Snow report

Fresh powder in short supply

WILLY ZIMMER Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2005 12:00 am | Loading…

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Fresh powder at Wyoming's ski areas is in short supply this week.

Mild weather this week has resulted in little or no new snow on local slopes. As a result, condition reports are beginning to sound like a broken record. Hogadon Ski Area, for example, has been reporting a 16-30 inch base for weeks.

"Machine groomed, packed powder - that's been the standard all year long," said Hogadon manager, Gary Vantrease. "Everybody's had a lot of nice things to say about the trails, but do not get off the trails. You can get in big trouble in a hurry."

Some ski areas are reporting a little fresh snow. White Pine Resort had an inch of new snow Wednesday on a 60-inch base of powder and packed powder.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort received an inch of snow Tuesday, and has packed powder conditions with a 69- to 79-inch base.

Snow King reports a trace of fresh powder, and a 42-inch base at mid-mountain with skier tracked, packed powder.

Pine Creek Ski Resort, near Cokeville, has a 45-inch base with a machine-groomed and powder surface.

The Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area reports a 50-inch base with packed powder conditions.

Black Hills skiers will find machine groomed and packed powder surfaces at the western South Dakota ski areas. Terry Peak reports a 24-inch base with a trace of fresh snow.

Deer Mountain, near Lead, has a 12- to 22-inch base.

Events

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hosts the annual Dick's Ditch Banked Slalom this weekend.

The Dick's Ditch event is open to both skiers and snowboarders. Competitors get one run Saturday to qualify for Sunday's finals.

Grand Targhee sponsors a Chicks Rule Snowboard Camp for women interested in learning to snowboard, or improve their skills. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-day options.

Saturday is the National Ski Area Association's Sustainable Slopes Outreach Day. This year's theme, "Keep Winter Cool," calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions at over 170 participating North American resorts.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is pitching in by contributing 50 cents from each lift ticket purchased Saturday to the Friend of Pathways in Jackson.

Grand Targhee will play host to a "Campaign Day."

Cross-country skiers can get a little gambling action to go with their snow. The Centennial Valley Recreation and Tourism Association sponsors the 16th annual Murf the Surf Cross-Country Ski Poker Run in the Snowy Range. Cash prizes are offered for the best poker hands. For information call (307) 742-7731 or (307) 721-5074.

Assistant features editor Willy Zimmer can be reached at (307) 266-0524 or William.Zimmer@casperstartribune.net.

Snow info

Big Horn Mountain Resorts: (307) 366-2600 or (888) 244-4676

www.thebighorn.com

Casper Mountain Trails Center: (307) 235-4772

Deer Mountain Ski Area: (605) 584-3230

www.skideermountain.com

Grand Targhee: (800) 827-4433

www.grandtarghee.com

Hogadon Ski Area: (307) 235-8499

www.casperwy.gov/Content/Leisure/hogadon/hogadon.asp

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: (888) 333-7766