the mountain i rode with was much smaller, and i learned about a parking lot that was all the way at the end of the road on the resort (until i learned about a separate access road entrance, both of which were open for the public but not well marked) that was mid mountain on the back (side?) face - which just coincidentally had higher elevation (about 1k ft). there were no après services on that side of the mountain at the time, so it regularly was much less crowded. better conditions, better terrain (the only natural snow areas at the resort - including glades - but weren't always opened), so that's where i spent my time. and damn was it a good time. i eventually got in the habit of getting there early enough for firsties. being able to start and finish the day riding (from the car in the am and to it in the afternoon) were a nice bonus.
