Skiing? What!? But, it's April 20!

April 20....not Jan 20....not Feb 20, but April 20. Last weekend, I was basking in 80+ degree weather after a great bike ride. This weekend, I was skiing in some fresh pow just 1/2 hour away from Issaquah. Ah, it must be spring in the Pacific Northwest. Usually, by this time of the year, skiing is but a distant memory for me, but, not this year. So, Julie and I decided to take advantage of this freaky weather and headed up to our local hill for some turns. It was one of 2 ski areas in Western Washington that were open this weekend. Mt. Baker was the other ski area that was open but that is a good 2.5 hours north towards the U.S./Canada border just east of Bellingham. We were going to head up to Alpental (the hill I taught at this past winter) but the lots were full so we headed to Summit Central and dabbled around Chair 6 (Silver Fir) and stuck to Hog Wild, Inspiration, Wildcat, and Outback.

The conditions weren't too bad for this late in the year in Washington....or so, we thought. Just as we were cruising down and enjoying the little bit of sun that was starting to peek through the clouds, Mother Nature suddenly sent us a not-so-gentle reminder that it's spring and started pelting us with small bits of hail. Ow! Well, the good news is that I got a free microdermabrasion and can put off that facial appointment for another month or so (haha). So much fun - what a treat to be downhill skiing so late in the season, on fresh pow, and just 1/2 hour away, nonetheless. Next week is supposed to be warmer - I sure hope so because I've got some cycling during the week and then paddling scheduled up around Deception Pass on Whidbey Island. But, last I heard, both Summit Central and Alpental will both be open for the next couple of weekends. And, spring skiing is still going strong north of the border at Whistler-Blackcomb. Maybe there's still a chance for one more run. Who knows...anything's possible this time of year!