From the Hill - Junior alpine and snowboarding at Bear Paw Ski Bowl

from Byron Ophus

Perhaps news about weather and snow conditions is getting old but it's impossible to ignore the contrast that took place at the hill this past weekend.

Spring skiing finally arrived Saturday. While ski weather has been pleasant and conditions good, until this weekend there really hasn't been a true spring skiing day. That changed Saturday. Temperatures were warm, well-above freezing. A slight wind blew at the top. The snow that started with a soft layer at the surface soon turned to slush, corn, mashed potatoes - take your pick. There was a mixture of sun and clouds until the end of the ski day when the clouds ruled. After the last run and sweep snow began to fall, but when everyone had left the roads were still clear but wet.

Expectations for snow conditions Sunday were dismal. Slushy snow chilled overnight would bring frozen crud. Sure, snow was predicted for Sunday. Everyone expected a trace or maybe even a few inches at the hill. No one expected that more than a foot of new snow would blanket the slopes of Bear Paw. And it was still snowing. And it snowed all day. A lot. A brisk wind combined with the snow to make visibility poor. Often, visibility was limited to perhaps 50 yards. At times it improved to maybe 100 or 200 yards. There was some concern that small children might disappear in areas of deeper snow. From the Taylor Road onward, the snow lay deep upon the road. Four-wheel drive vehicles were recommended. Despite the snow-covered roads and poor visibility, kids showed up for the races.

More than 20 kids participated in the North Central Montana junior alpine ski and snowboard championships. The course was made more challenging by the conditions but that didn't tamper the enthusiasm of the participants. The races were a great success enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.

As of this writing, the plan is to be open Saturday the 8th of April. Watch and listen for updates as weather conditions have a way of changing plans. So, hopefully for at least one more day, raccoon the eyes, rack the boards, rack up some runs and rack up some fun, and ski knee deep cheap at the steep and deep.