Here in Ely we didn't get that "big dump" like the Sierra did which instantly started their season. Instead we got a series of small storms. Each adding inches. Until, finally, there was enough to ski.
Below 9000' there's only a few inches on the ground, so the approaches can be unpleasant, the exits downright dangerous. Higher it's still low tide, but the snow is good and the scenery is your typical winter beauty.
Last week the temperatures were cold. Perfect for hoar development along the creek. Winter beauty for sure!
For the first tour of the season I headed into the Schell Creek Range and opted for mellow, open slopes.
It was cold. Snow was good. Morale high.
Coverage was decent. Better high up. Down here I hit bushes, branches, and one rock.
Darn happy to be on skis, in the mountains!
I took a day off, then went back to the same drainage. Last year I "discovered" the Aspens there. A magical zone with fun skiing. Figured it was time for another visit.
The skiing was phenomenal in here. Lighter and deeper than my first tour.
Looking up canyon. More terrific ski terrain!
This one's taken from my high point at 10600'. A touch wind affected here and there, but easy to read.
Glorious! Bumped wood pretty often, so had to keep the speed down, but that hardly dampened the joy.
