Snow's coming in? Excellent: I'm going there and Deer Valley this upcoming weekend. I was at Steamboat this weekend, and they'd had just enough snow to make things fun.
Snorkeling the Gnar Pow: Skiing 2021-22 Thread
- Thread starter Zososoxfan
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I think I’ve skied in every Alps country except for France (Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovenia). Anyways, the skiing over there is similar enough you’ll be able to figure it out. The trails are marked green, blue, red, and black (red is like black and black is like double black). Depending on the resort, the trail rating is typically just a round sign with the color and the trail number (they don’t do different shapes and no clever names for runs). Most places there isn’t someone checking your lift pass but most lifts have scanners with turnstiles so keep your lift ticket in a pocket on your left side. If your jacket has a lift pass zipper pocket near the left cuff, even better. Just have to get it close enough to the scanner and you’re good.
A lot of European skiers act a bit oblivious when it comes to lines so they’ll try to cut you off and act like they didn’t know you were there. Kids might even walk across your skis. Don’t get mad but stay aggressive in the line and keep your poles out wide (to keep people from passing you on the side). I’ve been in several lines where people will try to jam in 8-10 across for a 4 person lift and they just sort it out right before they get on (there’s typically no singles line or lift attendant keeping order so every skier to himself/herself - this annoys me because a lot of times, lifts don’t go up at full capacity because some jackass crammed his way to the front and is trying to wave the rest of his party forward)
The busiest parts of the day are from about 10-2. So if you get out early, you should be good. A lot of Europeans don’t go back out after lunch. It’s Apres Ski time, after all.
The food is often excellent at these places and reasonable priced. Try something new. You might be surprised.
Any other questions, let me know. You’re gonna have a blast.
It’s snowing right now. Pretty steady. And we’re waiting for our car to the airport. Sad.
No idea what’s going to happen as a result of the over sale of epic passes. But there is a ton of resentment out there. I can only speak first hand for Stowe but there is a palpable feeling more so than ever of divide between locals and tourists. Reminds me of a college town where the locals hate the college kids.
I was there for four days last weekend and the parking lot filled up on a FRIDAY.
That's nuts. I haven't skied or snowboarded in years, but I'd love to get back into it when I move up to Washington.
I will do my best to avoid stuff like this. Criminy.
Follow this Instagram account, the stories they post are a mix of hilarious and depressing
https://instagram.com/epicliftlines?utm_medium=copy_link
https://instagram.com/epicliftlines?utm_medium=copy_link
On Breck, as a longtime east coast skier (Sugarbush was home base), it has been insane to watch the change in Colorado since COVID. Even the formerly “drive further for minimal crowds” places like Steamboat now feel like Killington to me crowd-wise. Awesome that more folks are getting into the sport and I’m lucky in that I don’t mind longer drives to places like Taos and Jackson and have the vacation time to allow for those trips.
We only started going out west last season. We’ve hit Vail, Crested Butte, Park City, and Whistler since then, all on the epic pass. I’ve never seen any lines like that. Last year, crowds were pretty low (as expected) but wait times were not as short as expected since lifts were running at 50% capacity (or less). But this year, I still haven’t seen anything like that and we only ski on holiday weeks/weekends. Is it just hit or miss based on conditions or is everywhere soon to be overwhelmed?
Yep. I arrived today and will ski tomorrow through Saturday. Have had some nice days at Taos (6 - 10 inches of fresh snow) but this could be something special.
Also, I can’t sleep. Like my 6 year-old self on Christmas Eve
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Hot damn, don't forget your snorkel!! My CO buddy did Taos last year and raved about it. Said you need good conditions to make it worthwhile, so I think you're covered
I'm starting to keep an eye on conditions in Beaver Creek, even though I'm a month away. They got 5" yesterday, with 10" more expected in the coming days.
I've also made the mistake of keeping the Cottonwood resorts on my list of favorites--they truly are the gold mine of ski conditions. If anyone has any insight about buying property in the canyons (preferably looking for value closer to Brighton/Solitude), I'd love to chat. I understand that there's not much in the actual canyons and most people just buy in suburban SLC or Park City, but if there's a way to own at the base of one of the canyon resorts, I'd be interested. TIA!
