Skied Sugarloaf Jan 25-26 for the first time this year. Although essentially 100% open the natural snow bump runs (i.e. Winter's Way, Bubblecuffer, Ripsaw, etc.), which, incidentally, are my favourite part of the Loaf, are quite thin with many rocks. All can be skied, but one must pick one's way. Perhaps the best of these trails is Upper Winter's Way. In addition the snow on these trails was really hammered hard by the big time winds of last week. Obviously the 4-5" of snow they've picked up since I left will soften these somewhat, but it will also successfully hide all of the rocks. Skidder was half groomed and half ice bumps (yuck). The groomed trails, as always at Sugarloaf, were fabulous. As there have been no thaws since many of them were blown out there is no ice to speak of on steeps such as Upper Gondi Line and White Nitro (hardpack yes though, but very edgeable). Narrow Gauge was quickly icy as it was set up for downhill/Super G races this week. Early morning conditions are excellent for skiing at ludicrous speeds as my friend Cannonball would say. On the Friday night they "dusted" several trails (Sluice, King's Landing, Hayburner, Skidder) leaving a nice layer of sugah to turn in. In a nutshell conditions are excellent except if you want to spend the day skiing bumps. A good 2 foot dump would render things perfect.