From the Hill - Dynamite conditions at Bear Paw Ski Bowl

From Byron Ophnus

Saturday morning, a few scattered flakes of snow fell in Havre. They ceased just as abruptly as they had begun. Looking south a heavy blanket of clouds shrouded the mountains, promising new snow at the hill. The promise was fulfilled.

Arriving at the hill, there was 2 or 3 inches of new snow covering the bullet proof base of 18 to 32 inches. Snow was falling and continued through early afternoon enhancing conditions that were excellent to begin with. Later in the afternoon the sun shone, ushering an end to a beautiful day of skiing and shredding.

Overnight, another couple of inches of snow graced the slopes of Bear Paw. Sunday, ski conditions were absolutely dynamite. The new snow covered the hard-packed surfaces luring downhillers to the ungroomed slopes. Skiing and shredding the groomed slopes was like floating on a cloud. The temperature hovered near the freezing mark. The sun tried to poke through the clouds and the snow tried to fall but neither was very successful. The wind was relatively calm until riding above the tree line on the solar coaster to the mile-high summit. There the breeze freshened sending snow devils dancing across the upper face.

Many people wonder how ski patrollers can perform their duties day after day with tremendous reliability and endurance. The secret: chocolate chip cookies. Not just ordinary chocolate chip cookies but perhaps the world’s best chocolate chip cookies. Judy, the spouse of a patroller, has generously provided the delectable treats almost every weekend. The cookies provide incentive for patrollers to show up for their appointed duties and provide sustenance while performing those duties. They will absolutely help the patrol recruit new members. Note: this is a shameless effort to boost Judy’s ego in hopes that she’ll continue providing the sweet treats. Chocolate chip cookie withdrawal symptoms are a concern for season’s end.

Cold weather and snow are in the forecast for this week. Both are expected to abate by the weekend, which should make for exceptional skiing and shredding conditions. So, raccoon the eyes, rack the boards, rack up some runs, rack up some fun and ski knee deep cheap at the steep and deep Bear Paw Ski Bowl.