Have a blast and take pics!Yep. I arrived today and will ski tomorrow through Saturday. Have had some nice days at Taos (6 - 10 inches of fresh snow) but this could be something special.
Also, I can’t sleep. Like my 6 year-old self on Christmas Eve
You bet! Had a mellow warm-up day Wednesday and then the fun started Thursday AM. Mountain reported 11", Accuweather reported 16", and it felt like 2 feet in the trees. Added bonus, I skied with two friends who are more advanced skiers than I am and their friend who is a local. So we got to experience relatively untouched terrain off a hike from lift 2 (the Highline Ridge). And we were fortunate enough to follow a patroller as he dropped the ropes on Lorelei Woods. Just amazing. As someone skiing the woods behind me yelled "WE ARE THE FIRST ONES IN HERE, MAN!!" Great trip and now looking forward to some rest.
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Looks amazing. I haven't been to Taos in forever but have very fond memories of Highline ridge. Glad you got after it!
I haven't seen anything like it either, not remotely. I was in Steamboat last weekend and it was pretty quiet, and I've been at Park City since this Saturday and it was the normal PC experience (only one lift, *cough,fuckingSilverLode,cough* was ever a wait more than 5 minutes. I'm in Deer Valley now, and of course that's quiet.
Where I have seen the issue is smaller non-resort mountains. In WA, Crystal and Stevens have been overwhelmed by pass holders on the weekends (Crystal traffic will back up into Enumclaw, miles away). I wouldn't go near those places on weekends now.
I haven't done Breck since 2019, on Epic, and I don't recall any issues. I don't think it was a holiday weekend though
skinning downhill…
I was sick last week so decided to “take it easy” with just a couple thousand foot day. First lap I get back to summit and decide I’ll just skin down and climb this small knob to ski back to the truck.
Well, right at the toe of slope, heels loose, I caught my skin and broke my fall with my wrist.
queue the left handed skin strip, transition, and 1,000’ descent to truck. Not my finest moment.
But, doc says if I behave, I should be able to ski again this season…(minimal break, called “crack of concern”)
Skinning downhill is the crux of any day.skinning downhill…
I was sick last week so decided to “take it easy” with just a couple thousand foot day. First lap I get back to summit and decide I’ll just skin down and climb this small knob to ski back to the truck.
Well, right at the toe of slope, heels loose, I caught my skin and broke my fall with my wrist.
queue the left handed skin strip, transition, and 1,000’ descent to truck. Not my finest moment.
But, doc says if I behave, I should be able to ski again this season…(minimal break, called “crack of concern”)
Hope you heal quickly.
10 days and they re X-Ray so fingers crossed. But it’s mostly an annoyance. At least I got some powder turns
That sucks. A number of years ago I broke my wrist at Jackson Hole in either late February or early March. I had surgery including several pins and screws inserted. Six weeks later they were removed and I was skiing again a few weeks later including a day trip to Tuckerman and a fantastic closing day at Sugarloaf. I hope you have a quick recovery.skinning downhill…
I was sick last week so decided to “take it easy” with just a couple thousand foot day. First lap I get back to summit and decide I’ll just skin down and climb this small knob to ski back to the truck.
Well, right at the toe of slope, heels loose, I caught my skin and broke my fall with my wrist.
queue the left handed skin strip, transition, and 1,000’ descent to truck. Not my finest moment.
But, doc says if I behave, I should be able to ski again this season…(minimal break, called “crack of concern”)
Anyone have kid-friendly restaurant reccos for a big group in or near Beaver Creek? My group traveling in 2 weeks is my family and my sister's, so 5 adults and 5 kids total (one 1-year old, the rest are ages 3-9). We'll likely be doing early dinners around 5-5:30pm (more on this below), which is relevant since anything in the resort villages may encounter the Après crowd. TIA!
In addition, we've starting talking about what our typical day might look like and I'd be curious to hear about all of your experiences and any advice or feedback. The 2 toddlers are in lessons every day, which run from 9:30am-noon. The 2 older boys are in full day lessons. Talking it over with the adults, we all think that after the morning lessons end everyone will try and get together for lunch. I think up to that point is fairly straightforward. From there, we think that the older boys and a couple of adults may go back out for some short afternoon sessions (say ~1:30pm to 2:30-3pm). If the older boys are done, then we may do afternoon activities all together (e.g. tubing, hot tub, etc.). But for purposes of planning one or two dinners out with the kiddos, I'm of the mind that 5pm or 5:30pm at the latest is the way to go.
