Paedde’s US Snow Safari 2006 – Trip Report and Pics
Day 1 - Travel
Flight from Zurich to LA and from LA to Lax Vegas
Snow forecast up north is still very promising and not good at all for Mammoth and Lake Tahoe.
What should I do it’s too far to Jackson but then again I need an urgent relief from SDS.
Day 2 – Travel
Go up at 7 and checked the forecast again. Still a lot of snow for Jackson Hole and any other resorts up north.
It’s an 1120 km drive and will take about 11 to 12h. It took me about half an hour to decide to skip my plans for Mammoth and instead of that just start driving towards Jackson. I thought about driving past SLC and drive right to the resort tomorrow morning and ski half a day. But after 11h I arrive in Jackson.
Tomorrow skiing with Mark102
Day 3 – Powder Skiing at Jackson Hole
A good start – First day of skiing and it was a powder day
Official report 6” on top and 4” at the base.
First run towards Cody Bowl and all the way down in Rock Springs Bowl. Some runs along the Gondola followed by Cody Bowl.
Boot to knee deep powder all day. Occasionally even more then that. We could find untracked spots even at the end of the day. Due to the mild temperatures the snow became quite heavy and especially the lower mountain turned into some kind of Sierra Cement.
Lot’s of snow in the forecast for the next few days.
Some pics:
http://community.webshots.com/album/265445674LRYYSqDay 4 – Powder Skiing at Jackson Hole
Another powder day
12” reported and it was for sure more in places especially on the top of the mountain.
When we arrive just before 8:30 at the tram there was already a huge line and we decide to take the gondola. Nevertheless we had to wait till the opening at 9am. I just don’t know how all the locals can take the day or at least half a day off to enjoy every single powder day. They got so many since New Year.
Great boot to mainly knee deep powder in the morning. Tested my new fat skies and I’m very happy.
After about lunch time the lower part of the mountain turned once again into sierra cement. We had mild temperature and sunshine almost all day.
Mark already posted the pics in his tread but I post them anyway:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/markv1986/RIMG0031.jpghttp://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/markv1986/RIMG0023.jpghttp://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/markv1986/P1310008.jpghttp://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/markv1986/P1310015.jpgDay 5 – Powder Skiing at Jackson Hole
Yes another powder day.
Not as good as yesterday but still boot to knee deep powder.
Official report was only 3” at 6am but it didn’t stop snowing till about 2pm and the conditions improved by the hour. We found a lot of untracked and tracked deep powder inbounds and out of bounds.
For the first time we got the 1st Tram. For once the locals had to work and for sure after about 20 powder days since Christmas they are spoiled. Still a lot of people on the mountain but the powder competition was not as big as yesterday.
Still more snow in the forecast till Sunday and after this it looks like a dry week ahead.
Some pics as always:
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=2832410&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=2832386&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=2832494&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=2832366&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=2832370&size=3Day 6 Powder Skiing Grand Targhee
And another powder day!
Official report mentioned now new snow since lifts closed and only about 3” within 24h. We didn’t expect too much and as always Grand Foggy upheld its reputation.
For the top it was not easy to find your way to the trees but from there we got once again boot to knee deep powder. Amazing considering that there was now new snow over night. A bit later the fog disappeared and we finally could see the whole mountain and all the untracked powder from yesterday. We had so much fun and the snow quality was even better then at Jackson. After lunchtime we went to the very left side of the resort and again untracked, light tracked and tracked powder all afternoon.
As I mentioned last year this resort need fresh powder to keep me happy and busy. Once again this was the case and I would ski it again anytime on a powder day.
Did I mention the non existing lines all day….
Day 7 Powder Skiing Jackson Hole Day
Yet another powder day!
Offical report 5” but sure as always this was only half the true. We made it to the second tram and from the top we went right away into Rock Spring Bowl. First Tracks for the upper part of the mountain in boot to knee deep powder.
All day long we enjoyed great powder and only the very strong wind created some trouble. Around lunchtime more then half the resort has been shut down. Thunder, Sublette, Tram, Rendez Vous down due to wind. Around 2pm the situation improved and we could continue to enjoy the great day.
Once again I can believe how many local can just take the day off to enjoy the powder. The lines where just too long all day. At least 10min at the Thunder, 3 to 4 trams etc. For sure with the amazing snow pack Jackson is for sure one of the best resorts but it is too busy and the U$ 70 day pass is by far to expensive considering the time you spend waiting for the tram or the gondola.
Tomorrow time to move to another place.
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4h drive on very icy roads at times.
Tomorrow Big Sky
Day 9 Powder Skiing Big Sky
Another great powder day!
Official report 4” but as always it was more then that. Boot deep powder all day long. Even at the end of the day we found lots of light tracked and untracked powder. Considering it was a Sunday this resort was deserted. No lines all day with the exception of the tram where we had to wait 25min.
