Ely Ski Hill

 The last in the series of storms rolled through last night leaving several more inches of light fluffy snow. I decided to have a go at the old Ely Ski Hill. I don't have any info on the old rope tows that operated here. Wish I did.

I set out at the Ward Mountain Campground and cruised over to the ski area on groomed trails. Great wintery scene near the start.

The weather forecast was mostly sunny. The sun didn't get the memo. When it did appear, the sparkling snow and the random snowflakes beamed brightly.

The trees on the ridge above the ski slopes were all nicely rimed.

Views near the top. Dang cold with temps in the mid to low teens and a steady north breeze.

More rime

The snow was very slightly wind affected up high, but fantastic down here. So much fun I took three runs.

The sun finally peeped out steadily on my way back to the trailhead.

 The approach was a bit long, but went by fast on those groomed trails. The Voile skis with a waxless pattern were just the ticket. Real nice day.

Ski Ely!

 We had quite a storm cycle. Nearly 48 hours without sun! An inch or two accumulated in town, 4"-6" at the trailheads, and over a foot in the high terrain.

 Went for an "active recovery day" Tuesday with a xc ski on the Ward Mountain trails.

The snow was coming down pretty hard. Pretty windy too. Nice to duck into the shelter, have a snack, and prep for the descent. Cool to be out in some weather!

Yesterday more storminess was in the forecast, so I elected to check out Powder House Canyon. I quickly realized it wasn't named for the powder snow, but for blasting powder. Housed here.

Made it up to pt 8035. Nice Pinyon and Juniper on top.

The weather came and went. Had a fun little run down tight glades. It was dumping by the time I reached the car.

Still more snow in the forecast for today, so I went back to Powder House. Went further up the canyon and ascended this old mining road. Steep enough for a fun squiggles on the descent!

Climbed through nice glades and got some fine views of the old ski area.

Topped out and hoped to traverse into some wide open slopes in the next drainage. The Mahogany had other ideas.

Bailed here. Had enough of the jungle skinning.

The glades below skied really well though. Took two here.

Had planned on skiing the big open slopes left and right of the this knob, but it just wasn't meant to be.

A beautiful day in the hills. Maybe could have aimed a little higher with my tour selection today, but I'm not complaining!
 

More Skiing in Ely

 I spent the last three days skiing in the environs of Ely. Good times!

 Friday I took a short drive to check on conditions at the old ski area/rope tow zone. Nice XC ski, but we still need at least a foot more for any turns on the old runs.

I skied up the access road and down the mountain bike trail - which they groom with a snowmobile. Quite fun.

Saturday I headed into the Schell Creek Range as the storm cleared. New zone for me. It did not disappoint!

The weather was changeable. One minute sunny and warm, the next a squall would come in with wind and snow showers. Must've put the jacket on/off a dozen times!

Still thin, but the skiing was great.

Yesterday I went back for more. I had a skin track in and had figured out the lay of the land so why not?

Big limestone outcrops across canyon.

Mahogany couple.

Another storm rolled in providing a moody late morning scene.

I was able to get nearly 1000' higher than yesterday and enjoyed another outstanding run.

Feeling blessed!
 

Bush Skiing

 Chose this zone for yesterday's ski. Some steeper, but not steep terrain. Nice looking summit. Could drive right to the base.

 Coverage looked good from a distance. Not so much up close! Did two runs. First the headwall in the shadows, then the jeep road right.

Vehicle tracks. You mean I could have driven here and saved a good 45 minutes? Or gotten stuck and spent the morning digging out.

Dry but pretty.

Up canyon.

Summit pic. Took a leisurely brunch.

 Visited an old miner's cabin.

 I can just visualize a handful of crusty miners drinking whisky in here.

The jeep road provided fun skiing. Low angle, but no rocks or bushes.

Storm incoming. We need it!

Skiing in Ely, 2024 Ski Season Begins

 After a tumultuous December and early January for me personally, I am back in Ely, semi-settled, and skiing! It's thin. The snowpack is sketchy, but I'm turning so life is good.

Darn Blogspot uploaded pics in reverse chronological order. Oh well.

 Found decent coverage and good snow in these glades on day 3 in this zone.

Stupendous views.

Came across these tracks on the approach. Smelly! A few minutes later I spied I good herd of Elk scattering on the ridgeline up left.

Nice vibe on the approach.

Was better than it looks. Beginning of the approach.

Last slope on day 2. Bush slalom. Skied pretty well.

Highlight of the day was this long, low angle run. Ego snow.

These glades held the best snow, but were pretty tight.

Top of the glades with the big open slope beyond.

Swell views.

Skin track at the beginning of day 2. Skied these slopes day 1.

Day 1 felt good. Nice to find reasonable coverage. Nice to be out in hills.

Saw these pretty Mahogany glades. Came back day 2 to give them a whirl.

Dang it's good to be touring again!