In addition, we've starting talking about what our typical day might look like and I'd be curious to hear about all of your experiences and any advice or feedback. The 2 toddlers are in lessons every day, which run from 9:30am-noon. The 2 older boys are in full day lessons. Talking it over with the adults, we all think that after the morning lessons end everyone will try and get together for lunch. I think up to that point is fairly straightforward. From there, we think that the older boys and a couple of adults may go back out for some short afternoon sessions (say ~1:30pm to 2:30-3pm). If the older boys are done, then we may do afternoon activities all together (e.g. tubing, hot tub, etc.). But for purposes of planning one or two dinners out with the kiddos, I'm of the mind that 5pm or 5:30pm at the latest is the way to go.
There was no snorkeling, and no gnar pow. But last Friday I strapped on a pair of skis for the first time since 1994. That's right, 28 years go was the last time I skied. Only lasted about 5 hours, and at a small mountain (Pats Peak in NH), so got a ton of laps in. I did fall once, on my second to last run when I was getting tired.
And I had a blast. I had forgotten how much fun it is. I had so much fun, I am considering buying a cheapo mid-week pass to Pats for next season, which would necessitate the need to purchase equipment.
And I had a blast. I had forgotten how much fun it is. I had so much fun, I am considering buying a cheapo mid-week pass to Pats for next season, which would necessitate the need to purchase equipment.
So family is going to Stowe for our spring break next week. I have never been both on and off the mountain? I am okay skier. Dinnerette is better and 11 YO is better still. We are going M-F and staying off mountain. Two of our friends are staying on the mountain so we'll probably meet up with them at some point.
Any skiing and non-skiing tips? Is it easy to park at the mountain? Info would be appreciated.
Any skiing and non-skiing tips? Is it easy to park at the mountain? Info would be appreciated.
The bolded reminds me of my brother in law a bit. He's definitely a free spirit but also surprisingly athletic (and about 10 years younger than me) and when we've gone skiing together I'm impressed with his skill, but all he wants to do is coast down blues all day. What really cracks me up is that he doesn't use poles and he just has the most exuberant expression on his face when skiing. It's why this is truly the best sport--it's whatever you want it to be.
Thanks-but don't be too impressed. I purposely avoided any semblance of a bump. I started getting a little more brave towards the end-which was when I fell.
Yes it sure is.
I love coasting the blues. I don't mind steep black diamonds, but I absolutely loathe the bumps. Get me on a groomer trail, and down I go, as fast as I can. I "use" poles, in that they are in my hands, but I barely even use them. To me they are more of a security blanket, there when I need them.
1. great tip line for parking issues - https://twitter.com/StoweMtAlerts?s=20&t=CRdOgQIFyeE1Ed_flca0cA
2. I think monday - friday you should be overall ok...parking is free on mansfield side and it's a huge lot, but on a powder day it could definitely fill up quickly even on a weekday
3. on that note if it's going to be a powder day you either want to get up there for 8am or wait til later...people have been stuck on mountain road well over an hour crawling up towards the base (even on weekdays)
4. last piece of advice on the commute - if you dont have 4 wheel drive or snow tires there is a very steep but short climb going to the mountain by the matterhorn, so if its snowing caveat emptor and all that
5. skiing wise youve got mansfield (the main mountain) and spruce. mansfield has the bulk of their challenging runs and some good cruisers off the quad...and then a few great cruisers on the gondola. spruce has lots of beginner terrain but also some good cruisers at the top off sensation quad (also - this lift is typically pretty empty so if the quad and gondola get packed this can be a haven). easiest way to get to spruce is to park at mansfield and take the over easy gondola across.
