End of my season

Well it has been a great season, but Nevis Range has decided not to open this weekend so I think I have to concede defeat and realise I'm not going to beat my record season. I was only 3 visits away! I shouldn't be grumbling but I must admit that as I type this there is a rising ebb of depression. Don't know how I'll cope this coming summer. You can never have too much of a good thing. Its just unfortunate the Scottish resorts don't get to much of the paying visitor. Snow definitely wasn't a problem and the amount of blue sky days was also unprecedented.

Let's keep fingers crossed for next season. Hopefully the resorts will be as lucky and provide the wonderful playground they have this past season. For those of you with strong legs and a true passion for sliding on snow, there are plenty of patches left on the hill. I may just have to resort to a few hikes myself. Coe's stash could be there well into the summer, depending on how much rain falls between now and then, Anyway, until next time.

Ruanaich | Snow Diary

Glencoe Closed :(

Just heard today that Glencoe are closing up for the season. Not happy. Tons of snow left up top, but I think it has to do with fuel crisis. I think they could have easily gone well into May. What's worse is I decided to give it a rest this weekend. Weather turned out a lot better than forecast too.
I hope Nevis stays open for next weekend!


The management signed off with this bittersweet comment: "So here we are again, the end of another epic season. On behalf of the Management and Staff we would like to thank you all for your continuing support and we look forward to seeing you all again next season. ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!"

Glencoe, April 19, 2008

Scattered cloud and a brisk wind but plenty of sun and excellent spring snow. Went all over the hill. Deirdre loved the idea of the Flypaper so I had to bite the bullet and show her. did it twice, but it was much easier than last time thanks to the excellent snow and a slightly different route down the right hand side. The canyon is still fun and mugs alley is holding up still with lots of little jumps. Even Thrombosis down the middle. As well as the up rail at Cliffhanger Chair we did the box in the main basin and Deirdre coaxed me into doing the C-box. Got 3quarters along then was thankful of my impact shorts.
Today was great, wind did not hamper things. Temperatures were just warm enough to soften the ice from night before into great soft stuff. Deirdre was excellent on the Flypaper, really confident and she really loves the run.
Hopefully a few more weeks of the season left, although it looks like the weather may start to take a turn for the worse in the coming week. Fingers crossed!
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Snowboarding - IMG_0004 brig...

France Trip

This is an old video from 2000 documenting our drive down the west coast of France.

The Daily Swarm - Joy Division New Balance Sneakers Really Limited Edition: One pair only

The Daily Swarm - Joy Division New Balance Sneakers Really Limited Edition: One pair only

What do you think of these? If only they were a pair of skate shoes I'd definitely go for them. As a JD fan I'm not offended at all by this sort of thing I'd love a pair!

Glencoe, April 13, 2008

Another great day at Glencoe. The drive up was blue skies until we got to the mountains. High clouds prevented consistent sunshine although we did get brief spells where the sun came through. Snow was still good, starting crisp but eventually softening through the day. Still a bit choppy in areas.
Jon, Niels and myself covered all of the mountain. Etive Glades had just enough to avoid rocks, Main Basin under the poma provided some untouched wet powder and scars for our bases. We also did Flypaper which Niels flew down in a few turns, however my legs went, especially after seeing Jon slide from top to bottom on his back. Hilarious and slightly worrying all at the same time.
Ruanaich | Michael MacDonald

Glencoe, April 12, 2008

What started as a fairly unpromising day turned out to be a Glencoe classic. A lot more sun than was expected, zero winds and fresh snow.
Spring Run had improved and the canyon was fun. Fresh snow had improved out toward Etive Glades and the rails at the Cliffhanger were fun too.
There were no queues to speak of although hopefully busy enough to keep the accountants happy.
Glencoe really comes into its own in the spring and it looks like we're set for a corker!
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Snowboarding - IMG_0006_2.JPG