On the Hill Summer: Fun in the skate park in Lionshead

May 21, 2013 — 

On the Hill Summer, brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Today's activity: Halfpipe skateboarding.

Today's weather: Cloudy, about 50 degrees.

Forecast: Showers in the forecast for tomorrow, Thursday should be sunny.

Conditions: The Vail Skate Park opened today on the top level of the Lionshead parking structure, and despite heavy clouds overhead, the rain held off long enough for skateboarders to enjoy the halfpipe and other features there. It will remain open every day of the summer, hours dawn to dusk.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Great snow with more on the way at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0 inches new snow

Weather: Cold this morning, but the sun is starting to show which will warm things up

Liftline status: Slightly longer line than usual at the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead as it was not running for the first 20-30 mins of operation today.

Run of the day: Simba

Breakdown: It's a groomer day today, but unlike the groomer days of November, the large snow storms of December have allowed for more than 3,600 acres of terrain to be open at Vail now, along with 28 lifts. The seven inches of new snow we received for Christmas yesterday, along with Vail's impeccable groom, is making for a great surface to carve into today. If the clouds keep leaving the skies, as they appear to be, look for it to get better as the day goes on and that surface softens up.

Snowcast: NOAA says there's a 60-80 percent chance that the snow will start tonight and not let up until Friday.-

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Christmas brings gift of powder at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 7 inches snow in last 24 hours, 5 inches overnight

Vail daily field report: Felt like 6 inches of light snow

Weather: Cloudy with some flurries. Low light.-

Run of the Day: Christmas.

Breakdown: Everyone's Christmas wishes came true on Vail Mountain today, snowriders awoke to find the hill blanketed in half a foot of new snow. And it not your ordinary snow, rather it's-champagne-powder out there today - very light and dry, perfect for floating over. A happy Christmas to all ...-

Snowcast: ... and to all a good night. There's a slight chance more will fall today and tonight, and a 60 percent chance of snow for tomorrow, reports NOAA.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Groomers and soft snow at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report; 0" new snow

Vail Daily field report:-Was snowing briefly this morning, but not enough to leave any real-accumulation.

Weather: Cold, but not very cloudy - looks like it should warm up.

Liftline status: Not bad today, no lines anywhere before 9 a.m.

Run of the day: Riva was groomed top to bottom

Breakdown: For a moment this New Year's Eve day morning, it was actually sunny and snowing at the same time. There was maybe a centimeter of dust on top of the regular surface, and that may be a generous estimate.-The full spectrum of snowriding is available at Vail today --we've had nearly 2 feet of snow in the last week, and it has stayed cold so the snow is soft and powdery in some spots and groomed well in others.

Snowcast: NOAA says snow is likely for today and tonight, with a slight chance for more tomorrow.-

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Flurries starting to fall at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow

Weather: Not super cold, but it's cloudy with a few flurries starting to drop. Visibility is poor.

Run of the day: Pika was groomed, that's always a fun one.

Liftline status: No lines at Chair 8 and Eagle Bahn Gondola as of 9 a.m., but Lionshead village was pretty crowded with people heading to the lifts. On this Christmas Eve Day holiday, it's sure to fill up as the day goes on.

Breakdown: Christmas Eve Day began as a groomer day, but the flurries were starting to drop as the lifts began service at 8:30 a.m. Much of the hill was groomed and running fast, making it good day to pick up a grooming report and cruise around. If the snow starts dumping, as the National Weather Service has predicted, then those groomers will make for great terrain with a flat surface underneath and a smooth layer of dust on top. Morning crowds did not look super dense for a holiday, and with the back and Blue Sky now open there should be plenty of terrain to keep things well dispersed.

Snowcast: NOAA says there's actually a 100 percent chance of snow for tonight, and a 60 percent chance for tomorrow.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: 3 more inches at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 3" new snow as of 4:53 a.m.

Vail Daily field report: Some areas felt like a true three inches, others felt more like five-

Liftline status: Eagle Bahn gondola pretty crowded by 9 a.m.

Weather: Snowing! But also cold and windy. Bundle up out there.

Run of the Day: Ouzo was groomed yesterday and the new snow layered nicely on top

Breakdown: The incredible December continues! Vail measured 3 inches of new snow at 4:53 a.m., but it's been steadily dropping since then and wasn't letting up this morning out on the hill. Runs that were groomed yesterday or today have a fresh layer of dusty snow on top of a nice surface, and the ungroomed areas are a powder lover's paradise this morning. First-chair crowds weren't too bad for a powder day between Christmas and New Year's, presumably due to the car accidents in Dowd Junction this morning and the ensuing traffic. Downvalley commuters said the drive took 30 minutes longer than usual this morning, with eastbound traffic backed up past Avon.-

Snowcast: Looks like it should continue into tomorrow

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Sun and snow on Vail Mountain

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 2 inches new snow in last 24 hours; 1 inch overnight

Vail Daily field report: We've received 11 inches in the last 48 hours, and the trees and stash spots still have the full foot.

