I happenned to be in Stowe this weekend. I had read on the ski news that there would be a rail jam on Saturday, but it was already too late... couldn't get my skis before then. Not that I pretend I can slide on those things... I would have just made a few turns... <BR> <BR>I did go and have a look at the event before hiking Spruce Peak on Saturday. The two walls of the half-pipe were really the only remaining patches on the mountain. The groomer had worked to make both walls join touch each other at the top, making an inverted V. <BR> <BR>What was really surprising was the number of people up there. At 11AM, there were already at least 60-70 riders enjoying the rails, and a few five making turns. There was music, sun, and a pretty nice atmosphere for what was, indeed, May 29 skiing. <BR> <BR>People just kept coming. I think it's pretty cool of the resort to have done that. And it shows just how people can go skiing quite late when there's a well organized opportunity. <BR> <BR>The only thing missing was the warmth. It had gone below 32 at the top of Spruce on Friday night, as water had frozen. <BR> <BR>Sunday was better. Hiking Mt. Mansfield was really fun. Gorgeous views from up there.