Hyak Ski Area (aka PacWest, Summit East & next incarnation...) — Friday, Nov. 17, 2006

The plan was to ski even if it killed me. Close but actually not as terrible as anticipated. The plan was Hyak. As we approached the pass the fog/cloud layer was disheartening. Also was there actually enough snow? So we trekked east to Cabin Creek where the fog was less dense but so was the apparent snow cover. Back to Hyak. Puddles greeted up but what the .... Up the slope on foot and then skin up (see pic). Boots were sufficient and snowshoes or skis were not necessary as the surface did not really yield. Then find the roadway system west and up to the top rear of Hyak. Then just mess around in the SUN - YES! Down toward powerlines, back up to the junction and then wend our way to Union Station. We decided to give Hidden Valley a try to the Cold Creek road and around above the lake. On the way across, the snow seemed to yield a bit more and down Hidden Valley road was not as terrible a descent as expected. Bled off speed by do short slight uphill traverses down the steep sections. Also maneuvered around some ""creeks"" crossing the snow. Finally, down to the Cold Creek road and back to Hyak. Down the, again, very firm slopes and end the loop. Great first day. View out to Gold Creek valley.