Yep, sure looks like it.

Both Sunday River and Sugarloaf are scheduled to close after this weekend. The Loaf closes Sunday, while the River will be free skiing for all on Monday, Patriot's Day.

So, if you're going to get a few more turns in before hanging up the skis, this is the weekend to do it.

The forecast is pretty decent, so it looks like a good weekend to get outdoors regardless (duh!).

Now, about last weekend and Reggae Fest...

I missed the not-so-great skiing on Saturday (I was attending the MATC annual meeting down in Farmington), but I did get up there in time to catch some fun music and mix with the mass of humanity on The Beach. And maybe throw back a mucho expensive beer or two.

Sunday was the day: Perfect blue skies, mega sun and soft snow. Real snow! (The 14 inches the prior Wednesday was a real gift from the ski gods!).

Timberline chair was running and we skied trails that hadn't been open all season that I'm aware of, like Cinder Hoe and Upper Binder. Awesome! Timberline trail was worth skiing over and over.

Narrow Gauge, King's, Hayburner, all good. Very good.

And with a little midafternoon break in the sun for a cold one at Bullwinkle's, all was well with the world.

And even more so, when we ducked into The Bag to toast the end of the day with a Pick Pole Pale Ale and a superbowl of mountain chili. I mean, is the chili in The Bag the best in the world, or what? Yum!

The doctor says no more skiing for me this season due to a bum knee that I've been pounding the pee out of all winter long on hikes and skiing.

So I hope that you all can get out there and take a few turns for me this weekend and finish up the ski season (which hasn't been all that bad to be honest) with a flare.

Until next season...

The mountain, crowds and reggae music. Must be April!

Reggae crowds on The Beach.

The snow on the upper mountain, especially the Timberline chair, was awesome!

The Bag chili could be the best on Earth.

Trail Head say Reggae Fest '06 good fun.