The non-stop winds that have plagued the sierras this season continue.  The east wind has terrorized the mountains these last several days.  It isn't blowing hard enough to close ski lifts, but it is relentless.  The wind has been slowly stripping the already thin snow pack.  Conditions remain firm.  The temperatures have remained cold and the wind has amplified the cold.

In spite of the wind, cold temps and firm snow, one still can not help, but to smile back at the shining sun and perfectly blue sky days we have been fortunate enough to enjoy this week.  Additionally, the snow is not nearly as bad as most make it out to be.  Not one person can deny how perfect the groomers are skiing as a result of the consistently cold temperatures.  Surprisingly, off-piste conditions are very skiable.  If we were in New England it would be considered great.  I do not exaggerate.  While the snow is firm, there really isn't any ice and the surface is mostly consistent and unquestionable edgeable.  Often you can find spots of chalky snow with a sugary topcoat that skis quite nice.  Also, while that east wind is mostly busy stealing snow, there are still some places where it is blowing it back in.  Look for northern and western aspects where there are natural walls that allow the snow to blow in, but keep the snow from blowing away.  The most unpredictable surprise is how smooth the inbounds off-piste terrain is.  Undoubtedly, there are many areas where there are small bumps, but considering the lack of snow it is unusual that the mountain wouldn't be completely bumped out this time of year.  More than likely, this is a result of the affect of the wind's constant stripping and re-depositing of the snow. 

The outlook is for more blue sky days and warming temperatures.  By early next week we could see some spring conditions developing on southern aspects during the middle of the day.  We expect the weather to change come February.  Winter will start for real.  Until then, keep your edges sharp and you will appreciate the current conditions.