The opening weekend delivered epic early season conditions on the frontside. But everyone on the mountain was hungry to taste the spoils of The Lake’s delectable backside. Tuesday saw the first stage of the progressive openings of the available treasures. The ropes dropped on Whitehorn 1 under a bluebird sky and the posse of lucky bastards waiting at the top assaulted their lines accordingly.

Yes, there were some hungry sharks lurking under the surface that managed to end a few peoples’ days, perhaps even seasons. But the wind worked its magic on Rodney’s Ridge in such a manner that “Game On” was declared by riders looking for straightlines and airs. When blue skies combine with alpine pow offerings, it’s time to let those big dogs eat. Khomp, Khomp, Khomp.

Roostertails, faceshots and bombholes attested to the quality of the conditions.

You may have noticed that I left the coveted Paradise Bowl off the list of runs that got cracked. Set to open on Wednesday, the chairlift above her virgin fields looked out of context. The opportunity to put tracks down Paradise Bowl before she’s beset by her characteristic mid-season moguls is not one to be missed.

If some sort of engagement (work, school, etc) forced you to miss the past few days, a quick peak at the weather forecast might ease your troubled soul. Hurricane conditions are brewing off the West Coast and it looks as if Mother Nature has a few more moisture-laden tricks up her sleeve.

I said it before. To make predictions for the entire winter at this point in time is foolish. But there’s no denying that this week in the Rocky Mountains is going to be redonculous.