Weather: Still very cold, but with-abundant-sunshine this morning it's warmer than yesterday.

Liftline status: Mid Vail lifts not bad at 9 a.m., Eagle Bahn Gondola pretty crowded, Chair 8 not bad.

Breakdown: On what is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, conditions are classic Vail -- plenty of sunshine and new snow. It will be a great day for skiing today, but the crowds will also be great -- in number. Get out early to best enjoy Vail Mountain.-

Snowcast: Looks like more on the way for Sunday-Monday

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Still fresh snow at Vail

May 8, 2013 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow

Weather: Cold but sunny

Liftline status: Eagle Bahn gondola not as bad as yesterday at 9 a.m.; no wait whatsoever at Chair 8

Run of the day: Bolshoi?

Breakdown: On the final Sunday of 2012, there's plenty of sunshine and groomed terrain to enjoy. But with 21 inches of snow in the last seven days and cold temps to go with it, there's also plenty of powder and soft snow out there to enjoy. The anticipation among the hardcore schooshers surrounding the expected opening of the final two lifts -- Earl's 38 and the Mongolia Poma 22 -- was palatable this morning at the first-chair stammtisch. Truly, it is a great day to get out and enjoy some turns.

Snowcast: Looks like a little more for tonight and Monday.

from on .

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Conditions improving at Vail

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow

Liftline status: No line at Chair 6

Weather: A little warmer today and very sunny

Run of the day: Cappuccino

Breakdown: With temperatures rising, conditions are improving at Vail, and the few inches of recent snow we've received seemed to have changed from the chalky consistency we saw during the below-zero temperatures to a nice fluffy feel. There's soft snow and powder to be found in the Chair 22 area and out Ptarmigan Ridge way, and as usual, the groomers are fantastic. The hill's in good shape right now! Get out and enjoy it.

Snowcast: We're dry for at least a week, but something could roll in starting next Thursday.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Snow staying fresh on Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report" 0" new snow; 21" mid-mountain base; 111" total this season

Liftline status: Nothing at Gondola One.

Weather: Sunny and getting warmer.

Run of the day: Riva was groomed top to bottom.

Breakdown: Vail has received 6 inches of new snow in the last week, and, if you've been here or you've been following the thermometer readings, then you know it's been cold. That means those 6 inches have stayed fresh and powdery — venture to the far corners of the resort to find it. But get it now while you can, there'sabundantsunshine and it's starting to warm up out here, and if that snow gets too much sun then it will turn to crust like a pie in the oven. It's actually warmer on top of the mountain than in the valley today as an inversion has things about 20 degrees cooler on the valley floor. Today's Friday conditions were classic Colorado, not a cloud in the sky.

Snowcast: We're hoping for something in the next 7 to 10 days.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Plenty of sunshine on Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow

Weather: Not a cloud in the sky

Liftline status: Nothing at Chair 6 this morning

Run of the day: Lindsey's was groomed

Breakdown: If it's not going to snow, then at least there's plenty of sunshine. And it looks like it's staying just cold enough to preserve the base. Groomers on Vail Mountain are great right now, get out early to best enjoy them before things start to ice up. If you're on the mountain in the afternoon, it's worth a cruise over to Golden Peak and a ride up (or down) Chair 6 to check out the action there. Some of the best freeski and freeride athletes in the world are training on the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail air bag, from the lift, you can't miss it.

Snowcast:Not much this week save aweekend dusting, but next week could be good.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Busy day on Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow, 21" mid mountain base, 111" total snow this season

Weather: Not a cloud in the sky

Liftline status: Eagle Bahn is packed. Nothing at Chair 8

Run of the day: Riva was groomed top to bottomBreakdown: For a Monday, it's a busy one out there. That's likely due to the holiday weekend -- look for it to mellow out again tomorrow. Pretty classic Vail conditions out there right now, plenty of sun and great groomers, and there's even still a bit of soft snow to be found in the trees and stash spots. But it will get icy later in the day, be careful out there. If you're tuning your own equipment, best to err on the sharp side with your edges.

