Hi everyone, Emma here!
Let’s be honest: usually, Christmas morning in my house is organized chaos. Between the wrapping paper storms, the hunt for AA batteries, and timing the holiday meal, the idea of packing up the car and heading to the ski hill feels... ambitious. But after reading Brent Glogau’s latest report from Mt. Bachelor, I am seriously reconsidering our holiday traditions.
The Gift of No Lines
We all know the Pacific Northwest has had a frustratingly slow start to the season. As a mom who plans trips months in advance, I know the stress of watching the weather forecast and praying for that La Niña magic to finally kick in. Mt. Bachelor had only opened two days prior to Christmas—one of its latest openings ever—so expectations were understandably managed.
But here is the holiday miracle: Brent and his family (plus a cousin!) rolled into the parking lot at a very civilized 9:15 a.m. and walked right onto the Pine Marten Express. No lines. Zero. Zip.
For us parents, the phrase "no lift lines" is practically a love language. It means more runs, less whining, and getting your money's worth out of those lift tickets.
Quality Over Quantity
Despite the snow report only showing one inch of new snow, the family found conditions that exceeded expectations. The kids—Brent’s son Austin and cousin Shea—even managed to sniff out some "powder stashes" off the Skyliner Express.
This is a great reminder for us families: don't always trust the raw numbers on the snow report. Sometimes, wind-buff and lower crowds can make a 1-inch day feel like a mid-winter powder day.
A Practical Timeline for Families
What I loved most about this report was the schedule. They didn't have to do a brutal 5 a.m. "dawn patrol."
- Morning: Laps on Pine Marten and Skyliner with snowy skies.
- Lunch: A break at the West Village lodge (crucial for keeping energy levels up!).
- Afternoon: The skies cleared up, offering better visibility for the afternoon turns.
- The Finish: They skied down Leeway right to a front-row parking spot by 2:30 p.m.
They were back at their house in Sunriver with plenty of time to cook dinner, open presents, and play board games. It’s proof that you can have your ski day and your Christmas dinner too.
Emma’s Early Season Safety Tips
While this report is glowing, I have to put on my instructor hat for a second. Early season skiing—even when it feels great—means "low tide" conditions.
- Watch for Obstacles: With a lower snowpack, things like tree stumps, rocks, and creek beds are closer to the surface. Remind your kids to stay on groomed runs or well-covered areas.
- Mind the Legs: First days back on snow can be tiring. Quit while you’re ahead (like Brent’s family did at 2:30 p.m.) to avoid injury when legs get jelly-like.
Gear Recommendations for Early Season
If you are heading out for some early season turns like the Glogau family, variable conditions and chilly chairlifts mean you need to be prepared. Here are a few things I always toss in the bag:
- Protect Your Eyes: Early season often means flat light or changing conditions. A good pair of goggles with high-contrast lenses is a must for spotting those hidden obstacles.
- Check out: Smith Optics Squad Goggles
- Keep Fingers Toasty: Nothing ends a family ski day faster than cold hands. I always keep back-ups in my pocket.
- Check out: HotHands Hand Warmers
- Transport Ease: If you are lucky enough to get front row parking, make carrying gear easy for the kids.
- Check out: Dakine Ski Sleeve
It sounds like it was a Christmas to remember for Brent and his crew. I might just have to convince my own family to trade the pajamas for parkas next year!
Original report and photos by Brent Glogau via SnowBrains: Source
