Hit the Slopes!

February 11, 2010
Ski Butternut, MA
Ski Watch Reporter Harris & Ski Watch Reporter Zelda

Ski Watch Reporter Harris and Zelda (a father-daughter ski team) skied at Ski Butternut in the Berkshires of Mass on Thursday, February 11. Here's what they had to say about their day on the slopes:

Temperature: low 18 F; High 30 F. 
Weather: Sunny to mostly sunny
Wind Conditions:  15-25 mph with gusts over 35 mph at summit

Ski Watch Reporter Zelda’s Report:

A strong base of machine groomed and packed snow covered the majority of the mountain.

While the area of Great Barrington, Massachusetts missed the blizzard that hit the NYC surrounding area and Mid-Atlantic States, conditions at Butternut were simply superb. All 22 trails were open with substantial coverage over all trails.  5 lifts were in use today.

While certain spots on several trails such as upper and lower Applejack had powder and natural snow the East side of the mountain (including trails such as Westway, Mainstreet and Freewheeler) had more loose snow conditions.

All in all the best runs of the day could be found on the West area of the mountain. More advanced trails such as Lucifer's Leap had the best skiing of the day. The sun hit this side of the mountain making it a wonderful enjoyable experience out there on the slopes.  Dipsy was another fully covered loose powder trail that caught many skiers' and boarders' attention. 
         
Today (2/11) was a wonderful day to be out on the slopes. Complete coverage gave little need for heavy carving and cutting. We enjoyed cruising down these long winding trails with little interference from ice spots and crowds. But beware: spurts of strong gusts of wind made getting into a lower position and center of gravity necessary to keep moving on certain upper summit trails during the

Afternoon and at closing time 4 pm:
         
An added capacity lift on the far East side allowed for triples rather than doubles to ride up the mountain together. This appeared to be a recent addition for this year. Wonderful mid winter conditions and clear blue sunny weather for a superb day of skiing.

Ski Watch Reporter Harris’ Report:

Really great.  The combination of bright sunshine and crisp fresh surface powder groomed out to near perfect corduroy conditions, made for excellent easy cruising from summit to base.
 
There was very little boiler plate or ice to be found even at the very end of the day when conditions became a bit skied off.    Favorite trails today: Applejack from summit to base lodge, Fiddler, and Lucifer’s Leap, all had consistently excellent coverage and fast skiing conditions. 

Butternut is offering mid week special adult lift tickets for the rest of the season Monday-Fridayfor $25.00.  Weekends and holiday rates are $50.00 for a full day pass.  Special rates for seniors, juniors, and smaller children are also offered for the balance of the season.

During the weekdays, typically the lower smaller lodge is open.  On weekends and holidays both upper and lower lodges are open and this will include Presidents Day Weekend and the School Mid Winter February Break. 

There is a February Video contest with great prizes.  Submit a 1-3 minute self made video of yourself or others at Butternut and win prizes that include a full season lift pass or $1000.00 cash.  Many other prizes too.

Overall, today was really great,  Zelda and I had a terrific day together and enjoyed ourselves very much too.... only wish the day could have lasted a bit longer.... late afternoon skiing was by far the most enjoyable of all as the mountain emptied out from a light to moderate turnout.