shaped kinda like a "D" ) and the tube is adjustable in about 1.5" increments.

I use the "ski tote" ( I think it's called ). The rigid plastic kind. They can be found at LL Bean. They make doubles, and are adjustable to different lengths. They protect the skis real well, only drawback, you can only pack skis and poles no room for clothing etc.

Ahh, to get people to the top of the mtn? It's like Blues 6 pack only slower? (when both are running) Anybody else have any ideas?

OK, yep, they are having the employee party, I'm not sure if they were having it this Sat or Sun----too many beers... but I was invited and will not be attending.

They've never had a SP party. Their were some big parties going on at the Picnic Hut and in the parking lots this Sat. but, none sponsored by the Mtn.

Official word is they are going to stay open until this Thurs., their 100th day. Restaurant will be closed, and I believe the bar too. Conditions ranged from mashed potatos to potato soup, with a MAJOR MELTDOWN Sat and Sun. They'll have to push around a huge amount of snow to keep open, but they'll manage.

First weekend in about 20 years that we are not going to Elk. After todays rain and predicted upcoming weather, we're waiting for better conditions.

Gaper of the day at ELK ;0

Interesting..this battle has gone on for years. The regulars can't believe the mtn would deny that access for the Village. I know several people who have boycotted the mtn for this reason, and many others don't spend a dime on anything but the skiing..only because they love the sport.

Hey KC---Glad Sno is up and running, good to see the promos and cheap lift ticket bargains. But what is this? "Elk has an issue that can shut them down permanently...one that made the paper" Got a link?? Ya got me nervous...

Can't beat Chet's for a good time..It should be rocking that weekend, prime time ski season. If you get there early enough on Fri night, have the Steak Special--good steak cheap.

Saturday: We started at 10:00, no crowds skied right up and onto lift all day. Susquehanna and Tioga from the top, East, West and Beginners too. Conditions Sat were truly variable. Heavy granular was the main surface condition. Susq was the better trail with some packed powder. East had some spots of churned up stones and ground. LES most of the morning and the sun peaked through by around 1:00. Temps fell steadily throughout the day 29-26-22-20 by dusk. Snow guns all day on upper and lower Tunk, Lackawanna Spur, Tioga Spur, Hiawatha, and the Little Foot TP.. Beer was cold, no crowds, we were able to get our regular seats... However, beer prices went up $.25, it's now $3.00 a glass. I'll give it a 4.5 outa 10 Sunday: We again started around 10:00, temp was 12 at dawn and warmed up to about 16 when we got to mtn. Sun was shining and no wind. A few more people were there, but still not crowded and no lines. The BIG difference was in the snow conditions. The main condition on the entire mtn was PP. What a difference from Sat. No more churned up rock and ground on East just PP. The guns were roaring all night and still blowing throughout the day on Sun. They'll have a few more trails open shortly. On the last run of the day, I stopped at the Picnic Hut to check out the new remodeling. The floor is natural stained oak with fresh paint on all the walls and ceilings, even the fire pit chimney has a new coat of paint. Looks much better. Beer was cold, our seats were available.... I'll give it a 7.5 outa 10.

Sorry, didn't make opening day this year. Heading up tonight and will ski Sat/ Sun. I'll give a report when back. Rummy

on page 3 of this Elk forum is some good info. keep looking and you'll find more. this was covered before. Welcome to the loony bin...

there's only two missing from my "bucket list" #10 and #15, and we are planning on scratching them off the list this year 29th annual stag trip coming up. BTW our top three are Whistler, Sun Valley, and Arapahoe Basin (not even listed)

I was told it's well over 1000.

x2 And the snowmaking and grooming are better, with generous amounts of lake effect snow falling. (Wow, I didn't think Blues' season passes were that costly). Yes, I'm biased.

The letter told about doing major upgrades in the picnic lodge, "half-way house" as the locals call it. They also said they bought three more high performance Aero fan guns, and put 23 "airless" snow gun stations on the mtn. Of course! they planted more pine trees again.

I usually ski between 30-35 days a year. That works out to $20-$25. a day. We have a lot of great times for 25 bucks. And that's what skiing is all about! Besides, we have a tradition of looking at it this way; The first run of the season costs us (the season pass price) $735.....and all the rest are FREE.

I got the letter this weekend, price went up $20. to $735.00 adult pass, must purchase before Oct 10, 2011.