freak winter thunderstorm

We went skiing last night at Hidden Valley. The slopes looked icy and there were many exposed patches. They didn't even bother opening on Monday. As soon as we got to the top of the lift it started snowing. Of course, my goggles were in the car so it was really painful trying to get down the hill. When I was about 3/4 of the way down the hill I saw a flash and then heard BOOM. It was a thunder snow storm! I couldn't believe it. They closed down the lifts and made everyone leave the slopes. AFTER OUR FIRST RUN!!!! I was so mad. The snow wouldn't stop, it was like a blizzard.

Ryan and I decided to go to the snack bar to get a snack, but there was a school group there and neither of us can stand to be around obnoxious teens trying to impress each other. Our only other choice was to head to the bar. We arrived at their bar "room" and it was so quiet. There were a few other people hanging out, but at least we were away from the chatter of the teenagers. We had to hang out in the bar for about an hour, but got to enjoy a beer and each other's company. Just as we were about to ask for a rain check, the snow finally stopped and the lifts started running again. We went outside and there was about 3 inches of new snow on the ground. It was a winter wonderland.

The ski conditions did improve and we ended up having a fun night!