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Alyeska's First Friday Open Draws Slope Enthusiasts
Despite lack of natural snow, skiers and snowboarders have a blast
By Lacie Grosvold
GIRDWOOD - On Alyeska's first open Friday of the season, the weather couldn't be better... unless it was snowing that is. The drive down to the resort was all sunny and blue skies, warmer than it's been all week. But all the previous cool weather means it hasn't been snowing, and after last year's record breaking snow season, it leaves boarders and skiers wanting for more snow.
Alyeska's snow machines were out manufacturing snow, something that Alyeska's services manager said is common at ski areas across the country. He goes out on the snow almost every day to "test the product." He said, "the snow cover is somewhat thin, but where we've been able to make and groom snow, it's in excellent condition. You will find no place that has more snow"
And since it's the "only place," it's crowded. That's what skiers and snowboarders were saying.
13-year-old Austin Crozier said saw a lot of wipe outs and today it was really crowded. But he said he's still happy to be on the mountain. "It's one of the most happiest days of my life."
Two friends, Tim Brant and Ryan Edwards, were kicking off their second snow boarding season at Alyeska. They said conditions aren't ideal, but it's still fun to be out.
After a short run where he fell at least once, Edwards said, "It's Friday, I'm not working. I'm loving life."
