Snorkeling the Gnar Pow: Skiing 2021-22 Thread

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
Yes, I'm stretching board etiquette to create a new thread. Should anyone vociferously object to considering [Northern Hemisphere] summer ski trips as the start of ski season, I will move this post to the '20-'21 thread and someone else can have the honor of starting the '21-'22 thread.

With COVID and a second baby born in October last year, I sadly missed out on a trip this winter. That and other factors have me chasing a trip to Patagonia, Argentina for August that I previously mentioned in the other thread. I've been scouting this trip for months, and most of the details are nailed down or at least thoroughly researched. The biggest question remaining is whether there will be a 2-2 split between resort days and cat skiing days, or whether it will be 3-1 (3 days at resort, 1 in the backcountry). The 2-2 configuration would allow for a rest day (or a third resort day). I'm leaning towards the 2-2 config, but still sussing out details with vendors/agents.

The 2 resort days will be at Cerro Catedral, the most modern ski resort in South America. This is relevant because research says that even some good resorts down South have antiquated lift infrastructure. Cerro certainly has some of that too, but also features a high speed 6-chair, and 3 high speed quads. Cerro has a lot of skiable terrain (3,000 acres; 3,700 ft. of vert), but apparently shines because of slackcountry access. Because of that, I've arranged for day 2 at Cerro to be guided.

After 2 or 3 days at Cerro, I've planned to head to the Baguales mountain preserve for 1-2 days of guided cat skiing. Since snowfall in Bariloche can be hit-or-miss (frequently compared to the Sierra Nevadas), this is a hedge against bad conditions and is also just an experience I've always wanted to do. If I'm gonna fly halfway around the world for a few days of riding, I want to have the best opportunity to make them awesome days!

Anyway, I'm mentioning all of this here to solicit feedback. If you've been to Bariloche, have any thoughts about the configuration, or just want to share your experience about similar trips, please let me know! If you're interested in coming along, let me know that too!! The group hasn't been confirmed yet and I plan to help anyone who wants more info (e.g. ski school, childcare, table service at clubs, all of the above?!?).
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,840
I really have nothing substantial to add, at least at this point, but as an east coast skier (except for one day at Loveland in CO) I'm excited that this coming season a friend of mine in Colorado Springs, has invited me out there. And she has an Epic Pass. So I might hit some big time slopes in 6-8 months.
 

kelpapa

Costanza's Hero
SoSH Member
Feb 15, 2010
4,637
I really have nothing substantial to add, at least at this point, but as an east coast skier (except for one day at Loveland in CO) I'm excited that this coming season a friend of mine in Colorado Springs, has invited me out there. And she has an Epic Pass. So I might hit some big time slopes in 6-8 months.
Depending on how many days you are going to be here, you can get an epic local for $600 right now. That might make sense for you if you're here a week.
 

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
I’m strongly considering doing a similar trip in August to Argentina. I have about three weeks of use or lose vacation days I have to take before October 1st. I’d like to spend about 4-5 days in Buenos Aires before heading to Cerro Catedral and maybe spending about a week there. If I’m going to do it, I have to block out the dates probably this next week.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
I ended up canceling the trip to Bariloche due to COVID concerns. So I'm moving on to trips for the winter!

I want to take the family up to the mountains, but I'm so used to doing broski trips I'm a little out of my depth with different criteria. My office will likely be closed from 12/24-1/3 and I'd love to get 3-4 days on the mountain. I have a 3 year old that's never been on skis before, a wife who probably cares more about the spa and village than skiing (she's been twice but didn't love it), and will likely travel with another adult to help with the kiddos. So I have 2 more specific questions. First, are there any dates between 12/24-1/3 that will make a difference for airfare, room rates, lift tix, and car rentals? And second, can you recommend any areas or specific hotels that wont absolutely decimate my wallet? I know that's a fine needle I'm trying to thread and it may not exist, but I figured I'd ask. And TBH, the ski quality is probably low priority since I'm going to try and make another trip or two later in the season.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
I ended up canceling the trip to Bariloche due to COVID concerns. So I'm moving on to trips for the winter!

I want to take the family up to the mountains, but I'm so used to doing broski trips I'm a little out of my depth with different criteria. My office will likely be closed from 12/24-1/3 and I'd love to get 3-4 days on the mountain. I have a 3 year old that's never been on skis before, a wife who probably cares more about the spa and village than skiing (she's been twice but didn't love it), and will likely travel with another adult to help with the kiddos. So I have 2 more specific questions. First, are there any dates between 12/24-1/3 that will make a difference for airfare, room rates, lift tix, and car rentals? And second, can you recommend any areas or specific hotels that wont absolutely decimate my wallet? I know that's a fine needle I'm trying to thread and it may not exist, but I figured I'd ask. And TBH, the ski quality is probably low priority since I'm going to try and make another trip or two later in the season.
Was wondering about your Bariloche trip. Seems like the right move.

