Spring has sprung at Snowbasin to the dismay of powder hounds, but honorary retired NASJA member "Snoshu" Thompson did what he could to entice snow.

We came to experience "The Greatest Snow on Earth" at the site of the Men's and Women's Downhill from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, but alas, Snowbasin has been a spring skiing scene during our stay. The North American Snowsports Journalist Association for the west region is here to write, broadcast and post internet stories and video blogs focusing on the unique snow quality and quantity of Utah powder at Snowbasin this week, the slopes remain caked in a thick springlike surface...which would be fine for April, not February. Regardless, our 25 NASJA-West attendees are gathering stories about the other splendors of the area. Earl's lodge is an elegant yet casual headquarters at Snowbasin featuring among other things, the most comfortable bathrooms found anywhere. As a resort in the Sun Valley family, it figures to be the height of upscale comfort. The lift system is terrific, runs and terrain superb, and other aspects of the resort are top notch. If only Winter would return...before we have to depart this spectacular area this weekend