From the Hill - Still snow at Bear Paw Ski Bowl

Driving just south of Havre the hillsides and fields were almost totally devoid of snow. Only the barrow pits and leeward sides of hills and coulees still held the wintry white stuff. From the upper lake, the snow cover built as did the anticipation of eager skiers and shredders on their journey to the fabled slopes of Bear Paw.

Upon reaching their destination, downhill enthusiasts were greeted by abundant quantities of snow. Snow that was boosted by a recent dump of nearly 5 inches. The actual depth of new snow was difficult to measure as it was carried to the hill by a brisk wind. Drifts in the north bowls reached heights of 3 or 4 feet while only a thin layer of snow covered the base on the exposed face. A base hardened by the force of the very wind that brought the snow. On the lower half of the hill the new snow was groomed to a silky texture that made skiing and boarding almost effortless.

The crowd was slightly smaller Super Bowl Sunday. Some people likely stayed home to prepare for the big game. Too bad for them as ski conditions were anywhere from dynamite to atomic. The hill was closed just a few minutes before its normal time of 4 p.m., leaving plenty of time to get home before the opening kick.

The major task performed by the ski patrol was cordoning off the groomer that ran out of fuel partway up one of the major runs. Later, when the groomer had been refueled and resumed its work, patrollers had to remove the barriers that had been protecting the area. Not a pleasant task, but infinitely preferable to treating an injured skier or boarder.

The ancient woodstove was ignored like a 5-day-old doughnut as patrons lounged on the sun-soaked deck of the Yellowsnow Club Lodge. Only for the excellent snow conditions did folks leave their warm and comfortable perches.

From an ideal vantage point over 1 mile above sea level and with crystal clear blue skies, the diligent and observant top lift operator confirmed that no unknown anomalies were present in the airspace above Havre Saturday.

Don't be fooled by the lack of snow in town. There is a lot of snow at Bear Paw. Nothing in the forecast indicates that the snow will be disappearing anytime soon. So, raccoon the eyes, rack up the boards, rack up some runs, rack up some fun and ski knee deep cheap at the steep and deep.