So Gore Viper... we were in the same line..and maybe it did open after 8:30 but I walked out of the lodge at about 8:25, talked to a couple of folks on the deck and then got in the line and waited no more than 5 minutes before getting on the gondola...if you consider that opening late..so be it. As for the grass.. yup it was there and I skied through it. I also read the announcement they gave to everyone regarding conditions and considered not going, but once I skied I was glad I did. By mid day...which Mr GOREVIPER you apparently didn't stick around for, the skiing improved dramatically. oh well..different strokes for different folks.. i was just glad to be out there. I've skied Gore a long long time, and think they did a great job considering tough weather conditions all last week. if you'll read what I wrote before viper, I wasn't apologizing for the crew, I simply stated what a couple of them had told me. oh well.. i'll start the season out happy I was there, made some turns, didn't rip my edges out and had a fun day in the sun.. I'll leave the complaining to you.