Skiing in the West Castle Valley

We skied a steep north facing line from upper tree-line elevation to valley bottom. Surface crust was widespread at valley bottom and found up to approx 1600 m on northerly aspects (no obs from other aspects). We observed isolated surface hoar in sheltered northerly areas around 1700-1800m. Ski quality was wind affected in open areas at higher elevations, and improved once we got just below treeline.