6. restaurant wise off the mountain you should be in pretty good shape on the weeknights - best casual spots are piecasso for pizza, the bench or the backyard for solid pub type food, and then rimrocks is similar but a step down (and super kid friendly). matterhorn is probably the go to apres ski bar (or the whistlepig spot at spruce base if you want to stay on the mountain). for better dining probably look into harrisons or plate on main street...and there is also cork a wine/tappas type place. and finally hen of the wood in downtown waterbury, one of the best restaurants in new england (not an exaggeration).
any other questions holler, but I appreciate you giving the opportunity to procrastinate work!
My info is dated as I have not skied Stowe in about a decade, but I loved the blues off the gondola when I did. Good move going midweek; I've heard horror stories about parking, traffic, and lift lines on the weekends.
Off mountain, Prohibition Pig in Waterbury was a favorite dinner out spot. Looks like they've added a full brewery menu for lunch as well: https://www.prohibitionpig.com/
P.S. - And what @jezza1918 said about Hen of the Wood.
Like others above, your post brought an immediate smile to my face. I do not possess the words to adequately describe the magic of skiing, but there is a poetry of motion, a oneness with the mountain, a euphoria that I haven't found elsewhere.
If you are looking for good deals on equipment, I have found great deals at: https://www.skiessentials.com/ Right now they have demo skis available for super prices. They send you photos of the edges, bases, etc. before they ship. have great customer service, and are located fairly close to you. I've bought 2 pairs of skis from them in the past year and couldn't be happier. Also, in the summer, backcountry.com sometimes has great deals, but you will have to deal w/the mounting etc.
On a related note...cast comes off tomorrow! Might get another one but fingers crossed. Still some pain in the abductor region and lower wrist, but hoping it is due to being limited range of motion....
Thanks to both for your tips; really appreciate it.
We're skipping weekends because kid has soccer tournaments bookending the trip so maybe that's a blessing in disguise. I hope it won't be super-crowded next week but apparently places have booked up faster than normal so that might be a pipe dream.
Thanks particularly for the car tips as we're flying into Manchester (Dinnerette booked travel) and driving up so we'll have a car.
No prob. I rely on this site for 99% of my information and it's rare I can offer up any level of expertise so thank you for giving me that opp haha.
FYI if you are skiing friday you really should treat that like a saturday crowd wise and get up early...the local saying this winter is "friday is the new saturday."
Thanks again. I believe we are traveling Friday but will definitely keep this in mind.
I also think some of our friends are braving the weekend but they are staying on mountain so hopefully things will be better for them.
Forecast for Beaver Creek next week looking PRIMO. Trying not to get too excited, but man--3 midweek days (M-W) are shaping up for some snorkeling.
Question for the snorkelers--I'm traveling with my wife's skis (no boots) in tow for the first time and I'm not sure how to pack them along with my snowboard gear in my board bag. In short, I could just throw in the skis over my board and bindings, but that kinda messes with my boots pocket and kills a lot of the extra space I usually use to pack helmets, shells, gloves, etc. The only option I really see is taking off the bindings so I can accommodate everything more efficiently. But (A) is this worth it, (B) should I just check the skis separately, or (C) is there another option here? WRT Option B, we're already likely to have 2-3 big suitcases, 2 car/airplane seats, my board bag, and the kiddos, so having the skis separately doesn't seem ideal. We're traveling with our sitter, so we're not totally screwed but it's still a ton of stuff. Any advice would be appreciated! TIA!!
Question for the snorkelers--I'm traveling with my wife's skis (no boots) in tow for the first time and I'm not sure how to pack them along with my snowboard gear in my board bag. In short, I could just throw in the skis over my board and bindings, but that kinda messes with my boots pocket and kills a lot of the extra space I usually use to pack helmets, shells, gloves, etc. The only option I really see is taking off the bindings so I can accommodate everything more efficiently. But (A) is this worth it, (B) should I just check the skis separately, or (C) is there another option here? WRT Option B, we're already likely to have 2-3 big suitcases, 2 car/airplane seats, my board bag, and the kiddos, so having the skis separately doesn't seem ideal. We're traveling with our sitter, so we're not totally screwed but it's still a ton of stuff. Any advice would be appreciated! TIA!!
Do you mean take the bindings off the skis? Don't do that.
Why are you bringing her skis but not boots? If you are renting boots I'd just rent skis as well. You can also bring her skis to the airport and have a gate agent wrap them if they mess up your bag.
