28 people representing 13 different ski clubs descended on Heavenly Mountain Resort on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 for the picture perfect definition of “spring skiing”. All 5 days were classic “blue bird” ski days with clear skies and sunshine. Temps, in the base village, were reaching the low to mid 60’s each day with lower temps in the mountains. A base layer and/or a long sleeve shirt and a shell was generally more than enough to keep you plenty warm and most likely sweating by the afternoon. Sunscreen was a must and most everyone had some type of “raccoon” eyes from a suntan or sunburn.

At Heavenly, ski conditions in the mornings were a little icy due to the overnight freezing temperatures; but by mid-morning, the sun softened up the snow enough to create excellent skiing conditions throughout the midafternoon. Later in the afternoon, it did get a little “heavy” towards the bottom but not to the extent that is was slushy and unmanageable. The snow remained in an amazingly unexpected very good condition despite the warm weather. Heavenly offered a wide variety of blue runs, a good share of black runs and large variety of tree and bump skiing. No matter what your ability, Heavenly had you covered.

We stayed in 2BR/2BA Condo’s at the Forest Suites Inn which was only about 1.5 blocks from the base of the Gondola in the village. The condos at the Forest Suites, although being a little bit “dated” and showing some wear, were very spacious and equipped with all the amenities one would expect in a condo, except a dishwasher (and your roommates don’t count!). Due to the current Covid restrictions, the Forest Suites offered a “grab ‘n go” breakfast each morning in lieu of their traditional breakfast buffet.

On Saturday, we had a group of 20 people go to Kirkwood Mountain Resort for another “Blue Bird” ski day as a side trip. Kirkwood is about a 32 mile drive (1 hour bus ride) south of South Lake Tahoe. Although Kirkwood is a little more “rustic” and “out of the way” than other Lake Tahoe area resorts, don’t let that fool you. Kirkwood is a great area. Although mostly black and double black runs, Kirkwood offers a good variety of wide groomed blue runs and some beginner skiing. I don’t think we had to wait for more than 2 minutes in a lift line, most of the time it was simply ski right up to the lift and get on the next chair.

Due to various Covid restrictions, Après Ski with a large group was difficult. However, we managed to hold 2 Après Ski events (on Friday and Sunday) outdoors in the back of our condo building by the pool and hot tub (although they were closed) where there were several picnic tables. We could simply bring our own drinks and snacks from our rooms and with the warm temperatures, this worked out as a great option as people were able to mingle and get to know each other a little more. We also managed to get out for Après Skiing in smaller groups. The Piccadilly Ski Club “shot ski” made several Après appearances!!

All in all, Spring Fling 2021 was a success. I think everyone would agree that the snow conditions were much better than any of us expected, the weather was incredible, the people on the trip were a great group and everyone had a really good time.

Kevin Conlon, Trip Daddy