Greetings snowbirds (that is, those of us who flock TO the snow).  If anyone wants to take advantage of our most recent surprise snow event, it's pretty good right on our home mountain.  The road to the crest is clear and Ellis and 10K parking lots have been plowed.  I started out from the Ellis parking lot where I ran into Steve and Jeff from Sandia Nordic.  They have rolled the service road today.  It was about 25 degrees and i'd say the snow conditions were good.  I skied Switchbacks to the upper service road.  I descended the upper service road and then skied at Kiwanas Meadow toward Gravel Pit.  Gravel Pit was not skiable yet as there were too many rocks.  From there I skied down the embankment to pick up the Sandi Ski service road and went on to the top of the downhill area.  I'd say there is on average 6 inches of snow up there.  The snow quality was a cold, dry powder but others broke trail before me so that helped to consolidate the snow a bit.  The snow was very consistent.  The snow isn't quite deep enough yet for full coverage, so use caution and look out for rocks, stumps, and tree roots.   The service road was great as it has not yet been destroyed by walkers and warm sun.  I'm probably heading back up there tomorrow morning.  Pictures attached.  

-Amy