This week has seen Andy call an end to his injury-hit season while I've had another day on skis. There have been much smaller amounts of fresh snow, but the conditions on the groomed runs have been great and we've been flying along faster than ever.

Stan and I had wondered about doing Fresh Tracks on Thursday 20th but decided that the forecast snow wasn't worth it, so aimed for a more relaxed start, meeting at the lifts at 08:15. Stan's radio wasn't working so we failed to meet but luckily bumped into each other at the Roundhouse.

The snow has continued to fall the last couple of days, and the mountains are both now fully open. Yet again we've been in the right place at the right time, getting more first tracks through some great powder.

Matt, Stan and I set off up Blackcomb together on Saturday 15th, while Rich swapped his skis for snow-blades. At the top of Excelerator we found that Crystal Ridge had just opened, so Stan and I left Matt to wait for Rich and raced down to the chair.

Over the last couple of days the weather has let us down again: although there's been over a metre of snow in the last 7 days, the conditions at the moment are horrendous. High temperatures are melting the lower slopes and turning the powder on the mid-slopes to concrete, whilst high winds are keeping the Alpine lifts closed. There should be some amazing snow when the weather relents but until then life is just a little frustrating.

For only the second time since we've been here, the village has been transformed by the arrival of snow. We've had snow the last four days and more is forecast for six of the next seven days. The snow has changed the mood in the village and even more so on the mountains - three consecutive powder days are a great luxury this season.

Andy and I began the Monday 3rd with a trip to Wild Willies to pick up our skis, poles and boots. We met Andy's parents then attached our skis and took the Fitzsimmons and Garbanzo chairs up to avoid the gondola queue.

As always we're waiting for more snow but we've had a great few days riding with Andy's Parents, Al, and a pro from the Whistler Freeride Team.