Glencoe Saturday, 23rd February

Started misty, firm and fast. The cold temperatures kept the snow hard through the day. Even when the cloud dispersed. Had the whole work crew up, a few wee jumps and a few bumps.
It was a beautiful day and visibility meant I could see the rescue helicopter winching folk off the corniced ridge of Creise. I think it was a training exercise as I was told they were at it again the following day.

Glencoe Friday 15th February 2013

Started of with a hint of rain falling, but the sun was trying to burn through. A light wind was moving the cloud on and by the time we were up the hill the sun was shining. The wind was warm and moist coming from the west and the snow was soft and springlike. I did a couple of runs with Yvonne down the plateau run practicing my backward riding before heading up the Cliffhanger and getting first tracks below the lift. This was may favourite run of the season so far, making me smile with buttery smooth snow.
We both headed up top and did a few runs down Happy Valley and Main Basin. As soon as the sun disappeared behind the mountain, the snow firmed up substantially.
A great day, looks like it will be a sunny week. Hope the snow holds out. Should be freezing each night.
Think this is my seventh day this season. Lots more to come I hope.

Cliffy Run - Meall a' Bhùiridh from Michael MacDonald on Vimeo.

Glencoe Friday 8th February 2013

Conditions have been improving across the hill. Although some wind facing slopes had been scoured and Spring Run was iced up as was Etive Glades. Fly paper was closed so didn't venture anywhere near these runs. Plenty of laps on Main Basin, the Wall and Mugs Alley the latter of which has really filled in. The snow is wind and skier packed.
The Plateau Poma is running high as the snow is almost to the top of the fences! Comfortable temperatures too, just cold enough to keep the snow stabilised.
If they keep getting new snow then things are looking good for later in the season.
Just wish more people would get up there though. Maybe they'll be up for weekends but Friday was fairly quiet and visibility was fantastic with high level cloud and hardly a breath of wind.

Glencoe Saturday 2nd February 2013

Some stormy conditions through the week gave way to lighter winds and the promise of sunshine. Saturday arrived and all was good. A slippy drive up Lomond side and close encounter with a Red Deer hind couldn't stop us. The sun was out indeed and temps were cool. No wind to speak of, although we saw the remnants of a caravan that previously resided I'm the carpark scattered across the moor. A testament to the winds speed earlier in the week.
Because of the weather there were queues, the sun definitely brings out the fair weather skiers. Lots of faces I wouldn't have seen on earlier trips this season. It's all good though. Great to see Coe getting the attention it deserves.
The snow was grippy and stayed in good nick throughout the day. Main basin was great with Happy Vally providing motorway skiing. Mugs ally filled in a bit more but could always take some more snow.
The queues at the lifts were good natured and gave a chance for the legs to recover so spent the full day snowboarding without a break as such.
Because of the time of year the sum doesn't shine directly on Etive NW aspect of the mountain, but conditions watered bright and cold.
A sign of how good the day was, was the fact there was a queue for the lift back down at the end of the day. Just like the good old days. Should be more snow on the way this week. Lets hope it just gets better for the rest of the season.