Glad the snow looks good. Have a blast!
One option without removing bindings, I have velcro straps (like when the bottoms are facing each other, keeps them together nice and tight). But, when we put the skis in the ski bag, they all face the same direction. So, I take the velcro straps, hold the bindings down (so the little break things are up) and wrap the velcro straps around the part of the binding where the heel would go). It basically holds the binding in a closed position so that the skis can lay flat in the bag. I'm not sure if that makes sense but it's the best way I've figured out how to get the skis to lay flat so we can fit four skis in the bag all parallel and slims the profile a bit. If it doesn't make sense, I can take a picture of what I mean.
Sorry, I meant remove my board bindings. I don't know the first thing about ski gear anymore, but removing/mounting bindings is pretty easy--just have to keep track of the settings! She got a pair of skis as a gift, but not boots. I'll give some thought to renting skis and boots there.
Thanks for the input but like I mentioned above, I meant removing the board bindings. I'm not nearly brave (or dumb) enough to mess with her bindings!
Makes sense. I was just giving you another option to help the skis lay flatter. Not sure what type of bag you have but the breaks on ski bindings can do a number on the inside of softer bags.
Thanks. It's a pretty heavy duty Dakine bag--been through some good trips with me this fellow. It's got the wheels too, which if you're a destination skier is a must IMO.
FYI--for anyone looking to get new gear or upgrade their setup, RIGHT NOW is the time to get deals. Inventory has to go before spring/summer stuff has to be stocked and there's still lots of availability. You'll see slightly better deals as we get closer to April, but if you have specific criteria or want to have options, now's the time to look. Happy hunting!
Sorry for the barrage of messages, but hell I'm excited!
For spring skiing, I assume the idea is generally to ski southern facing slopes early in the day and northern facing slopes later in the day, since the sun will make the former slushy over time. Do I have that right?
For spring skiing, I assume the idea is generally to ski southern facing slopes early in the day and northern facing slopes later in the day, since the sun will make the former slushy over time. Do I have that right?
Mounting bindings is basically a one time deal.
If you must bring the skis, just buy a new bag. You should be able to get good deals and airfare to Denver waives oversize for skis.
Otherwise just pick up a rental in Silvethorne or some place like that.You should be able to find a shop with high quality gear.
I would definitely price out renting, especially just for skis. Boots can be brought in a carry on, and perhaps the biggest risk you take on a short ski trip is having your skis end up as lost luggage. Between the packing hassle, navigating around airports to 2 baggage collection areas, stuffing all your crap in a rental car, and often the extra cost of bringing oversize or overweight baggage items, I'm not sure at what price point the rentals are a better deal.
edit- Oops, missed the part about Denver airport and skis.
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Here's more than you probably want to know about that.
If there is fresh snow, or even semi-fresh snow, sun is the enemy, particularly in the spring. North facing slopes will generally keep the snow cold and have better conditions. Steep, north-facing gullies (rather than open slopes) are typically the best because they receive the least sun.
Once snow has melted and refrozen (warm days and cold nights) several times, it consolidates into a type of snow called corn. Corn makes for terrific skiing, but getting it in good condition requires timing when it melts. Too early and the corn will still be frozen, too late and it will be slushy mashed potatoes.
East-facing slopes will turn to corn earliest in the day. As those get too soft, move to southeast and then south facing slopes which come into play a bit later. At some areas, you can even follow the sun all the way around to good corn on west slopes late in the day.
So I'd pick slopes depending on the snow. If it has snowed recently, cloudy, or just not that warm, look for north-facing stuff. If corn is in play, follow the sun around the mountain.
Snorkeling the sand? Wild video of Sahara sand covering a ski resort in Spain.
View: https://twitter.com/yturker/status/1503825794392637445?s=21
View: https://twitter.com/yturker/status/1503825794392637445?s=21
Oh no, I wanted all the details and advice! Many thanks. I think I've skied corn before, but based on your description I think I've timed it wrong because my experience is that it's either choppy (too frozen) or slushy (too warm). This will probably be my best chance to learn about finding that sweet spot. But if I'm understanding you correctly, that will be after getting the fresh stuff on north-facing slopes first!!