For steeps at A-Basin do the short 5-7 minute hike to skiers right in Montezuma Bowl and go along the cornice run and drop in. They had it open to Durrance last Thursday, but it is all open now according to their website. I like Durrance, Schauffler and Jump. Long Chute is fun as well; not as steep but longer. M uch to my surprise, the snow was very good then, soft and easy. More snow coming in the next week and by mid-feb the coverage should be much better. There were no probs with rocks on those runs. Front side Pali was fine as well as it is north facing. Good snow, packed powder that was soft and some fresh areas in the trees. Some rocks to be found. Try North Glades, International, Pali Face, Davids Run, Timber Glades to Rock Garden. Check out Turbo on your way up Pali lift. If you like tighter trees go to the Alleys. North Pole maybe be open by then (about a 20-30 minute hike and an interesting entrance to those runs, usually gives people some vertigo the first time they do it). Enjoy and think snow.