We spend all morning in the area of the “Challenger Chair” and after lunch we went to the Peak of Lone Mountain. Just before the lifts closed we made it to the “Andesite Mountain” and had one run down to the “Thunder Wolf Chair”
One day is for sure not enough to rate this resort but its good enough to have a first impression. Without the Lone Mountain Tram there isn’t much to be excited about. There are some black and double black runs but I think only the tram can make this mountain interesting for experts. On the other side this resorts is highly recommended for beginner and intermediate skier and boarder. We didn’t ski Moonlight yet but even without this it will keep you busy for some days.
Tomorrow we are going to Moonlight.
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Been there – done that.
1
No new snow overnight.
We got some a discounted day pass of only U$ 28 (usually 40). It was very windy and very cold on the lower part of the mountain. Right after the first run we didn’t really like the resort. Lot’s of flat stuff as well as lot’s of trees where you can’t ski. It was so cold that we had to have a break after just one hour. After few more runs lunch break followed by two more rides to the very top and back to Bozeman. If you buy the Lone Peak Pass which is U$ 78 you can ski Big Sky and Moonlight but this is by far too expensive considering the time you spend to get from Moonlight Base to the Peak incl. the waiting time at the tram. There’s some serious hiking from the top of Moonlight but conditions where just not good enough to do so.
Lines – they don’t even know what that means. Just not existing not on weekdays and not on weekends. According to some locals it’s just not possible to have any.
If I come back I would definitely ski Big Sky.
Day 11 Travel from Bozeman to Whitefish
5.5h easy drive
Tomorrow skiing Big Mountain
Day 12 Skiing Big Mountain Day 1
Not a real powder day but great skiing!
First we went right up to the top of the mountain and from there first run down “Elefants Graveyard” What a surprise to find some powder in there. Second run down “Bighorn” and even more powder. We had light tracked and tracked powder all day and even untracked powder at times.
This resort is much better then expected. Vast amount of tree skiing unfortunately some of it a bit tight. Steep to very steep gladed runs, cliffs, and wide open runs. Grooming to perfection all over the mountain.
A friend of mine complained about my “not so family friendly” report and that I should take that aspect more into account. Well I’ll try to do my best. This resort is for sure great for any kind of skier and boarder. Beginner and intermediates are going to find groomed runs as long as 5.3km.
It started to snow at 11am on the back side of the mountain and around 2pm in the village. Not the big dump we would like to have but with some luck an inch or two.
We did enjoy that day a lot and decided to stay longer then planned.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2905884&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2905866&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2905872&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2905876&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2905880&size=3Day 13 Skiing Big Mountain Day 2
Great skiing on a great mountain!
What scenery when there’s blue sky! It was breathtaking! We took it easy and had a lot of time to take some nice pictures. Just like yesterday we found light tracked and tracked powder almost all day. The grooming was once again 10 outta 10.
Just too bad that we didn’t go to “The Back 9” till about 3pm. Lots of untracked powder but not time to do it again.
We both like this mountain a lot. It’s too bad that only the upper part of the mountain is really challenging and you always have to use the long runs back to the base. It’s more like 1/3 great skiing and then 2/3 cruising on groomed runs.
No skiing tomorrow. Forecast for next week is looking good but eventually we have to drive back to SLC instead of going towards Mt. Baker.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912741&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912737&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912735&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912796&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912755&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912745&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2912820&size=3Day 14 Travel from Big Mountain to Schweitzer Mountain
Easy 4h drive on US 93, US2 and US95 (Note: Don’t take US56 stay on US2 west)
Day 15 Skiing Schweitzer Mountain Day1
What a big surprise!
We spend the first two hours inbounds and skied a few of the double blacks. Very good snow conditions considering there wasn’t any new snow for a week. Occasionally a few turns in powder but nothing to be to excited about. The weather and the view made it special anyway. Around 11am we decided to go backcountry and this decision turned the day into an excellent skiing day. Hard to believe but even after a week without new snow we found untracked and light tracked powder just behind he area boundaries. Boot deep and steep for the upper part followed by a short walk and some traversing. It was so good that we had to do it again and again. Already after the first time we knew that this was too good to leave the resort after just one day. Now guess what…. Tomorrow we are going to ski this backcountry part of the mountain all day long.
Mark already posted a few pics but they are too good not to add here as well.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2931934&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2931931&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2931943&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2931941&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2931939&size=3Day 16 Skiing Schweitzer Mountain Day2
Powder skiing 8 days after last new snow.
After yesterdays boot deep powder runs in the backcountry we knew exactly what do to today. For the very beginning we went back to the same spot and skied laps all day long. It takes one hours to do one lap. First untracked powder followed by a short traverse, a few minutes easy hiking, traverse again, powder turns, traverse and about a minute on a groomed run back to the chair. Sounds like a lot of work for powder turns but be assured if we had the time we would stay one more day and do it again and again.
Forecast for SLC is looking very good Wednesday till the end of the week. Now guess in which direction we are driving tomorrow.
No skiing next two days.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2941042&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2941032&size=3Day 17 Travel from Schweitzer Mountain to Idaho Falls
8.5h driving time. The first 3h where terrible on icy and snow covered roads.
We didn’t have the intention to drive to SLC in one day due to the forecast. Utah had no snow in the forecast but Jackson and Grand Targhee at least a few inches. We decided to stay in Idaho Falls, check the forecast at 6am and in case of 8”+ go to Targhee or Jackson for the day.
Day 18 Travel from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City
Only a few inches for Jackson and a trace for Grand Targhee. Not good enough to go there for the day.
3h driving time to SLC. Shopping, get discounted tickets and take it easy.
Tomorrow skiing. Decision based on 6am snow reports.
Day 19 Skiing Solitude – Powder but not a powder day
The few inches on the groomed runs where very nice. Other then that off piste skiing was dust on crust. No fun but the few peoples on the hill left enough snow on the groomed runs to keep us busy on day. Not bad at all and the non existing lines are just great. At 8:45 just 18 cars in the parking lot.
I got the same impression like last year. Great resort on a powder day.
Day 20 Powder skiing Snowbasin Day 1
Not epic but good
11” in 24h and 17” in 48h
We planned to ski Snowbird but yesterdays forecast was once again to optimistic for the Cottonwood resorts.
We expected and epic powder day but already the first run was far from being epic. Considering the low temperatures I have no explanation but this stuff was far from being light. The south facing runs had some light stuff to offer but you hit the old crust all the time. On all the other runs we didn’t feel the old crust but the snow was rather heavy and challenging to ski.
Compared with last year the resort seemed to be busier but we never had to wait at all.
Just like last year I really like this resort and there is still enough light tracked and untracked powder for tomorrow.
Today we had the pleasure to ski with endlessseaons and some locals. Too bad but I just can’t remember all the names they use on
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Even better then yesterday!
Another great powder day with no crowds. It was yesterday as well as today more busy then last year but this will probably be related to president’s weekend.
We started at the same spot where we stopped yesterday and it was even better. The snow was not as heavy and visibility just perfect. We did spend most of the day in the “Strawberry” area and got tracked, light tracked and untracked powder all day.
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Temple, Shopping, Sleeping….
Now new snow and president’s weekend.
It started to snow around 4pm and with some luck we should get up to 10” by tomorrow morning. Resort will depend on early bird forecast.
Day 23 Powder skiing Solitude
What a fantastic day!
7” over night and 11” in 24h. They forecasted another 4-8” till lunch time but we didn’t get more then one.
The whole resort was open right from the start. Due to Sunday and President’s weekend there where a few more cars in the parking lot.
Boot deep powder to start and after this it just became better and better. After a few runs we knew where to find the deepest and lightest powder and spend all day doing laps in Honeycomb. Boot and sometimes knee deep light powder made this day one of the best in a long time and for sure a special one for Mark. He had to leave today right after skiing. Not bad to have an almost epic powder day just before a 24h trip home. This remains me a lot about my last day last year.
Some pics with SDS warning!
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997936&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997947&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997940&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997925&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997927&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=2997951&size=3Day 24 Travel from Salt Lake City to Bozeman
420 miles and 6h net driving.
Easy drive only around Yellowstone a few icy sections.
Tomorrow Bridger or Big Sky. According to the forecast most probably not a powder day. If forecast is right I probably need to go towards Idaho on Wednesday right after skiing.
Day 25 Epic Powder Skiing Bridger Bowl Day 1
What can I say….. Eeeeeeeppppppiiiiiiiccccc, awesome, f%#ing unbelievable, not from this planet, skiing like in heaven and there isn’t any better then this.
9pm yesterday 8”
6am this morning 17”
7am 18”
9am 22”
11am 29”
5pm I don’t know but I’m sure it was more then 35” and sure more then 40” in places. Sometimes my poles which are 123cm where not long enough to hit the old crust.
I met a local guy Rodger from the “Barking Bear Forum” and he skied 2h with me to show me the mountain. Unfortunately he had to go to work after this.
The first runs where like heliskiing for U$ 39. I had to stop after every few turns just to get air and make sure not to fall of a cliff or hit a tree. Don’t ask me how many faceshots I got today. I was more like a permanent shot all the way down for the first half of the day and after this not a single run without a dozent shot. This is probably as light as snow can be. It snowed so hard that you could ski the same lines again after a few hours. Yelling all over the mountain all day long. There wasn’t anyone who had anything to complain today. Not even the fact that ski patrol had to close the upper South as well as North Bowl due to avalanche risk. The Ridge was not open all day long. If they open the Ridge tomorrow it’s going to be chest deep.
The lift lines where not bad at all. About 5-10 min in the morning, around 5 at lunch time and less then 2min after 2pm. I just couldn’t stop skiing all day long which means 7h of non-stop fun.
What else can I say to a day like this? Eeeeeeeppppppiiiiiiiccccc, awesome, f%#ing unbelievable, not from this planet, skiing like in heaven and there isn’t any better then this.
Pics are not that great today. It was difficult due to the heavy snow the camera didn’t know on what to focus and on many other pics there was just snow and the guys covered in snow. In addition I just had no time to stop.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3012350&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3012343&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3012349&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3012347&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3012344&size=3Day 26 Powder Skiing Bridger Bowl Day 2
Yet another great powder day but with some “earn your turns”
Only 2” over night but 34” in 24h isn’t too bad at all.
All areas which have been open yesterday provided mainly tracked powder with occasional untracked areas in the trees. Still very good powder skiing but by far not as good as yesterday.
Due to this there wasn’t another way then start hiking around lunch time. This is probably the most frustrating hiking I’ve ever done. The hiking is going right along an existing Poma which used to be open years ago. Locals complained about having too many skiers on the ridge and the decided to use it for ski patrol only. It’s a steep way up and once in a while a ski patrol will pass you carrying a couple of skis so if you are very lucky you don’t need to carry your skis. Unfortunately today all the local took a snow day and started to hike like crazy. There where hundreds of guys going up to the ridge but even after lunch there were some untracked lines to be found. It was waist deep all the way down into North Bowl.
The lines today did almost match the once at the Jackson Hole Gondola. Up to 19min to get on the Bridger Chair. Even after lunch it was still about 10min.
A great resort to enjoy powder day and for sure a great resort for beginner, intermediate and advance skier. Without new snow I would probably not like it too much or only for a day.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3020078&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3020073&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3020092&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3020089&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3020085&size=3Day 27 Travel and Powder day at Montana Snowbowl
Hard to believe but yes I got another great powder day.
At 6am I checked all snow reports of any resort within 4h driving and only Montana Snowbowl reported 6”. This resort is on my way west and therefore I decided to drive there and start skiing a bit later then usually. After 210 miles and just under 3h I arrived at the resort. Easy driving along I-90 and terrible driving up to the mountain. Very icy road for the last 4 miles.
First big surprise was the parking lot. At 10:45 only a few hundred cars and I could already see that there was almost nobody on the chair.
Tickets are U$ 34
During the first ride on the chair I got the impression that there was not a good base but this changed half way up. I also had to change my mind regarding the size of the resort. The trail map makes it much smaller then it really is. In fact this resort will keep you busy for days especially with new snow and if you like tree skiing a lot.
Now the best part: Boot and knee deep untracked and light tracked powder for the rest of the day. Hard to believe but without any hiking I got amazing tree skiing and even some faceshots. After the first 3 runs I met Scott a local guy. He invited me to a private tour and showed me the nice untracked stuff. Thanks for that!
Now a word to the lines. Always right to the chair not even one chair all day. How good is this compared with yesterday’s 19min line….
Unfortunately no actions pics today but a few to show the nice powder in the trees.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3026328&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3026326&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3026324&size=3Day 28 Powder day at Montana Snowbowl
With 4” over night the Snowbowl got the most snow in the area. Together with the snow from the last 48h and the wind over night it should be a great powder day.
Today I got first chair thanks to “Volantaddict” from the “Barking Bear Forum”. He is one if this guys waiting in line for an hour before opening. When I arrived at the chair it was about 9:10 and only a dozen or two other guys where already waiting. By 9:30 a few more but still not bad at all.
The mountain was covered in light and untouched powder. The wind really did a great job. Boot and knee keep powder almost everywhere. Today the mountain got tracked a bit faster then yesterday. By late afternoon it was still possible to find untouched powder but not all the way down.
Another great day and for sure a mountain to ski again asap.
I should mention the après ski. There’s a bar at the base where all the locals meet right after skiing. Lot’s of beer and great conversation. A place where you can easily meet the always friendly locals.
No new snow in the forecast and my legs are killing me if I ski another day without a break.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3044350&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3044337&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3044398&size=3Day 29 Travel from Missoula to Seattle
6h 30min net driving. Easy drive with nice weather all the way. During adverse weather this trip could take much more time and with the mountain passes in between may even be impossible in one day.
I stopped for a coffee on the Lockout Pass which is 100miles and 1h 20’ from Missoula. The resort is right on the Idaho / Montana boarder. Looks like a nice family resort and not busy even on a weekend. I might be wrong because I could only see the base are. Day pass is U$23 weekdays and U$26 on weekends. If you travel from the west don’t forget that they are running the resort on Pacific Time.
Another ski resort on the way is “The Summit at Snoqualmie”
About 5 to 6 powder days in the forecast.
One pic which showed the base of “Lockout Pass Ski Resort”
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3044313&size=3Day 30 No skiing – Sightseeing Seattle
My legs defiantly need a day off. Only Mt. Baker reported 12”. I’m spoiled by the look of it. How can I possible take a day off with 12” of powder? Almost for sure it’s not the very light powder as temperatures hovering around freezing with a light inversion as well.
Day 31 No skiing – Rain and mixed precipitation for all resort
I checked the snow reports this morning but as forecasted nothing to be excited about. All resorts have light rain at least at the base some even all the way to the top. Temperatures will change over night and lots of snow in the forecast for the rest of the week.
There’s no way that I’m going to ski while it’s raining. I’ve done that once in Whistler.
I should actually drive all the way to Lake Tahoe. They expect 5 to 8 feet of snow over the next few days. But 13 or more hours of driving plus rain and snow all the way will make it more like two days of terrible and possible dangerous driving. I’ll stay in Seattle and check the forecast again tomorrow morning. It should be good up here as well. If not tomorrow latest on Wednesday.
Day 32 Travel from Seattle to Sacramento
I checked the snow report at 6am and once again no new snow and still mild temperatures.
Forecast was still very promising for Lake Tahoe and this made it a bit easier to put all my stuff in the car and start driving.
770 miles (1230km) and 13h (12h driving) later I arrived in Sacramento. Due to icy roads I didn’t go for US-89 especially not after driving for more then 10h. It was raining for the first 3h and after this just occasionally a few minutes.
Day 33 Travel from Sacramento to Mt. Rose and Skiing
Another 2h driving.
Mt. Rose got about 30” within the last 3 days. I expected great skiing especially in the chutes which have been closed since the beginning of the storm.
Now I need to split the report into Morning and Afternoon
Morning: Ordinary skiing on excellent groomed runs and variable off piste skiing. Mainly tracked powder of a “Sierra” kind of quality. Just nothing to be excided about. The chutes remained closed and at first I couldn’t understand why. After testing the off piste conditions all over the mountain I know why. They got a lot a mixed precipitation and for sure rain for quite some time. Together with the heavy wind this created big wind drifts with are anything between soft or rock hard. Unpredictable and dangerous. In addition they shoot some avalanches and the debris has to be terrible as well. Even the tree skiing was a challenge because even the thin branches of a tree are frozen to rock hard sticks.
Afternoon: Being very bored and with all the great runs being closed I had to find a way of keeping me busy. At home a “Closed” run means “not recommended” or “at your own risk” or “go there if you like to kill yourself”. How ever I decided to cross the rope towards the radio towers and give it a try. That was definitely the right thing to do. No idea why it was closed but I found untracked boot deep powder on the upper part. Good enough to do it again and again. Just once a ski patrol tried to get me but I could hide behind some trees. I wasn’t the only one but for sure not more then two dozen’s all afternoon.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=3069726&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=3069721&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=130997&pid=3069735&size=3Day 34 Great start and it became even better. Powder skiing Sierra at Tahoe
At 6am all resorts had a few inches of new snow but nothing to make any decision easier. Forecast looked good but with heavy wind on the mountain top (up to 100miles/h) I had to make sure to go to a resort which usually is not or not too much affected by the wind.
Homewood or Sierra (are there any others?)
By the time they opened the resort about 10” and it didn’t stop snowing all day long. Not the light Montana or Utah powder but still much better then the so called Sierra Cement. It was a blast. Nobody on the mountain. Even after 2h I could ski along the chair line and had untracked powder. Almost too good to be true. From lunch time till the end of the day I skied the trees mainly skiers right of the “Grandview Express” The left side gets tracked a bit faster but on the right side I could find boot to knee deep powder. Great light stuff with occasional face shots.
It was the first day for me at this resort. Looks like a great family resort with some stuff to keep advanced and experts busy for a day. No double blacks but who cares on a powder day. A few flat spots but not too bad at all. Now to the long lines. I just can’t stand the max. 1 min. lines…. Once I had to wait for 2.5 minutes but this was related to a nervous break down of the chair for about 2 minutes. According to some locals it usually is a nightmare on weekends.
I tried to get some action shots but no matter how hard I tried I could not find any other guys in the trees at the same time or find anyone on the chair to ski with. Mainly intermediate skiers on the mountain.
Anyway at least a few pics
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3069965&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3069960&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3069960&size=3Day 35 Epic Powder skiing at Sierra at Tahoe
Day pass U$ 59
Gas U$ 5
Heliskiing for the price of a day pass ---- priceless
Official report 12” but don’t ask me where they found this little amount of snow. The least I could find was about 2 feet and more like 3 feet for almost all areas.
Insane, awesome, breathtaking, unbelievable, freaking unbelievable, skiing like in heaven.
What else can I say to knee and waist deep powder all day long? I didn’t stop snowing till 4pm and many tracks got covered again during the day. I stopped counting the faceshots after about 1 minute. That was right at the point when the first one stopped. Bottomless very light powder every single run. Just to mention it again: It was very light powder and not at all Sierra Cement. People where talking about Utah and Montana kind of stuff and I have to agree.
Once again the powder competition was very little. A few more skiers on the mountain then yesterday but not before lunch time. They closed the road for some time after a small slide and some guys who could not make it to Kirkwood (both directions closed for some time) changed there plans.
I met David from San Francisco and got some action pics. Not many but a least some prove for the epic powder day.
Today’s rating: Best so far! Just before the epic day at Bridger Bowl.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3074192&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3074188&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3074189&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3074190&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3074191&size=3Day 36 Epic Powder at Kirkwood
24h 24”
Storm total 80”
Although Kirkwood is not the most recommended resort on a weekend-powder-day I had to go there after reading the snow report.
They got the most snow since lifts closed yesterday any many areas have been closed for some time.
With good road conditions it will take you 45min from Heavenly but today it was more like 90min. Icy roads, chains required (except for 4x4) and hundreds of cars going the same way. I prepared myself for a day of endless lines and little skiing but it came completely different.
The lines seemed to be kinda long but still not as bad as I expect. < 5min taking the singles line otherwise a few more minutes. Only once I had to wait about 10min. That’s not bad at all considering a great powder day on a weekend. I had to wait longer at Jackson and many other resorts even on a weekday.
Now a few words regarding today’s quality of skiing. EEEEEEEPPPPPPPIIIIIIICCCC, dddddeeeeeeeeeeeppppp, freaking unbelievable, at least knee deep but more like waist deep. They opened the mountain step by step and some areas did not open since the beginning of the storm. I got stuck a few times due to snow almost up to my chest.
And now the best part of todays report. Second time on the chair I met a ski patrol. As usual he asked me how I like the conditions and bla bla bla…. The standard conversion till I told him that I’m from Switzerland and that I wouldn’t mind to get a few hints where to go especially in the afternoon. He gave me more then that. “Too good that this f*%&ing slow chair takes 11min” He actually told me where to be at what time and which way down I should take. How great is that: To be at the right spot right on time for the opening. It was insane. How funny to stay on top of Eagle Bowl together with about 150 other guys waiting for the “go” from the ski patrol. I have never seen a run getting tracked within 2 minutes. It was so much fun to be right in the middle of all the yelling - you could almost feel the joy and happiness of the guys around you.
Dear Ski Patrol, just in case you read that I would like to say Thank you!! for making this day even better. Should you ever ski in Switzerland I’ll make sure to show you around and show you the local secrets!
More snow on the way Sunday evening all the way through Friday. I think I’ll stay in the area and skip Mammoth. Forecast for South Lake Tahoe up to 200 cm till Friday.
Pics to keep you guys happy:
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078403&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078389&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078391&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078394&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078397&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3078400&size=3Day 37 Day off and waiting for the next storm
Getting ready for the next powder days. Sleep, relax, shopping, Starbucks coffee, washing and so on.
I had to get new goggles. The old once are a piece of crap and used a lot. Did I mention that I used my sun glasses only an hour so far…. I just hope I will never have to use them at least till 22nd of March and back home I wouldn’t mind to get some more powder.
Day 38 More powder at Sierra at Tahoe
6” reported but it was once again more. Boot deep all day and occasionally even knee deep.
I arrive at the chair at 8:57 and still got onto the 5th chair. How nice and it didn’t change a lot all day. Usually right to the chair and twice about a 1 minute line. Just like last week a lot of intermediate and advanced skiers but almost no powder hounds.
I did expect heavy snow all day but it didn’t start till 2pm. Still it was a great powder day. On a day like this I highly recommend to ski west bowl for an hour or two first in the morning. Grooming to perfection with about 10-12” of new snow on top. After all of this stuff is tracked there is still plenty of time to hit the trees and the more challenging stuff.
Sierra was about the only option I had. US-89 north was closed due to avalanche control, Kirkwood is too much affected by heavy wind and Heavenly got only an inch. I didn’t mind to ski Sierra again and now I’m even running on a season pass. Got it for U$ 139 – the deal of the year.
I need a personal photographer otherwise I will never get any new actions shots.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3093051&size=3West Bowl 10am
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3093056&size=31pm one minute hiking and got this untracked
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3093055&size=32pm in the back the tracked run.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3093053&size=3Day 39 Epic powder day at Sierra at Tahoe
14” reported and as always this was only half the true.
I got to the chair at 8:45 and was #9. At 8:57 they opened and only 41 guys waiting. No lines all day or lets say a minute or two at times due to some inefficient guys scanning the tickets. How 2 or 3 guys can be so slow is a mystery to me. Some locals got upset and complained about it in a rather loud way. It was better after this. Welcome to the US – it’s all about customer service.
To the conditions: Heliskiing! Deep powder on the groomed runs and knee deep powder in the trees. Not as light as last Friday but still much better then the standard Sierra stuff. Most of the locals couldn’t stop calling it Utah or Montana powder. I had to disagree and explain the difference between occasional face shots and the need of a snorkel.
The weather: light snow, heavy snow, fog, sunshine, light snow, heavy snow, fog, wind, dumping and sunshine again. It changed within minutes or even from the base to the top.
Personal photographer had another day off but anyway a few pics.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3099731&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3099761&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3099751&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3099756&size=3Day 40 Epic powder – Backcountry Alpine Meadows
Epic but earn your turns!
No resort reported any snow over night but Squaw, Alpine and Kirkwood got up to 24” in 24h. After reading my last years report a decided to ski Alpine and explore the areas which had icy conditions last year. First right up to the top of Summit Six. I could see that most areas are tracked and it didn’t look good to get another powder day. In this case rule # 11 is important. “Watch the locals”. They all started hiking right away and so did I.
The result is better then I could ever imagine. Untouched powder from top all the way down to the chair. Light boot to knee deep powder and even faceshots at times. Thanks to the very few people on the mountain it remained almost untracked all day. The hiking is not bad at all for what you get. There is so much more to track that it will last for at least one more day but more likely two.
Pics will tell the rest of today’s powder skiing:
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103903&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103917&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103905&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103906&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103911&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103908&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103914&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103910&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103913&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=140210&pid=3103915&size=3Day 41 Powder day Alpine Meadows Day 2
But not from the very beginning.
All other Tahoe resorts reported 1-4” only Alpine had 7-10”. Strange but after my experience with the “BridgerBowl Cloud” I had to believe it.
When I arrived at the resort it didn’t look promising at all. Almost no new snow in the parking lot, poor visibility, heavy wind and heavy snow.
First ride on the summit six didn’t look any better. I just don’t know where these guys found the 7-10”. Very heavy wind on top and white out conditions at times. Variable conditions on and off piste. Deep to nothing within one turn. I checked Scott Peak next and not much better. From there to High Yellow Peak and down Sherwood Face. Better especially in the trees where I could find boot deep powder but still nothing to be very happy about. Next run right from the top to Sherwood towards the base of Lakeview chair. Already very good deep powder but the long traverse back was not worth it.
I almost called it a day at 11am when I decided to have a lunch break and try again. It was dumping and this could improve the situation. That was the best I could do because now the best part of the day starts. The weather improved a little bit sometimes we even go sunshine for a few minutes. From the top of summit six I went towards the very right side of the resort. What a blast. Boot and sometimes almost knee deep powder from top to bottom. No powder completion at all. Parking lot almost empty. With 5min hiking and some traversing I got absolutely untouched powder every single time. Deep and light. I meet Mathieu a local guy and he had just as much fun as I had.
Some pics as always the last one will show you how much fun it was (Thanks Mathieu!)
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3109679&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3109664&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3109670&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3109675&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3109677&size=3Day 42 Epic Powder day Sierra at Tahoe (5th day)
It’s official: The trip of a lifetime!!
Over two feet of new snow over night and even more in 24h.
What else can I say? I was deep, awesome, breathtaking, unbelievable, and so on.
Once again heliskiing conditions but this time for free (season pass)
Light and fluffy top to bottom not at all Sierra stuff more like the best Utah has to offer. Constant faceshots, knee to waist deep, bottomless and almost no powder competition.
It was busier then usual but still not bad a all. Even at 2pm it was easy to find untracked stuff except of the very top part.
More snow in the forecast but it’s going to be busy on the weekend.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3113449&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3113450&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3113451&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3113448&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3113447&size=3Day 43 Powder day but I’m sick
I’ve got an upset stomach over night. Not that I wouldn’t get any runs in today but they are more like Bedroom to Bathroom. Not very challenging. Flat like a beginner area but tiring.
I’m sure Kirkwood, Homewood or Alpine have awesome conditions. Other resorts as well but on a weekend I would choice between these resorts.
It’s now 10am and I’m better already but absolutely not power to go skiing.
Next weeks forecast is driving me crazy. Should I stay here, go for a day or two to Mammoth and come back or should I got towards Mt. Bachelor.
Only 10 days to go.
Day 44 Recovery
Only Sierra got some decent snow over night and this resort is a zoo on weekends. Up to 30min lines according to locals.
In addition I need another day to be in good shape again. By tomorrow I’m ready for more powder. Not sure if there will be enough but it’s going to be a partly day. Anything between 5 and 12” is possible.
Decided to stay at Lake Tahoe for a few more days maybe even till next Sunday. After this either to SLC for a few days or Mammoth for the big final of my trip.
Now the best part of today’s report: Forecast for Tuesday changed from light snow to heavy snow. 1 to 3 feet on the way.
Day 45 Powder day at Alpine Meadows Day 3
Not too good at first but then….
North Lake Tahoe got a few more inches then the south part. Alpine reported 9-12”.
Just like last Friday I could not find the reported amount at first. It was more like 0-12” rather heavy and wind affected stuff. Each turn was different and my first run from “Summit Six” down “Waterfall” didn’t even fulfil the “PowderDay” requisites. I know I’m spoiled but if you have to watch every single turn not knowing if you make it on ice or knee deep wind drifts is not good enough. There was no other way then to go for a quick mountain tour to find to goodies.
2nd run Scott Chute still not good enough
3rd run along Lakeview Chair already nice but not steep enough
4th run South Face and yes that was what we are all taking about. Boot deep powder
5th run South Face again more towards Big Bend Bowl and that was the best I could find. Boot to knee deep, some faceshots and no old crust at all.
