Steep Couloirs and Flatspin 360s - Skiing and Boarding 22-23

[graffam198]

East coast update--skiing Saturday in Virginia, saw a bear, did a double take and wiped out (in my defense, this is east coast, so it was icy). First time I've seen a bear in the wild, sitting like 40 feet away, right off the slope. Came by on a second run, better prepared and he had moved further away, maybe 150-200 feet.

This makes me so happy. We have a 4-5 bears that live in the hood; sometimes with cubs, and I get to see them a few times every summer. Especially when the apples are ripe and they post up gorging or when they try and raid my chicken coop…

never fails to just inspire awe at their size, power, and even grace when they want to be.

Last spring I saw one while touring, the week before I blew up my wrist. It was across the valley looking for snacks, (probably never went to sleep). I did change my tour plans that day though…didn’t feel like sharing my lunch!

 

[graffam198]

30k is a lot for pow day. Chutes must have been a blast.

They don't stock any real cold weather stuff in LA, so I'm hoping I can buy some green/polar wax and down mittens in Revelstoke tomorrow. Have never toured at negative 15

Skinny skis too! (Well, for the age, 95 underfoot, my fattest gear)!
I don’t have much help with that cold, but I will say, whatever you do, don’t sweat out. That’s danger will Robinson cold. I struggle mightily at 18-22 degrees. Too cold for a t-shirt too hot for even a capilene long sleeve. I recently got the Patagonia airshed pro. Kind of a soft shell vest with capilene sleeves and hood. Hyper breathable and some wind resistance. Changed my game 100% designed for trail running. Obviously you are there, but my point is expand beyond touring specific gear. And it makes sense right? Running is high output, hot activity. Why wouldn’t you want that for skinning?

One thing you might not have thought about, or for others, put a 5mm wax scraper in your touring bag. In that cold your skins might ice up on you and the glue not work. That scraper (or your edges!) can get the ice off then you can put the skins against your groin to warm up and revive your glue. Just don’t wax your package! (Unless that’s your thing, then go full polar wax)

 

[DJnVa]

@DJnVa have you seen that Romanian bear chasing skiers video? That's what I'm picturing with you

Yeah, I have. I told my buddy I only have to be faster than him, not the bear.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Anyone in a place getting hit by these monster totals recently? The Tetons just set a 48-hour record with 52 inches [faints]!!

 

[Icculus]

Big Sky got almost 3' between Thursday and Saturday night before temps dropped to a high of -7 Sunday. So yeah, it's been deep.

 

[GoJeff!]

Just returned from nine days of skiing up in British Columbia.

Did a warm up day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort on Friday, then flew in to our lodge near Rogers pass on Sat morning. Terrain is typical of the Selkirks: lots of trees, lots of steeps.



We stayed at Selkirk Lodge, which is a terrific lodge in a spectacular setting.



This is the view of our tracks on Cowgirl from the back deck. (No, we did not send the cliff--that was my son's very first question. We skied down to the two trees just above it and skinned back up)



In addition to my LA crew, there was an older group from Reno and a couple of Revelstoke locals, including one guy who happened to be on our hut trip last year and likes to say "Jesus, Fuck!" in response to anything particularly good or bad.

The big issue in BC this year are the multiple persistent weak layers in the snowpack, which increase the risk of avalanches. The guides said it was the worst year in terms of stability since 2003, and two guys had been killed earlier that week heliskiing with CMH out of Revelstoke. Gulp. As a result, we were going to be staying off steep stuff in the alpine and touring as one group instead of two, which would allow the guides to run front and back to increase safety.

The first few days were exceptionally cold. I think it was the same high pressure system that just hit Boston. Temps were -10 or so at the lodge, and much colder in some pockets. The good news was that the skies were bluebird, and we were able to get into the alpine, which is extremely rare for January in BC. We put on our harnesses, went up the icefields, bagged a couple of summits and got some great views.



The skiing was pretty outstanding as well



Then the BC powder machine turned back on and we went to the trees. We were able to get on steeper stuff because the slopes near the lodge get frequent traffic so the avalanche danger is much less.



Our guide even made a fire to keep us warm during lunch



We continued to hit lots of steep trees and pillow drops for the rest of the week, got one more bluebird morning, and finished in a raging blizzard. On Saturday we flew out and did another day at Revelstoke, but we were pretty tired by then.

An amazing, almost transcendent week. It's been hard to get back to work.

 

[Devizier]

Skinny skis too! (Well, for the age, 95 underfoot, my fattest gear)!

My retired Solomon Pocket Rockets are 90 underfoot. How times change…

ETA: most excellent update @GoJeff!

 

[petefungtorres]

@GoJeff! - love the pics, and glad to hear you had an awesome trip. Hopefully the cold didn't harsh your mellow too much!

 

[Spelunker]

Anyone in a place getting hit by these monster totals recently? The Tetons just set a 48-hour record with 52 inches [faints]!!

Missed all of that, but I'm at Jackson Hole now, and even though they haven't had snow in the last week+ there still seems to be a good bit.

 

[Bowhemian]

Ski Tracks! Free app and I've stored my stats there for years!!!

Just wanted to say thank you for the recommendation. I love this app.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of skiing lately. Been hitting Pats Peak a ton (I have a season pass). Mon and Tues night at Pats, and yesterday went to Ragged. I was quite impressed.
Anyway, I haven’t skied 3 days in a row probably since college. I am surprised at how good I feel physically, i but I am wiped out today.

this weeks stats:
35 runs, 32 miles, 30k vertical feet and an alleged top speed of 39.5 mph.

 

[bigq]

Just wanted to say thank you for the recommendation. I love this app.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of skiing lately. Been hitting Pats Peak a ton (I have a season pass). Mon and Tues night at Pats, and yesterday went to Ragged. I was quite impressed.
Anyway, I haven’t skied 3 days in a row probably since college. I am surprised at how good I feel physically, i but I am wiped out today.

this weeks stats:
35 runs, 32 miles, 30k vertical feet and an alleged top speed of 39.5 mph.

Nice work! Skiing is a blast and I’m glad you have rediscovered the thrill. I am legitimately jealous of your season pass.

 

[Bowhemian]

Nice work! Skiing is a blast and I’m glad you have rediscovered the thrill. I am legitimately jealous of your season pass.

It is pretty nice being able to go skiing after work. They are open till 9 most nights which works well for me. Pats is about 25 mins from home, 40 mins from work.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Missed all of that, but I'm at Jackson Hole now, and even though they haven't had snow in the last week+ there still seems to be a good bit.

I'm heading to JAC on Tuesday! My Denver buddies are driving down Sunday to take advantage of Presidents Day, and now I'm simultaneously excited by the forecast but equally terrified I won't get in until after the dump has been skied. We're still 4-5 days out so a lot can happen, but there's something like 20" forecasted to fall between Monday and Tuesday. The worst part is I don't even know what I'm reasonably rooting for--ideally just shit-tons of snow at all times, except when it will interfere with my connecting flight in Denver?

 

[Preacher]

Spent the weekend at Stowe. Friday sucked. It rained in the morning and by the time we got there it was cold and snowing. We did a few runs and decided to just hang in the bar and Apres. Saturday was pretty decent, considering. Sunday was not as good as Saturday but not terrible. We’re headed out to Sun Valley for my wife’s spring break so this past weekend will probably be my last time skiing in New England for several years (unless something is still open Easter weekend). The next couple seasons will be mainly South Korea and Japan, so that will be fun.

 

[petefungtorres]

(unless something is still open Easter weekend). The next couple seasons will be mainly South Korea and Japan, so that will be fun.

Ja-pow is on my bucket list. Sunday River and Killington will both be open Easter weekend. Probably a bunch more as well. A colleague of mine rents out his place on Songo Pond in Bethel - I'd be happy to ask him about that weekend if you're interested. Normally rents it through Airbnb and I'm sure would be happy to save on the fees if he's going to be renting it that weekend.

 

[graffam198]

Love all these updates! So glad everyone is having a great season.

Lots of resort skiing lately, some big 30k + days the last 3 trips. Took the kids into the chutes for the first time in their short lives. Only one fall/slide, dad was there to catch and put skies back on. At the bottom, all three girls were pretty pumped to do something so "crazy".

Saturday took just the oldest. Blue Bird day, chalky snow, some pow left in the trees. We got 14 runs in by noon. 0 crowds. Couldn't believe it for Presidents day. Kid was wrecked by 12:30. "Dad, this is a lot different than lessons, you don't ever stop!" Of course she is a huge fan of moguls so we spent a good part of the day finding the bumps, working on our jump turns, getting low, staying on tips. She's finally starting to understand the importance of a good pole plant.

Yesterday I put my overalls on and went and brought in the first corn harvest of the season! Inversion set up before the next storm cycle. North Facing trees have beautiful unconsolidated snow still. Good 6" or so of nice cold pow. But, b/c it has been warm, East Aspects are pretty bullet proof. Ski Crampons for the climb to start. Dropped down to the creek, almost fell into the creek (Have to Turn!), then began our journey to something called Chocolate Mountain. En route, we noticed the flank of Rose Shoulder was getting corny. Ok, detour time! What we thought would be 400' detour was actually an 800' climb. Slope at the top went from a fairly mellow 30 ish degrees to 41 for the last 100 feet or so; pretty awesome! Quick transition and some of the best corn skiing of my life. Just a phenomenal 1200' run back to the creek. Saw some critters had made it through the snow, squirrels are out and about, and lots of birds returning; might be an early spring.

Back on track, we headed over to Chocolate Peak. This is a fun little knob that lets you ski all the way back down to Galena Creek Park; 3200' of glorious descent! Top 2/3 was great snow. Bottom 1/3 was nasty nasty mashed potato snow.

Overall, was about 5,600' of descent on the day and 2,800' of climbing (yay car shuttle!) over 7.6 miles. New storm tracking in tonight so get some refills on those more exposed eastern slopes that are already starting to melt out!

Corn is ready!

 

[GoJeff!]

There is a really cold storm hitting socal over the next few days. It is expected to dump feet of snow at all the local resorts, but even more interesting is that snow levels could be extremely low. Like, snow-in-parts-of-the-city kind of low.

My house is at the base of Mt. Lukens,, which is the tallest point in the city of Los Angeles (5075'). If the snow comes low enough, I really want to ski it.

 

[graffam198]

First ever Blizzard Warning for LA! I hope you get to rip it up!

 

[Preacher]

Ja-pow is on my bucket list. Sunday River and Killington will both be open Easter weekend. Probably a bunch more as well. A colleague of mine rents out his place on Songo Pond in Bethel - I'd be happy to ask him about that weekend if you're interested. Normally rents it through Airbnb and I'm sure would be happy to save on the fees if he's going to be renting it that weekend.

My future boss emailed me today that she recently returned from Niseko, Japan after the a long weekend (Presidents Day) of skiing (we’ve met before and she knows my wife and I like to ski). It’s nice to know that it’s easy enough to ski Japan on a long weekend. Definitely a lot to look forward to moving back to South Korea.

I’ll let you know if we end up looking at Sunday River for Easter weekend.

 

[Kliq]

I'm going to Sunday River in a few weeks. Never been before, any tips? Things to do? Things to avoid? We are staying an hour away and I may or may not be renting.

 

[Preacher]

I'm going to Sunday River in a few weeks. Never been before, any tips? Things to do? Things to avoid? We are staying an hour away and I may or may not be renting.

You’re staying an hour away and are you going for the day or going and returning multiple days? I was there in December for the first time in like 20 years so I’m sure others have a lot more info.

 

[Kliq]

You’re staying an hour away and are you going for the day or going and returning multiple days? I was there in December for the first time in like 20 years so I’m sure others have a lot more info.

Just going for the day. If I had it my way Ed be staying closer and going multiple days but I have little agency.

 

[petefungtorres]

I'm going to Sunday River in a few weeks. Never been before, any tips? Things to do? Things to avoid? We are staying an hour away and I may or may not be renting.

I'm there a lot. If you get to pick the day of the week you'll be skiing try to avoid Saturday. Parking has been a nightmare on Saturdays. If you are renting equipment use the Great American Ski Company on the access road rather than renting on mountain - it will save both time and money. There's lots of variety in the terrain and the mountain vibe depending on what you are looking for. If you want to ski in the woods you're best off parking over at Jordan - you can now ski in/out from the end of the lower lot. If you're skiing groomers the middle of the mountain is best - South Ridge or Barker for your jumping off point. At the end of the day either Definitive or Steam Mill make for a good apres stop before you head home.

 

[Kliq]

I'm there a lot. If you get to pick the day of the week you'll be skiing try to avoid Saturday. Parking has been a nightmare on Saturdays. If you are renting equipment use the Great American Ski Company on the access road rather than renting on mountain - it will save both time and money. There's lots of variety in the terrain and the mountain vibe depending on what you are looking for. If you want to ski in the woods you're best off parking over at Jordan - you can now ski in/out from the end of the lower lot. If you're skiing groomers the middle of the mountain is best - South Ridge or Barker for your jumping off point. At the end of the day either Definitive or Steam Mill make for a good apres stop before you head home.

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately we are going on Saturday and expect to be with a big crowd; how bad is the parking situation there? Will we be able to park further away and take a shuttle in like you can at Sugarloaf and other places?

 

[petefungtorres]

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately we are going on Saturday and expect to be with a big crowd; how bad is the parking situation there? Will we be able to park further away and take a shuttle in like you can at Sugarloaf and other places?

Yes - there will be shuttle service if parking fills up. But there's a lot more parking at Sunday River than Sugarloaf and it takes a lot of people before the parking fills up and they have to use satellite lots - this is the first year I've seen it be needed. There have been a few Saturdays where the traffic to get in was truly ridiculous, taking an hour to drive the last couple of miles to get to the parking areas. If the conditions are particularly good that may happen. Parking at Jordan in the lower lot is likely your best bet. They have a trail cut from that lot down to the lift and if you ski behind the food trucks there's a trail back to the lot too.

 

[Kliq]

Yes - there will be shuttle service if parking fills up. But there's a lot more parking at Sunday River than Sugarloaf and it takes a lot of people before the parking fills up and they have to use satellite lots - this is the first year I've seen it be needed. There have been a few Saturdays where the traffic to get in was truly ridiculous, taking an hour to drive the last couple of miles to get to the parking areas. If the conditions are particularly good that may happen. Parking at Jordan in the lower lot is likely your best bet. They have a trail cut from that lot down to the lift and if you ski behind the food trucks there's a trail back to the lot too.

Thanks for the advice; an hour to get into the lots sounds absolutely brutal (especially because we are staying an hour away) so hopefully we can avoid that. I'm thinking it might be smarter just to go directly to the Jordan Bowl lot, instead of going in through the main lots.

 

[GoJeff!]

Just snowed in our Los Angeles yard. Plan “ski the hill I live on” is a go for tomorrow.

 

[petefungtorres]

That's amazing - have you had snow there before? And how did the plan work out?

 

[GoJeff!]

That's amazing - have you had snow there before? And how did the plan work out?

These mountains get occasional dusting of snow, but I’ve never seen this much snow this low. People who grew up here say it’s the most ever.

It was a fun day. The snow was too heavy for it to be great skiing, but it was a once in a lifetime chance to ski this close. I walked up from my house.



Us up top. Depths were 60-90 cm.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Just got back from Jackson. Wow! Even with everything I'd read about the place, I came away floored. The size and difficulty of the mountain are just awesome. Wednesday was the coldest day I've skied since Killington circa 2001. I wore my heaviest layers, glove liners, balaclava, and the cold was still affecting everyone's desire to stay on the hill.

The town and resort have some funny dynamics at play because you have one of the most hardcore ski environments I've ever encountered, mixed with a pretentiousness worthy of Aspen, with a dash of local xenophobia. The only places I truly felt comfortable were the Mangy Moose and the Roadhouse Brewhub. I kept laughing to myself about the fact that anyone would think they're entitled to keep Jackson Hole to themselves--that's what the Yellowstone Club is for!

I'll try and get a GoPro reel together in the next couple of weeks, but I could lap the Sublette, Thunder, and Teton chairs for the rest of my life and be very happy. Teton in particular was hitting great last week. That terrain (e.g., Moran Face, Washakie Glade, Grizzly Glade, etc.) was slightly less challenging than the more Western slopes, so I could really get after it and play around a bit more. That said, tackling the terrain accessed by Sublette was a worthy challenge and it got me using new techniques (e.g., riding switch more often) that I'm going to try and hone going forward.

Just for the sake of discussion, JHMR's terrain felt a lot like my experience at Kirkwood, CA in that there were lots of cliffs and natural features to play on. JHMR is a lot bigger and steeper though, and that reminded me a bit of Snowbird, UT. As far as other unique terrain that stands out in my mind are the back bowls in Vail and the gullies and gulches of Snowmass.

My resort wishlist right now includes Palisades, Big Sky, Telluride, Silverton, and Crested Butte, with honorable mention to Taos, Mt. Hood, and...Canada.

Now I'm gonna start monitoring end of season gear sales, until an April (!) family trip to Beaver Creek. STOKED on life right now! What's everyone else up to the rest of the season?

 

[GoJeff!]

Just got back from Jackson. Wow! Even with everything I'd read about the place, I came away floored. The size and difficulty of the mountain are just awesome. Wednesday was the coldest day I've skied since Killington circa 2001. I wore my heaviest layers, glove liners, balaclava, and the cold was still affecting everyone's desire to stay on the hill.

The town and resort have some funny dynamics at play because you have one of the most hardcore ski environments I've ever encountered, mixed with a pretentiousness worthy of Aspen, with a dash of local xenophobia. The only places I truly felt comfortable were the Mangy Moose and the Roadhouse Brewhub. I kept laughing to myself about the fact that anyone would think they're entitled to keep Jackson Hole to themselves--that's what the Yellowstone Club is for!

I'll try and get a GoPro reel together in the next couple of weeks, but I could lap the Sublette, Thunder, and Teton chairs for the rest of my life and be very happy. Teton in particular was hitting great last week. That terrain (e.g., Moran Face, Washakie Glade, Grizzly Glade, etc.) was slightly less challenging than the more Western slopes, so I could really get after it and play around a bit more. That said, tackling the terrain accessed by Sublette was a worthy challenge and it got me using new techniques (e.g., riding switch more often) that I'm going to try and hone going forward.

Just for the sake of discussion, JHMR's terrain felt a lot like my experience at Kirkwood, CA in that there were lots of cliffs and natural features to play on. JHMR is a lot bigger and steeper though, and that reminded me a bit of Snowbird, UT. As far as other unique terrain that stands out in my mind are the back bowls in Vail and the gullies and gulches of Snowmass.

My resort wishlist right now includes Palisades, Big Sky, Telluride, Silverton, and Crested Butte, with honorable mention to Taos, Mt. Hood, and...Canada.

Now I'm gonna start monitoring end of season gear sales, until an April (!) family trip to Beaver Creek. STOKED on life right now! What's everyone else up to the rest of the season?

Glad you got up there in some great conditions. Jackson is such an amazing mountain.

It's going to be a long season out west. Make some plans for May!

 

[uncannymanny]

Weird question: I lost a ski a couple weeks ago (brand new, sigh). We had 2’ of powder and it released in the woods off-piste and was just gone. Spent an hour digging and had to give up. We’ve gotten feet of snow since and it’s not looking like I can get a single replacement.

What condition might this thing be in when the snow melts? Salvageable? No damage that would compromise the top sheet or base.

On my way to Whistler, anyway. First time, I’m stoked.

 

[GoJeff!]

Weird question: I lost a ski a couple weeks ago (brand new, sigh). We had 2’ of powder and it released in the woods off-piste and was just gone. Spent an hour digging and had to give up. We’ve gotten feet of snow since and it’s not looking like I can get a single replacement.

What condition might this thing be in when the snow melts? Salvageable? No damage that would compromise the top sheet or base.

On my way to Whistler, anyway. First time, I’m stoked.

I’d guess the edges will be trashed from being wet during the melt.
I’d do two things.
Call the local distrutor for the brand. They are usually pretty willing to send you a spare if they have it.
Teton gravity research has a forum with a “half a pair” thread. See if anyone else has a match.

For the future, most people do not know how to search for a ski in deep snow. The way to do it is to take your other ski and make slices through the snow perpendicular to the direction of travel and feel for a hit.

 

[Preacher]

On my way to Whistler, anyway. First time, I’m stoked.

Went to Whistler last season and loved it. I’m sure you’ll have a blast.

We’re headed to Sun Valley next week, staying with my aunt. She sent me this picture a couple days ago from her backyard:

 

[uncannymanny]

I’d guess the edges will be trashed from being wet during the melt.
I’d do two things.
Call the local distrutor for the brand. They are usually pretty willing to send you a spare if they have it.
Teton gravity research has a forum with a “half a pair” thread. See if anyone else has a match.

For the future, most people do not know how to search for a ski in deep snow. The way to do it is to take your other ski and make slices through the snow perpendicular to the direction of travel and feel for a hit.

I did do that (kind of) but we also dig everything up in a huge swath. The problem was the layer under the new snow was fragile where you could sweep your whole arm under the snowpack. It could’ve been anywhere.

Some good tips here. It’s a French company and I’ve talked to their warranty dept (no single in my model size), so these might help!

So if the edges rust up they’re shot or can they grind them?

Went to Whistler last season and loved it. I’m sure you’ll have a blast.

We’re headed to Sun Valley next week, staying with my aunt. She sent me this picture a couple days ago from her backyard:

View attachment 61858

In the car just past Squamish! Post some pics and your take on Sun Valley! I’m really keen on getting out there.

 

[wilked]

Need some help….

On an Utah trip, first ever. We are based at Park City using our Epic passes.we planned 4 days at PC and 1 day at Powder Mtn (Monday). Today is the third day at PC and we are having a blast, haven’t even explored half the terrain between PC and Canyons. Snow is great.

it’s me/wife/2 boys (7 and 10). They can ski just about anything.

just saw a note on PowMow.
View: https://twitter.com/powmow/status/1632043899806990338?s=46&t=JhnE0vYJfmI1n3gNrWn4sQ


How impactful is that? When I look at a map Paradise Lift seems like a key lift, but the map itself is sort of hard to interpret (at least compared to my 2D East Coast map experience). Should we still go? Tickets were “free” (Indy Pass) so no big deal if I abandoned them. That said, I was looking forward to checking it out

edit to add - my wife needs reasonable blues to ski down. Anything Blue+ and she is not happy with me

 

[GoJeff!]

So if the edges rust up they’re shot or can they grind them?

Not really sure. They will definitely have a lot of rust, but maybe it won't penetrate that far. I would also have the binding checked if it was sitting in wet conditions that long.

Enjoy Whistler!

 

[Titans Bastard]

I dropped the ball on taking any good pics, but after all the snow in northern New England in the last week, I did a great tour with my friend on South Baldface. We skinned up the Slippery Brook Trail up to Baldface Knob and headed down the long glade that the Granite Backcountry Alliance maintains. Relatively large crowds were out ahead of us and the trail was very well broken out after Saturday's snow (thank god — I'm not in good enough shape for it to be worth breaking trail to get first turns). Beautiful bluebird day.

We initially considered heading up to the South Baldface summit to ski the snowfield up there, but it was quite windy and I was beat.

 

[GoJeff!]

I dropped the ball on taking any good pics, but after all the snow in northern New England in the last week, I did a great tour with my friend on South Baldface. We skinned up the Slippery Brook Trail up to Baldface Knob and headed down the long glade that the Granite Backcountry Alliance maintains. Relatively large crowds were out ahead of us and the trail was very well broken out after Saturday's snow (thank god — I'm not in good enough shape for it to be worth breaking trail to get first turns). Beautiful bluebird day.

We initially considered heading up to the South Baldface summit to ski the snowfield up there, but it was quite windy and I was beat.

Nice!

What are your touring on?

 

[Hildy]

I dropped the ball on taking any good pics, but after all the snow in northern New England in the last week, I did a great tour with my friend on South Baldface. We skinned up the Slippery Brook Trail up to Baldface Knob and headed down the long glade that the Granite Backcountry Alliance maintains. Relatively large crowds were out ahead of us and the trail was very well broken out after Saturday's snow (thank god — I'm not in good enough shape for it to be worth breaking trail to get first turns). Beautiful bluebird day.

We initially considered heading up to the South Baldface summit to ski the snowfield up there, but it was quite windy and I was beat.

Awesome! Mr. Hildy volunteers for trail maintenance with Granite Backcountry, but he can’t find people to actually ski it with him. He tends to be non-standard in his setup: currently skiing Fey Brothers summer ski with a Meidjo ntn binding and Crispi boots. I know I spelled something wrong there.

 

[Titans Bastard]

Nice!

What are your touring on?

My skis are Fischer Transalps, which are hand-me-downs from my friend who upgraded to something lighter. I have Salomon Guardian bindings, but am getting my hands on something lighter as well. Gear probably isn't the only reason why I am a slow-ass skinner, but it'll be nice to have less weight to haul. I've got Scarpa boots.

Awesome! Mr. Hildy volunteers for trail maintenance with Granite Backcountry, but he can’t find people to actually ski it with him. He tends to be non-standard in his setup: currently skiing Fey Brothers summer ski with a Meidjo ntn binding and Crispi boots. I know I spelled something wrong there.

Thanks to Mr. Hildy for his service!

It's not the right time for me with young kid at home, but I'm definitely interested in doing (hiking) trail maintenance in the future.

 

[Zososoxfan]

I'm in the market for a new deck, as I've kind of worn tired of my Rossignol XV. Nowadays I prefer tight technical riding in the trees, moguls, and steeps, but I'm also looking for a deck that really shines in the pow (for when I get lucky!). I also drop small cliffs and always look for side hits. Priority is pow, trees, then the other stuff.

The Capita Navigator, Jones Mind Expander, and Gnu Hyper all seem to check the boxes for my riding. The Jones seems slightly less maneuverable, maybe? Does anyone here know enough about boards to highlight any differences or recommend another board?

 

[Icculus]

What don't you like about your XV? That's exactly the terrain I love to ride mine in but I'm on my Burton Flight Attendant more often these days because it's got more camber for steeper terrain. Personally I'm less focused on powder since that's a ton of fun with almost anything under your feet and I'd rather have more performance in chop or on chalky snow. That said, if I know it's going to be good I'm usually on the XV (gratuitous pic from early Feb when we got dumped on). When I was back East I was on a Fish and I loved it because it was great at wiggling through trees, so maybe consider something along those lines or a Never Summer Harpoon/Swift? Something tapered with a hybrid rocker.

I haven't personally been on any of your options but I've got a Gnu Mullair and was unimpressed with its durability. My home mountain is really tough on gear but it held up very poorly

 

[InstaFace]

Edit: now moot

 

[bigq]

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's birthday. She is taking the day off from school and we are going skiing at Wachusett which has received 14" of snow in the past 24 hours and may get another 10"+ in the coming 24 hours. Should be fun.

Next week I am headed to Vancouver where I have started a new job. I'm bringing my skis with me. I will spend a couple of days in the office and then spend a couple more at Whistler Blackcomb. Will be my first time skiing there and I am really looking forward to it. Looks like it is dumping there as well. Any suggestions or recommendations on where to ski and where to stay are welcome.

 

[Preacher]

First day on Bald Mountain. The snow they have been getting here is insane. I didn’t take any pictures at the top because I couldn’t see anything. Supposed to get another 20” by Wednesday night. My aunt said this is the most snow she’s seen in 26 years of living here. Parts of her front yard have over 6 feet and surprised her roof hasn’t collapsed.



That’s the walkway to her front door.

Anyways, the conditions are fantastic.

 

[GoJeff!]

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's birthday. She is taking the day off from school and we are going skiing at Wachusett which has received 14" of snow in the past 24 hours and may get another 10"+ in the coming 24 hours. Should be fun.

Next week I am headed to Vancouver where I have started a new job. I'm bringing my skis with me. I will spend a couple of days in the office and then spend a couple more at Whistler Blackcomb. Will be my first time skiing there and I am really looking forward to it. Looks like it is dumping there as well. Any suggestions or recommendations on where to ski and where to stay are welcome.

Hope she has fun at Wachusetts.

Congrats on the new job. Are you moving to Vancouver, or just going out there to meet/get up to speed?

Whistler is a great mountain, as well as one of the only planned ski villages that actually works. You will have a ton of fun.

The mountain has much more vertical relief than most places, and as a result skis really differently. It will often be raining at the bottom and dumping up top.

I think of it as three zones: top, middle and bottom. Bottom gets skied the least, as it is usually wet or heavy snow, but is occasionally great when a storm comes in cold. There are tighter trees near the bottom, and ungroomed slopes can be tricky (and long) if the snow underneath is crappy.

The mid zone is great for snowy days or low visibility. Great trails, great trees, some really challenging stuff but also some big cruisers and playful areas.

Top is above treeline, and is best for sunny days or at least decent visibility. There are some really challenging sections on both peaks, but also spectacular views and wide open skiing.

The two mountains also ski somewhat differently. Whistler is more traditionally laid out, mostly north facing with fall line trails and lifts. It is less affected by sun due to the northern exposure, and it is easier to stay in one section (e.g. middle) if the snow is good at a particular altitude.

Blackcomb wraps around from northwest to west to south. The southerly slopes get a lot more affected by sun, which is good if you want some spring bumps, but bad if it has refrozen. The runs are also generally longer and don't necessarily take you to the bottom of your chair, so you end up taking several lifts to get back to where you started. This is especially true if you go off the top to the Blackcomb glacier, which is a beautiful run but takes a long time to do. I don't snowboard, but snowboarders usually like Backcomb less because of the frequent traverses.

Infrastructure is great on both peaks, with many fast lifts and a generally good layout. I've heard crowds are worse with Epic, but haven't been there recently.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip.

 

[bigq]

Hope she has fun at Wachusetts.

Congrats on the new job. Are you moving to Vancouver, or just going out there to meet/get up to speed?

Whistler is a great mountain, as well as one of the only planned ski villages that actually works. You will have a ton of fun.

The mountain has much more vertical relief than most places, and as a result skis really differently. It will often be raining at the bottom and dumping up top.

I think of it as three zones: top, middle and bottom. Bottom gets skied the least, as it is usually wet or heavy snow, but is occasionally great when a storm comes in cold. There are tighter trees near the bottom, and ungroomed slopes can be tricky (and long) if the snow underneath is crappy.

The mid zone is great for snowy days or low visibility. Great trails, great trees, some really challenging stuff but also some big cruisers and playful areas.

Top is above treeline, and is best for sunny days or at least decent visibility. There are some really challenging sections on both peaks, but also spectacular views and wide open skiing.

The two mountains also ski somewhat differently. Whistler is more traditionally laid out, mostly north facing with fall line trails and lifts. It is less affected by sun due to the northern exposure, and it is easier to stay in one section (e.g. middle) if the snow is good at a particular altitude.

Blackcomb wraps around from northwest to west to south. The southerly slopes get a lot more affected by sun, which is good if you want some spring bumps, but bad if it has refrozen. The runs are also generally longer and don't necessarily take you to the bottom of your chair, so you end up taking several lifts to get back to where you started. This is especially true if you go off the top to the Blackcomb glacier, which is a beautiful run but takes a long time to do. I don't snowboard, but snowboarders usually like Backcomb less because of the frequent traverses.

Infrastructure is great on both peaks, with many fast lifts and a generally good layout. I've heard crowds are worse with Epic, but haven't been there recently.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip.

Thanks very much! I’m not moving out there but will be visiting every 6-8 weeks for the foreseeable future.

I talked to some of my coworkers and they gave me advice on their favorite parts of the mountains as well as where to stay. I’m going to hit Blackcomb one day and Whistler the next. I’m hoping for good weather!

 

[Burn Out]

@GoJeff! Tell us your story.

Watch Adventurers Ski Down Los Angeles Mountain After Freak Snowstorm: ‘How Sweet This Feels’

 

[uncannymanny]

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's birthday. She is taking the day off from school and we are going skiing at Wachusett which has received 14" of snow in the past 24 hours and may get another 10"+ in the coming 24 hours. Should be fun.

Next week I am headed to Vancouver where I have started a new job. I'm bringing my skis with me. I will spend a couple of days in the office and then spend a couple more at Whistler Blackcomb. Will be my first time skiing there and I am really looking forward to it. Looks like it is dumping there as well. Any suggestions or recommendations on where to ski and where to stay are welcome.

Just came back from Whistler last week. GoJeff! Covered it better than I could.



Top and bottom of Whistler Bowl:




Same of Blackcomb Glacier:






It snowed significantly the day before we arrived and we got something like 6, 4, 2, and 1 inches over the trip. Not a huge amount given what we’re seeing down here, but what a blast of a resort.