We went to Zoa Peak on Dec 29 for the intro to backcountry skiing. Overall, conditions were better than expected with light snow precipitation all day Sunday. Lots of evidence of the strong melt-freeze cycle on Friday Dec 27, with rain turning to snow during the storm. Up to 1cm ice layer was burried by about 15cm of fresh snow. Winds were strong on Sunday and were cross-loading the N and NE slopes, resulting in variable conditions: wind-scoured on the crest of features and fairly good snow in the depressions. A burried weakness at around 30cm (CTH26, no obvious facets) wasn't reactive. Everyone had a great time!