Snowcast: We might get a couple inches Thursday

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Plenty of sun at Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow, 22" mid-mountain base, 111" total this season

Weather: No clouds, tons of sun

Liftline status: NothingRun of the day: Northwoods

Breakdown:With the same conditions we've been having these last few days andless crowds,today should be a great day at Vail. Hopefully there's more snow on the way soon, because the back of the mountain is starting to look a little worn again. The front side is still in great shape, though. Get out early before the nice groomed surface starts to ice over.

Snowcast: We're hoping for something significant Monday-Tuesday

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill: Today's Vail Mountain ski report with video

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow, 22" mid-mountain base, 111" total snowfall this season

Weather:Some high cloud cover today, but temps are still nice.

Liftline status: Nothing anywhere that we found

Run of the day: Gandy Dancer was groomed

Breakdown: It's a little cloudier today, making visibility poor in the shaded areas. Vail safety week continues, and with less crowds, it certainly makes it safer out there. Mornings are also safer as it gets more icy the further the day goes and the more the groom gets scraped off. Don't let the clouds fool you, you'll still need sunscreen today as those UV rays are certainly penetrating our atmosphere.

Snowcast: A few storms are on the way over the course of the next five days, but if we get 6 inches out it them we'll be lucky.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Snow on the way for Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow, 21" mid mountain base, 111" new snow

Weather: Warmer, and very cloudy today

Liftline status: No lines anywhere at 9 a.m.

Run of the day: The Woods

Breakdown: Safety week continues at Vail, and with less crowds, indeed it's easier to be safe out there. But with today's immense cloud cover, it's also easy to be unsafe as it's hard to see in places -- best to err on the slow side. The hardpack conditions have things riding fast, but with no new snow in the last week, the groomers are about as far as you want to explore until we get more snow.

Snowcast: Looks like there's a couple inches on the way for today/tonight.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: 2 inches of fresh snow on Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 2" new snow in last 24 hours as of 5 a.m.

Vail Daily field report: 2" wet snow on ungroomed runs

Weather: Warm and rainy/snowy, depending on your elevation, with plenty of fog. Visibility poor.

Liftline status: By 9:20 a.m., the maze starting to fill up at the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead, but nothing anywhere else. Run of the day: Upper Born Free Breakdown: If it's only going to be 2 inches, the wet snow isn't bad as it gives you a little more to carve into under your feet. As will be the story with any snow we receive for the rest of the season, it came right when we really needed it. The back side of the mountain was looking pretty ugly yesterday. It's still falling as we file this report at about 9:40 Friday morning, and if it lands on your goggles it's going to melt like water and make things hard to see. Today you have even more reason to be careful, outside of the fact that it's National Safety Awareness week.

Snowcast: We're hoping for a big dump Monday-Tuesday

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: More snow on the way for Vail

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 0" new snow

Weather: Warm and cloudy today

Liftline status: Eagle Bahn Gondola maze full at 9 a.m.

Run of the day: Christmas was groomed

Breakdown: The couple of inches of new snow we received yesterday went a long way to improve conditions, especially on the back side of the mountain. But we need more, and it looks like it's coming early next week. In the mean time, you don't have to stick to the groomers, but you may want to as the surfaces that haven't been rolled are pretty choppy. Visibility isn't the best, either.

Snowcast: Maybe a little tonight, but it looks like Tuesday will be our day, say forecasters.

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Fresh snow on Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 3" new snow

Vail Daily field report: Felt like 4" in places

Weather: Air is warm and moist with low clouds hanging

Liftline status: Nothing at Chairs 6 and 10Breakdown: Forecasters weren't expecting Vail was going to get much from this storm, so3-4 inchescomes as a welcome surprise to many. The surface is great for gliding over, butturn too hard and you will scrape bottom. The winds many have brought different amounts to different areas, so it's a great day to go exploring, especially with much of the brown on the back side now covered again.

Snowcast: More on the way!

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.

On the Hill video ski report: Powder day at Vail Mountain

December 24, 2012 — 

Brought to you by The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Vail official report: 8" new snow in last 24 hours

Vail Daily field report: Felt like a foot in spots

Liftline status: Morning crowds were huge, but things quickly dispersed

Weather: Cold today, cloudy in the morning but it looks like the sun will poke through soon

Run of the day: Lover's Leap

Breakdown: Vail's Back Bowls are beautiful once again. With 8" of new snow in the last 24 hours; a foot in the last few days, conditions at Vail are the best they've been all season today. There's fresh powder everywhere and it wasn't super crowded this morning, so the later taters should be able to roll out of bed late and still find plenty of fresh out there.

Snowcast: More on the way tonight!

On the Hill is shot with a GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition.