Skiing/riding 2015-2016

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
I'm hoping for a much better season than last year. I managed to get in a ton of ski days, mostly because my oldest kid started racing, but the conditions were pretty pathetic all year.
Mammoth opened a few days ago, and I'm hoping to go up in the next week or so. Even the local LA areas are making snow in anticipation of some El Nino coverage.
Anyone have big plans? I'd usually be thinking about where to go in Canada or Utah by now, but I may stay in California if this year starts shaping up like 97-98.
 

FlexFlexerson

Member
SoSH Member
I'm a fairly big skier. Live in Colorado, west of Denver so I'm right in the mountains. In the past, my job allowed me to ski a lot (100+ days a year, with a season that typically goes from mid-October into June). A new job and I won't be hitting those kinds of numbers again, but I'll be a pretty solid weekend warrior. Also crossing my fingers for some snow out in Cali as I'll be taking a ski trip out to Tahoe around the 1st of the year. Probably will do at least one more trip around, and just see where the snow falls this year.

I've never been to Mammoth, would love to give that a shot on some trip or another.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
100+ days is a ton of skiing. I've never hit that.
Mammoth is a pain to get to but is an amazing place, particularly midweek when you have the infrastructure for huge weekend crowds and no one is there. The only negative is that the snow arrives in a relatively small number of massive storms, so if you can't stormchase, you wind up with a lot of bluebird groomer days.
The terrain is great--feel free to message me if you want info on the best steeps.
 

FlexFlexerson

Member
SoSH Member
Definitely! Despite being able to ski less, the opportunity is there for some stormchasing so, again, fingers crossed the El Nino delivers the goods. Same is true in reverse, drop me a line if you're skiing in Colorado, if it's one of the Central Mountain area (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, etc.) I can probably recommend some good routes.

Always love chatting with a fellow skier. :cool:
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Going to the annual Warren Miller show tonight - getting primed for a Banff trip over MLK
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
The local LA areas at Big Bear opened today. Will head up tomorrow to get some turns in and try to get to what looks like great early conditions at Mammoth next week. All hail El Niño.
 

Gdiguy

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
6,233
San Diego, CA
I'd definitely be interested to hear more about Mammoth - we moved down to San Diego from the Bay Area a couple years ago, and I've been missing Tahoe. Do you think Mammoth's worth the drive from SD, or should I just be thinking of flying somewhere instead? (I've always heard I should go to Whistler...)
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
I'd definitely be interested to hear more about Mammoth - we moved down to San Diego from the Bay Area a couple years ago, and I've been missing Tahoe. Do you think Mammoth's worth the drive from SD, or should I just be thinking of flying somewhere instead? (I've always heard I should go to Whistler...)
I've skied everywhere in North America, and think Mammoth is easily in the top 5 or 10 in terms of skiing/riding. Whistler is fantastic, but El Niño will likely mean less snow for Canada and lots at Mammoth.
No one from the Bay Area goes there because it requires driving by the entrance to at least one Tahoe resort and then driving another 3 hours south. But from San Diego it's an easy, snowless (except the last 20 min) six hour drive.
Mammoth has great steeps, good trees, and more/better snow then Tahoe since it is at a higher elevation. Weekends are crowded but weekdays are empty. Storms typically drop lots of snow (10+ feet at times) with hurricane force winds, while in between storms it is clear and warm (which is good and bad).
I like the town but it is not in the same class as whistler or big Colorado resorts.
Feel free to hit me up with any specific questions.
 

Sausage in Section 17

Poker Champ
SoSH Member
Mar 17, 2004
2,087
Opening Day with the kids at Silver Star today in the BC interior. Solid early season conditions and a sunny day made for a nice warm up to. El Nino usually doesn't favor BC, but it can be a little hard to predict. Revelstoke doesn't open until next weekend, and is already reporting a 4 foot base.
 

VORP Speed

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,633
Ground Zero
I'm going to be in Zermatt this coming week. Still very early season, looks like only the upper elevations and the glacier open. Never been to ski/ride in the Alps before.
 

fairlee76

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 9, 2005
3,631
jp
I'd definitely be interested to hear more about Mammoth - we moved down to San Diego from the Bay Area a couple years ago, and I've been missing Tahoe. Do you think Mammoth's worth the drive from SD, or should I just be thinking of flying somewhere instead? (I've always heard I should go to Whistler...)
I'll echo what GoJeff has to say about Mammoth. Absolutely worth the drive from SD and I can only think of a handful of mountains I would rather ski, assuming decent snow conditions. The town is pretty quiet but I find that to be almost a good thing. Puts the focus on skiing and resting and makes for non-hungover mornings.

My big trip this year is going to include a tour of a few of the mountains on the Mountain Collective pass. Probably take 2 weeks and do a big loop from Taos to Mammoth to Squaw to Alta to Jackson to Sun Valley. Just thinking about combining a two week road trip with skiing at those resorts gets me fired up. Lucky to have family in Grand Junction, CO so will likely get a few days in out there as well. Powderhorn is their local mountain and it's decent. And they are a reasonable drive from both Aspen and Telluride.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Up at Mammoth now and slopes are in great shape. Massive winds shut everything but the super low lifts today but the storm should bring over a foot tonight of really light snow. Excited for tomorrow.
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Where has the best snow right now? Or more accurately where will have the best snow in a few weeks?
 

FlexFlexerson

Member
SoSH Member
British Columbia has the best snow right now. Southern CO, NM and California are all very good as well.
I'll second that about southern Colorado. Wolf Creek is 100% open right now and they should be getting more (weird ski area though, for anyone looking to go to the region). My local areas - Colorado central mountains - are average/slightly below average right now but a good storm cycle could change that quickly.

I'm heading out to Tahoe over New Year's. Don't know if it'll be "good" exactly, but those resorts are already in better shape than the last few years so it'll be fun.
 

CheapSeats

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 17, 2011
393
This may be better suited for BLtS, but I'll ask here first:

The g/f and I are tossing around the idea of an impromptu NYE weekend at one of the up-and-running New England mountains (namely Killington, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Okemo). We've never done the ski and stay thing before, so I was wondering if there's anything to look out for. Are there ways to get better rates than each particular mountain's web reservation portal offers? Is it worth looking for hotels/motels near the mountains and staying there instead? Sunday River looked like $165/person/night to stay on-mountain, and we really have no frame of reference as to whether that is a decent price or not (quick calculations say we'd each be spending $159 each on 2-day lift tickets, anyways, so the lodging would be $171 per night for the both of us).

Any guidance by the more experienced ski-and-stayers would be appreciated.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
We ski Sunday River but do a rental for the winter so I don't know whether that rate is any good. I can tell you it's in much better skiing shape than Sugarloaf right now, not sure what Killington and Okemo are like. This past weekend it seemed like all of the college racers from New England were practicing at Sunday River, for whatever it's worth. If you go with Sunday River I'd suggest you check the places in town like the Sudbury Inn, Victoria Inn and Bethel Inn, all of which are on the mountain explorer shuttle line which takes you to the mountain and are likely to be a lot cheaper. Each are also walking distance to a bunch of bars and restaurants.
 

HriniakPosterChild

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 6, 2006
14,841
500 feet above Lake Sammammish
Any guidance by the more experienced ski-and-stayers would be appreciated.
In my experience, you are going to see "Super Bowl pricing" on lodging twice per season: Xmas school vacation and the week of Washington's Birthday.

In general, I just take the attitude with skiing that I'm going to hand over my credit card and be grateful for any money they leave for me. I'm old enough to remember the $10 lift ticket at Alta (cash only, and no multi day sales). Solitude was $5 midweek.

But we didn't have detachable high-speed lifts back then. We had rocks.
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Check AirBNB as well if you'll be driving up - might find some decent deals 10-15 min drive from the slopes.
 

Sausage in Section 17

Poker Champ
SoSH Member
Mar 17, 2004
2,087
Interior B.C. Ski report:

Some early season thaw/freeze dynamics resulted in a strong base. In the last 3-4 weeks we have had precipitation more days than not, and it has stayed cold up high, resulting in a nice, soft upper layer above that good base. Great conditions for mid-December, with everything covered, even off piste, and soft snow on top. Anything more than this and the powder meter will move from "Sweet" to "Epic".

It's shaping up to be a great year to visit B.C. to ski. Between the solid early season snow, and the recent record low C$, timing may never be better for you gringos south of the border. If you fly into Kelowna, you can drive or shuttle to Big White, Silver Star, or Apex within about an hour, and to Revelstoke in about 2. All these places currently are reporting base depths around 4-5 feet.
 

fairlee76

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 9, 2005
3,631
jp
This may be better suited for BLtS, but I'll ask here first:

The g/f and I are tossing around the idea of an impromptu NYE weekend at one of the up-and-running New England mountains (namely Killington, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Okemo). We've never done the ski and stay thing before, so I was wondering if there's anything to look out for. Are there ways to get better rates than each particular mountain's web reservation portal offers? Is it worth looking for hotels/motels near the mountains and staying there instead? Sunday River looked like $165/person/night to stay on-mountain, and we really have no frame of reference as to whether that is a decent price or not (quick calculations say we'd each be spending $159 each on 2-day lift tickets, anyways, so the lodging would be $171 per night for the both of us).

Any guidance by the more experienced ski-and-stayers would be appreciated.
I think you'll be hard-pressed to beat SR, both in terms of that deal (which I have done for similar trips a few times) and the conditions given the lack of natural snow so far this year. Pretty sure your lodging option at that price point will be the Snow Cap Inn. Solid little lodge with an outdoor hot tub.

Sugarbush has the Sugarbush Inn for a similar price point (https://www.inntopia.travel/ecomm/listings/supplierdetail/662777/?SalesId=662777&SupplierId=662952&ArrivalDate=12/30/2015&DepartureDate=01/03/2016&AdultCount=2&ChildCount=0&submit=&childagearray=&__utma=249890436.159369203.1447100615.1450796006.1450884534.12&__utmb=249890436.4.9.1450884542794&__utmc=249890436&__utmx=-&__utmz=249890436.1450884534.12.2.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=184958506) but I have never stayed there. It is a short drive from the slopes. And, in my opinion, SR kills Sugarbush when it comes to snowmaking and grooming. Not to mention the fact that due to its layout, Sugarbush is pretty miserable early season, when everyone is funneled onto one trail (Downspout) that doesn't do well with heavy traffic.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
I'm heading out to Tahoe over New Year's. Don't know if it'll be "good" exactly, but those resorts are already in better shape than the last few years so it'll be fun.
You should have a great trip. Just got back from Mammoth, which had tons of snow with more coming in. Our only problem was extremely high winds, which shut most of the mountain for five days. Cramming everyone onto 1/8th of the lifts led to some of the longest lines I've seen in my life.
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Heading to Sun Valley on Wednesday - apparently they are getting slammed with snow
 

Foxy42

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 1, 2002
3,655
nyc
Heading to Sunday River for three nights tomorrow. Good news is snow is on the way, however, I don't know if even a foot gets much more open terrain going. I'm worried that with the pre booked peak week crowd and very limited open trails (33), it will be one big traffic jam and slush by late morning each day.

As long as the kids enjoy their lessons on W and TH it's all good though.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Christmas day was actually really nice but Saturday and Sunday it was terrible, lots of bare patches. The temps have been cold enough to blow snow for the past two days so it should be in pretty decent shape by the time you get there. And they have been working really hard to make as much snow and open as much territory as possible. Should also get some decent snow tomorrow, drive safely on your way there.

South Ridge tends to be the most crowded spot on the mountain during vacation times. Barker will also be busy. Aurora and Jordan are usually the least crowded, especially during the middle part of the day. I don't think you'll see much in the way of lift lines anywhere, but there will be traffic on the trails. Two of my kids got wrecked by careless beginners this weekend at South Ridge.
 

Foxy42

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 1, 2002
3,655
nyc
Got back last night from 3 days at Sunday River. Good news was @ 10 inches fell Tuesday. Bad news was a peak week with a small % of terrain open meant very long lift lines, traffic and poor snow conditions by mid day. While that impacted my wife and I, my boys did 2 days of classes and the instructors were Awesome. Just Great. They are 4 and 6 and had a blast both days and made amazing progress. By the end of Day 2, they were skiing greens with my wife and I. The whole family skiing together may honestly be a top 3 family memory. We are now looking to find a way to get back up to Sunday River sometime in January.

Hopefully snow falls soon as base depths are the worst they've been in years for Jan 1.
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Good for you for making the best of the circumstances
 

crystalline

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 12, 2009
5,771
JP
I can vouch for the snow quality at Whistler. Quite a solid base for early season.
Great ski days recently- bluebird with nice snow. A lot of groomer runs, along with some routes in the higher bowls that had some powder still. The Blackcomb glacier was particularly nice and sunny with steeps leading down to it with some soft turns to be found. Alpine inversion had 0C above treeline and -10C at the base, so it might well be turning icy up top right now. Only wish I had made it out to Flute- the last bowl on the back on the Whistler side.

Had an amazing time. Clear views from up top of the whole valley, great terrain, good turns. Plus the strength of the USD is good for the pocketbook.

Wish we had time to head east. Inland BC is a great place. Cheers all and enjoy this year.
 

ernieshore

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 24, 2006
2,284
The Camel City
Went up to Mont Tremblant last week right after the big snow. The slopes on New Year's Day were pretty good and not that crowded (Dec 30th was packed), though visibility was a little tough. But it was an enjoyable place to hang out for a few days, especially since the wife doesn't ski.

And if you are 18-25ish, it also seemed like a place where you could have a real good time -- bit of a spring break type atmosphere, complete with bars, clubs, annoying drunk dudes, and girls dressed like it was Miami Beach.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Foxy - glad you had a great time. By the time you get back to Sunday River they'll have opened Dreammaker and T72, and they got Grand Rapids open this weekend as well so the conditions around south ridge should be significantly better throughout the day. We could sure use some more natural snow, but at least they've been making a lot with the temps finally cold enough to do it consistently.
 

HriniakPosterChild

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 6, 2006
14,841
500 feet above Lake Sammammish
I can vouch for the snow quality at Whistler. Quite a solid base for early season.
Great ski days recently- bluebird with nice snow. A lot of groomer runs, along with some routes in the higher bowls that had some powder still. The Blackcomb glacier was particularly nice and sunny with steeps leading down to it with some soft turns to be found. Alpine inversion had 0C above treeline and -10C at the base, so it might well be turning icy up top right now. Only wish I had made it out to Flute- the last bowl on the back on the Whistler side.

Had an amazing time. Clear views from up top of the whole valley, great terrain, good turns. Plus the strength of the USD is good for the pocketbook.

Wish we had time to head east. Inland BC is a great place. Cheers all and enjoy this year.
Crystal Mountain, Washington, has great cover. I was up last Tuesday for a day of sunshine and broken clouds.

Today I went up again and got just about everything besides sunshine. There was a bit of rain at the bottom in the morning that turned into a mixture with stingy sleet. By lunch it had all changed to snow, which kept going until my legs gave out at 3.

One trip up the Ranier Express was enough for me today. The visibility at the summit was awful, and the snow at the ridge line was coming at my face at what seemed like hurricane force. But the base is fantastic this year.
 

FlexFlexerson

Member
SoSH Member
You should have a great trip. Just got back from Mammoth, which had tons of snow with more coming in. Our only problem was extremely high winds, which shut most of the mountain for five days. Cramming everyone onto 1/8th of the lifts led to some of the longest lines I've seen in my life.
Got back today from Tahoe. As you predicted, fabulous trip. Timing wise was bad luck on paper (basically was there between storms) but the coverage was good and the snow was in great shape at the places I skied (Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood). Kirkwood is alwasys a great time, as is Heavenly, and I'd never been to Northstar before so it was interesting to check out their luxury program.

Winds mostly not a problem. Kirkwood had to shut down one of their lifts due to high winds but that was it. For anyone thinking of going, the skiing is great in Tahoe this season. High recommendation.
 

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Whats up with Banff area? Anyone been? They got a ton of snow in November and it looks like it's been pretty barren since then, with not a lot in the forecast? Even worth a trip from the east coast?
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Got back today from Tahoe. As you predicted, fabulous trip. Timing wise was bad luck on paper (basically was there between storms) but the coverage was good and the snow was in great shape at the places I skied (Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood). Kirkwood is alwasys a great time, as is Heavenly, and I'd never been to Northstar before so it was interesting to check out their luxury program.

Winds mostly not a problem. Kirkwood had to shut down one of their lifts due to high winds but that was it. For anyone thinking of going, the skiing is great in Tahoe this season. High recommendation.
Glad you hit it so well. California is getting hammered again this week, so it looks like conditions should stay very good for a while.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Whats up with Banff area? Anyone been? They got a ton of snow in November and it looks like it's been pretty barren since then, with not a lot in the forecast? Even worth a trip from the east coast?
Haven't been, but friends say it is just okay. If you stay close to Banff (lake louise, sunshine) I think it will be pretty rough. If you can venture a bit further, southern areas like Fernie and interior ones like Kicking Horse will be a bit better.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
Holy hell, I had no idea this thread existed! I'm heading to Steamboat and Winter Park on the Route 40 Pass (2 days at each) in mid-February. Since I basically only get 1 shot a season, I try to go once the base is solid then cross fingers and hope for storms. I've done a lot of the central CO mountains (Breck, A Basin, Vail, Beave, Aspen, Ajax, etc.), so I'm excited to see what the fuss is about up North. Next year I think Utah will be the move.
 

Sausage in Section 17

Poker Champ
SoSH Member
Mar 17, 2004
2,087
Whats up with Banff area? Anyone been? They got a ton of snow in November and it looks like it's been pretty barren since then, with not a lot in the forecast? Even worth a trip from the east coast?
I've skied at Sunshine and Lake Louise, and I'd say on the plus side: from a terrain perspective both are true big mountain experiences, with 3,000+ ft. vertical, big open bowls above treeline, and lots to explore with good options for any level skier. Lift lines by most American resort standards would typically be minimal. So you can get a lot of skiing done in not much time. The scenery is spectacular, especially at Sunshine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever skied, but a lot can depend on the weather.

Which leads to the cons: The Canadian Rockies can be cold, so much like places in the U.S. such as Jackson or Big Sky, you might find some days between December and February where highs are around or below zero, but at least cold usually means it will be clear. Because there are so many other ranges in B.C. that storms cross before they reach the Rockies, they do get less snow, though the cold often means the snow stays dry. Banff or Lake Louise are pretty much the only options for places to stay. Banff has a lot going on for shopping, dining, and other activities, but you are 20 minutes away from Sunshine and about 45 from Louise. So shuttling to ski whether by rental car or hotel van is a daily add on. Actually I just noticed that there is a lodge up on the mountain at Sunshine that is the only ski in/out at either area, but you'd have to be OK with having nowhere else to go after hours.

You can stay in Lake Louise and be close to the hill there, but then there are limited options for dining or nightlife. If you want to splurge, staying at either of the old C.P. hotels (now run by Fairmont), the Banff Springs, or the Chateau Lake Louise are a classic experience with so many comforts you won't be too worried about going anywhere else.

Overall, I'd say go if you want to do the "whole" experience of taking in the scenery, and maybe checking out other activities around Banff like snowshoeing, ice climbing, or lake skating. Strictly from a good snow and skiing perspective, there are definitely places to go where the snow and weather are more reliable. Looks like it's can't miss in most of the West this year. I'm not sure what the conditions are like in the Rockies now, but B.C. is almost as good as it gets. Go to Fernie, Revy, or Red and book a cat trip as the cherry on top.
 
Last edited:

DukeSox

absence hasn't made the heart grow fonder
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2005
11,742
Thanks man. Got a group who bought flights to Calgary a few months ago to hit Banff, might try to see what our options are with getting Air Canada credit for another time and finding a new spot.
 

Quintanariffic

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2002
5,141
The City of Studios
Holy hell, I had no idea this thread existed! I'm heading to Steamboat and Winter Park on the Route 40 Pass (2 days at each) in mid-February. Since I basically only get 1 shot a season, I try to go once the base is solid then cross fingers and hope for storms. I've done a lot of the central CO mountains (Breck, A Basin, Vail, Beave, Aspen, Ajax, etc.), so I'm excited to see what the fuss is about up North. Next year I think Utah will be the move.
I was up at Stamboat over the holiday. Not sure what sort of terrain you're into, but there was great coverage with everything wide open from the cruisers to the steeps and into the trees. Looks like they just got some more and, absent a major mid-winter drought, should be in good shape.
 

Quintanariffic

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2002
5,141
The City of Studios
I've skied at Sunshine and Lake Louise, and I'd say on the plus side: from a terrain perspective both are true big mountain experiences, with 3,000+ ft. vertical, big open bowls above treeline, and lots to explore with good options for any level skier. Lift lines by most American resort standards would typically be minimal. So you can get a lot of skiing done in not much time. The scenery is spectacular, especially at Sunshine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever skied, but a lot can depend on the weather.

Which leads to the cons: The Canadian Rockies can be cold, so much like places in the U.S. such as Jackson or Big Sky, you might find some days between December and February where highs are around or below zero, but at least cold usually means it will be clear. Because there are so many other ranges in B.C. that storms cross before they reach the Rockies, they do get less snow, though the cold often means the snow stays dry. Banff or Lake Louise are pretty much the only options for places to stay. Banff has a lot going on for shopping, dining, and other activities, but you are 20 minutes away from Sunshine and about 45 from Louise. So shuttling to ski whether by rental car or hotel van is a daily add on. Actually I just noticed that there is a lodge up on the mountain at Sunshine that is the only ski in/out at either area, but you'd have to be OK with having nowhere else to go after hours.

You can stay in Lake Louise and be close to the hill there, but then there are limited options for dining or nightlife. If you want to splurge, staying at either of the old C.P. hotels (now run by Fairmont), the Banff Springs, or the Chateau Lake Louise are a classic experience with so many comforts you won't be too worried about going anywhere else.

Overall, I'd say go if you want to do the "whole" experience of taking in the scenery, and maybe checking out other activities around Banff like snowshoeing, ice climbing, or lake skating. Strictly from a good snow and skiing perspective, there are definitely places to go where the snow and weather are more reliable. Looks like it's can't miss in most of the West this year. I'm not sure what the conditions are like in the Rockies now, but B.C. is almost as good as it gets. Go to Fernie, Revy, or Red and book a cat trip as the cherry on top.
That's good beta. If you're thinking about Red, a stop at Whitewater near Nelson would be recommended. It has better snow and fewer people.
 
Dec 21, 2015
1,410
Holy hell, I had no idea this thread existed! I'm heading to Steamboat and Winter Park on the Route 40 Pass (2 days at each) in mid-February. Since I basically only get 1 shot a season, I try to go once the base is solid then cross fingers and hope for storms. I've done a lot of the central CO mountains (Breck, A Basin, Vail, Beave, Aspen, Ajax, etc.), so I'm excited to see what the fuss is about up North. Next year I think Utah will be the move.
If you're going Utah next year, and you're at least a semi-serious skier, your first stop will obviously be the Park City-area stuff, but sooner or later you'll want to check out Powder Mountain. Pro: Largest annual snowfall and largest skiable acreage in the lower 48, incredible backcountry, hikeable stuff, and basically nobody is around. Con: It's at the ends of the earth - Absolutely no internet or phone connectivity (a plus to some, but not me), and there's only a handful of lifts and a few cat rides. Basically, everything there sucks except the skiing.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
If you're going Utah next year, and you're at least a semi-serious skier, your first stop will obviously be the Park City-area stuff, but sooner or later you'll want to check out Powder Mountain. Pro: Largest annual snowfall and largest skiable acreage in the lower 48, incredible backcountry, hikeable stuff, and basically nobody is around. Con: It's at the ends of the earth - Absolutely no internet or phone connectivity (a plus to some, but not me), and there's only a handful of lifts and a few cat rides. Basically, everything there sucks except the skiing.
The knock I've always heard on Powder Mtn was lack of extreme terrain. Is that true? All the other stuff sounds great to me.
 
Dec 21, 2015
1,410
There is plenty of double-black stuff up the Lightning Ridge cat. Rides on that cat are $18 each, but I was told it was like getting a heli-ski run for that, so can't complain. I opted for the single-black bowl side, but there is a whole double-black face side off that ridge. And an alternative from the Lightning Ridge cat drop-off point is to hike 45 mins up James Peak, which has a whole other set of extreme terrain available. That's approaching PITA territory to get one run in, but it'll be a pretty sweet run.

Regular lift access gets you to a shitload of black-to-double-black glades and chutes. There is some glorious, powder-rich and very solitary terrain all over the place on the main mountain area, and I would call it rather challenging, ~30-40-degree incline stuff. There are a few crazy put-ins you could try for chutes if the coverage is fresh, but there's not exactly a Corbet's Couloir there or a bunch of cornices or whatever - at least, not that I saw. My sense is you can find most anything, but may have to look for it. What did you have in mind?
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
There is plenty of double-black stuff up the Lightning Ridge cat. Rides on that cat are $18 each, but I was told it was like getting a heli-ski run for that, so can't complain. I opted for the single-black bowl side, but there is a whole double-black face side off that ridge. And an alternative from the Lightning Ridge cat drop-off point is to hike 45 mins up James Peak, which has a whole other set of extreme terrain available. That's approaching PITA territory to get one run in, but it'll be a pretty sweet run.

Regular lift access gets you to a shitload of black-to-double-black glades and chutes. There is some glorious, powder-rich and very solitary terrain all over the place on the main mountain area, and I would call it rather challenging, ~30-40-degree incline stuff. There are a few crazy put-ins you could try for chutes if the coverage is fresh, but there's not exactly a Corbet's Couloir there or a bunch of cornices or whatever - at least, not that I saw. My sense is you can find most anything, but may have to look for it. What did you have in mind?
Sounds really interesting. I'm probably not making it to Utah this year with such good snow nearby, but I'll put it on my list for the future.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
On Saturday I went to opening day at Mt. Waterman. Waterman is less than 30 miles from my house in LA, but hadn't opened since 2010 (!) because of the drought.
They got three feet of snow about ten days ago, then had to wait for CalTrans to get the road cleared before opening the area this weekend.
It was pretty wild. The conditions were like backcountry skiing, with untracked wet snow that had been sitting around for ten days. On the steep, gladed, lower half of the mountain, I could float on the snow as long as I kept my speed up and stayed light on my feet. It was a blast once I figured out how to ride that glop. The upper half is pretty flat, but there were a few spots in the woods there were fun.
The place has a very low-key, rustic vibe, and is in the midst of gorgeous mountains. I was happy to experience a place that has opened two seasons in the last decade.