Unfortunately I was not the only one to find the best stuff. I have never seen so many guys on this side of the mountain at least not on a weekday. No lines at the new high speed quad (was a slow one last year) but it got tracked within just over 2h. I had to try one of my favourite spots called Sherwood Cliffs and Hidden Knolls which was sweet and deep as well. Back on the top of “Summit Six” it went for a little hike on High Traverse and this was the end of the day. After this easy and short hike is was so exhausted that I had to call it a day right after a nice run down “CB Chute” and one more down Hidden Knolls. I just didn’t recover and felt sick again.
I’m already better and I should be ok by tomorrow morning. Could be the next epic day.
Nice but not steep enough
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3129232&size=3Boot deep and nice
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3129229&size=3Nice as well
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3129230&size=3The real thing
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3129231&size=3Day 46 “Epic” Powder day at Homewood
8 outta 10
This morning the decision was not too difficult.
Road to Kirkwood closed due to white out
Road to Sierra closed due to avalanche control for unknown time
Alpine lifts many on wind hold
Mt. Rose reported only 8” and I expected the chutes to be closed + wind
Homewood reported at 7am 10” at the base and 20” on top. After a very slow and annoying drive along US 50 and 28 (89 closed for almost 2 weeks now) I arrive at 9:30 at the base. Less then 50 cars and 2 feet of new snow let me forget about the drive. I went to Ellis at first and had about 2 to 3 feet of light snow all the way down. Now why only 8 outta 10. Short and steep enough on top followed by rather flat stuff too flat for this amount of snow. Then after a few minutes of fun an endless ride on a long and extremely slow chair. Next into Hobbit Land where the snow was 3 to 4 feet deep. Almost too deep.
I had to find something better with less time on the chair. Quail Chair was the choice and that was really much better. From the top down Drainpipe, short traverse and then Double Trouble. Absolutely fantastic. Waist deep and just like on the whole mountain nobody there. I had first tracks along the chair at 10:30! I had to do it again and again for the next few hours. The mountain was so deserted that I once had the whole run and chair for about 45min to myself. At least I couldn’t see anyone else. This was also a problem. How can I possible get any pic if there is nobody?
Till 1pm I never had anyone on the same chair but then finally I met Jay. He had only and hour to go but was interested to ski together and he even had a camera. I hope the get the pics soon.
As I said this mountain is not really my piece of cake. Too flat, too slow and the limited vertical. On the good side the not existing powder competition. Without the negative aspects this day would have been 10 outta 10 and real EPIC.
Instead of a video I took some continues shots (Well done Jay!)
1st Scene
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134073&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134067&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134068&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134069&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134071&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134072&size=32nd Scene
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134085&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134074&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134076&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134077&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3134080&size=3Day 47 Powder day at Alpine Meadows Day 4
7 outta 10
Today’s decision was based on yesterdays wind hold and 15-21” in 24h. Storm Total 28-38”
Another great powder day but first I almost had a nervous break down while driving from Heavenly to Alpine. First it was once again snow coverage and icy all the way which made some guys driving like they have never seen snow before. After about an hour at Incline Village one of the very slow snow removal trucks was in front of us driving with about 15miles/h all the way to Tahoe City. It took another hour! For heavens shake how could this guy never let the entire 276 cars behind him pass?
Therefore the day started an hour late. Quite a lot of cars in the parking lot and the most obvious stuff already tracked. Most likely yesterday summit six was not closed all day. Hiking and backcountry 100% open and this promised a lot of good stuff on the backside.
Boot to knee deep occasionally a little bit affected by the wind. Bluebird day and not a lot of competition as soon as it was all about “earn your turns”. Ski patrol performed some serious avalanche control but it had to happen. One guy jumped down a cornice and triggered a slide. Nothing happened but to be sure I took my avalanche transceiver and check for any signal. Now the thing I don’t get. There where at least 15 guys within the range of my transceiver but nothing. In addition there was not even one guy having any other safety equipment like a shovel or a probe. This is not the first time that I checked for a signal. I think California is so far the spot with the most careless backcountry skiers I have experience. I tried the same thing at Jackson Hole and my transceiver went almost crazy.
After 12:30 the next storm approached very fast and by 1pm ski patrol started to close the hiking and backcountry step by step.
http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138351&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138353&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138354&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138352&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138361&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138359&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138357&size=3http://www.gfoto.com/GetUserPic.asp?uid=A0EC77DA85E44956876D61B8CA620CFF&alid=150584&pid=3138350&size=3Day 48 No powder over night – no skiing
Yes I know I could have gone skiing today but after checking today’s snow reports at 6am I decided to take it easy or let’s say sleep for another hour or two. No new snow within the last 24h at any Tahoe resort.
Yes I know and I can hear you saying:
He is so spoiled……
Yes, you are right
I’m spoiled
and even more important:
I’m so addicted to powder
1 to 3 feet in the forecast from tonight till Saturday noon. Could be even more.
Day 49 Powder day at Sierra at Taho
Thema: Reisebericht und Bilder US Snow Safari Januar – März 2006 (Gelesen 21240 mal)