Cross Training – Snowboard Day #1

Had a scheduled mental health day from work today, and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get in my first day snowboarding for the year.  Decided on Jiminy Peak as I needed to stay far enough South to avoid any potential ice from the freezing drizzle that moved through Northern New England last night (the car doesn’t have snow tires)  With 5 distinct top to bottom routes, I figured there would be enough different options to keep me entertained for the first day out. 

 

As expected, it was deserted.  Probably less than 50 cars in the lot.  Got a spot in the first row in the second tier of parking.  As you can see, not a lift-line to speak of.  The longest wait of the day – 1 chair.

 

I also was trying out my new boots and bindings, both of which I picked up at a deep discount at the end of last year from Sierra Snowboard.  Boots are Ride Anthems and bindings are Burton Missions.  Very happy with how they felt today, but the boots definitely seem to have more air flow than my previous Salomon boots.  Could be a factor on a colder day.

 

The snow was perfect, although there definitely were a few thin spots – easily avoided though.  Generally, if you stayed on the side where the guns are there wasn’t an issue.  The traverse to Left Bank was pretty sketchy but since you are just kicking along, it wasn’t a problem.  Up top the fog was quite dense, although it cleared about 1/3 of the way down the hill. 

 

 

Here are some more pictures from around the mountain.  As you can see, no crowds on a murky Tuesday. 

 

Grand Slam

 

Left Bank/Hot Wheels Glade

 

 

Wind Turbine on West Way

  

2 shots of West Way

  

 

The run of the day was North Glade to 360.  Nice soft snow, perfect for high speed carving.

 

North Glade to Slingshot

 

So to wrap up, did 16 runs for 18.3K vertical feet in a little over 3 hours.  Not a bad first day – didn’t push the legs too hard as I’m looking to get out in Vermont for a longer day on Saturday.  Here is today’s Suunto chart.

 

  

Thanks for reading.