First, the multi-sport revolution continues:

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10172454&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1

Hope them suits have integrated socks! Brrrrrr.

Next, I’m trying to get a handle on this May backpack thing. Who wants to go hiking?!

Last, avalanche conditions continue to be problematic in Western Montana. Missoula Avalanche sent out a report today, telling the story of a snowmobiler who died in a wet slab slide and terrain trap combo Saturday. Things have been warm here, but not warm enough to bond layers as well as we’d like. I had two hard faceplants within 100 feet coming down to the car yesterday morning, as any pockets that were even vaguely NW facing had partially rotted from sun exposure over the weekend. The base went from hard and solid all the way to the ground on some aspects to rotted and nasty all the way down on others. In summary, the big mountains demand patience, still. Fortunately, maps indicate that M and I will be able to find some good low angle stuff on our trip tomorrow.

The snowpack continues to be a fiasco.

The cynicism arises at the end of the above advisory:

Last Friday was our final regular advisory of the season. We will issue information statements or advisories if needed depending on weather and snow conditions during the next few weeks. Many of our observers have returned to their other important duties or simply can no longer access the terrain they frequent during the course of the winter.

Lamentably “no long access” is code for “the lifts at snowbowl stopped running so we can’t skin 500′ out the back of the resort and call it “touring” anymore”. Touring equals no ski lifts.