With heavy snow and strong winds in Saturday's forecast, Pete, Val, and I choose to sleep in and arrive at Mammoth later than usual. Pete found our late start especially appealing since he just returned from a week-long business trip in Toronto, Canada!

Valerie wisely suits up inside the Pilot

As the weather worsens, we take a break at Canyon Lodge hoping to wait out the whiteout. Unfortunately, even more lifts close before we resume riding...leaving only one or two lifts available per lodge. When Chair 8 closes, only Roller Coaster gets us high enough to traverse back to Little Eagle

We return to our transport after one of the worst days I've ever seen at Mammoth. Winds gusting to 100mph and wet snow are not ingredients for a good time...thankfully we only had to endure a few hours of it

DAY 2 - With sunny skies and 10 inches of fresh, I head straight to the top. Today's conditions justify enduring miserable days like yesterday.

One friend on powder day? I unexpectedly convince Pete to follow me to the Cornice Bowl

Pete closes his eyes before making his first ever run down the Cornice

The heavy and not-too-deep powder makes the run easier than usual...

...for some of us

Pete gets back up and completes his run

Valerie joins us on top and we head around the back to Chair 14

The high winds yesterday left some areas fluffy, other runs stripped of any soft stuff...and the warm temperatures are making the lower runs slushy

Valerie starts down Arriba

She is finally learning how to ride in powder...

...and is starting to enjoy it

Pete is enjoying the surface conditions too

He has progressed nicely this season

For the first time this season we eat at Robertos

Since it is usually crowded, Valerie set reservations for 5pm

Pete reviews a picture he took of me

DAY 3 - As part of our daily routine, Pete and I walk from the hotel...

...to a neighboring coffee shop to buy "happy juice"