Back to Bachelor

Mid-January and snow was falling fast and furious in the Cascade Mountains.  You know what that means.....time for a girl's trip to Mt Bachelor!  So one weekend I loaded my car with ski buddies Kim, Young, and Hollie and drove over the pass to Central Oregon.

Rock star parking space!

I love skiing at Mt Bachelor.  Not only do they have drier snow and tons of terrain, Bachelor also offers front row parking to carpools of four or more people.  On the first day, I snagged this awesome spot right next to the lodge!

Young and I are ready to go

Although stormy weather was predicted, the sight of snowflakes whipping in the wind made me giddy.  Who doesn't love a powder day?

Girlfriends on the lift

We all jumped on the lift and took a few runs with Hollie, who's been taking lessons.  After coaching her down a couple of runs, we all agreed she was doing great.  Hollie encouraged Kim, Young and I to go ahead, promising to connect at lunch.

Kim points the way

After meeting up with my brother Dale, my friends and I set out for a few laps down our favorite runs.

Snow-flocked trees

This year, Mt Bachelor opened a brand-new chairlift - the Cloudchaser.  I'd been dying to try it, so we headed over to the mountain's east side. 

The gang's all  here

We were not disappointed!  The lift was constructed over an area offering interesting terrain and fabulous tree skiing.  Combined with a coat of soft, fluffy snow, it made for a morning of great fun.

Taking Hollie down Marshmallow

After a white-knuckle drive down the mountain, we returned the following day for more skiing adventures.  Kim and I thought Hollie was ready for a challenge, so we took her down the Marshmallow run.  Although she did fine, Hollie decided that was enough excitement for the day.  She returned to the bunny slope for more practice, and Young, Kim and I headed back to Cloudchaser.

Perfect pose!

Although the weather was still overcast, the snow gods had delivered a good six inches of fluffy powder.  Time to make some tracks!

Denise and Chris joined us

Midday, my daughter Denise and her boyfriend Chris joined us for some riding.

The sun came out....and it was magical

And then - miracle of miracles - about 10 o'clock the clouds parted to reveal brilliant blue skies!

Ski track patterns

Newly-fallen white snow against the bright blue made for some stunning scenery.  It was magical!

Looking towards the summit

I made lots of stops and the camera came out again and again attempting to capture it all.

Someone is happy

Is Kim a happy skier or what?

Yahoo!

Yup - nothing better than a surprise bluebird day.  Yahoo!

Sweeping views from on high

Sunshine, new snow. and stunning views.  I was having such a good time I didn't want to leave.

Wave for the camera!

But....we all had to work on Monday, so after a wonderful morning on the slopes, my friends and I packed it in and headed back over the mountains.  But have no fear - Mt Bachelor, we'll be back!