Not sure I have much advice on the latter. Most places are definitely less busy 12/24-12/25, but ramp up really quickly on the 26th. Also, while some kids can learn to ski at 3, it's really a pain. All the effort to teach them at 3 and 4 gets you so much less than they will learn in 1 day at 5 or 6.

EDIT: Also, places that accept Ikon pass (and perhaps Epic, although I''m less sure in that case) have been less crowded the past few years during blackout dates. Those include Dec 26th-31st for many Ikon resorts.

I just picked up this pair of Black Crows for springtime backcountry missions. I think the setup is 4 pounds lighter than my winter bc pair, but due to our crap snow year I won't get to really try them out until next spring.

42186
 
Last edited:

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
We did a trip this past year to Park City (25 DEC - 2 JAN). We had to reserve our days on the mountain in advance (COVID). We had epic passes so I have no idea how much the lift tickets were but I do remember flying on Christmas Day saved us some money and we did an Airbnb right downtown. I remember it being much less crowded on 26-27 DEC than by the 31st and 1st. Definitely ramped up for for NYE. I’m hoping we can do Whistler this year for the same timeframe. International travel wasn’t really an option last Christmas so fingers crossed for this year.
 

VORP Speed

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,633
Ground Zero
I ended up canceling the trip to Bariloche due to COVID concerns. So I'm moving on to trips for the winter!

I want to take the family up to the mountains, but I'm so used to doing broski trips I'm a little out of my depth with different criteria. My office will likely be closed from 12/24-1/3 and I'd love to get 3-4 days on the mountain. I have a 3 year old that's never been on skis before, a wife who probably cares more about the spa and village than skiing (she's been twice but didn't love it), and will likely travel with another adult to help with the kiddos. So I have 2 more specific questions. First, are there any dates between 12/24-1/3 that will make a difference for airfare, room rates, lift tix, and car rentals? And second, can you recommend any areas or specific hotels that wont absolutely decimate my wallet? I know that's a fine needle I'm trying to thread and it may not exist, but I figured I'd ask. And TBH, the ski quality is probably low priority since I'm going to try and make another trip or two later in the season.
You should check out Snowbasin in Utah. Can usually get reasonable flights into SLC and Snowbasin has more affordable options than Park City.
 

Bongorific

Thinks he’s clever
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
8,433
Balboa Towers
You should check out Snowbasin in Utah. Can usually get reasonable flights into SLC and Snowbasin has more affordable options than Park City.
To follow, much of Utah is great as it’s more affordable than Colorado. I’ve only been to Alta and Snowbird but would say that’s not what you’re looking for. Unless it’s changed much, it’s more focused on just the skiing, with not much in the way of a village, shopping, spas. I loved it though.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Anyone got trips in the works yet?

Trying to convince my Boston-area brother and his fam to join us at Mammoth for a week, but none of the schools' spring breaks line up, so it's Christmas or bust on that one. I have an end of January trip for backcountry pow in Canada good to go (unless Canada closes the border), and just bought my eldest a new pair of Langes.

Other than that just sitting in the A/C and dreaming of snow.
 

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
My wife and I would like to do Whistler for Christmas. That was the plan for last year but Canada wasn’t welcoming dirty Americans back then. We settled for Park City and the snow was not very good. It’s still early season so I know places can be hit or miss. I will likely be gone for 4 months (doing a class in the DC area) starting the first week of January which really messes up our ski season so one big trip to get things started would be great. It seems about the right time to peruse Amazon Prime to look for Warren Miller offerings.
 

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
I just booked 9 nights at Whistler (19-28 December). Never skied in Canada. I’m excited. If anyone has any suggestions for the Whistler/Blackcomb area, I’m all ears.
 

Kliq

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 31, 2013
22,668
What time of year do the White Mountain resorts generally open up? Hoping to fit a trip in before the end of the year.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Monster storm on its way to CA this weekend. Could be the biggest snowstorm on record for October, with a possibility of 7+ feet coming down.

Would make for one hell of an early opening.

Edit: And they just moved opening up to the 30th. Wish it was midweek.
 
Last edited:

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
Monster storm on its way to CA this weekend. Could be the biggest snowstorm on record for October, with a possibility of 7+ feet coming down.

Would make for one hell of an early opening.

Edit: And they just moved opening up to the 30th. Wish it was midweek.
Just took a look at some of the mountain cams for resorts in the Sierras and it looks like they got dumped on. A good early start to the season and I hope you can get after it soon.

Here on the east coast I just got my kids set up with skis, boots and poles and I'm looking forward to the season. Looks like I'll be chaperoning the weekly night skiing event at Wachusett for my two oldest with the rest of their middle school crew in January and February. We will make a couple of weekend trips to Maine to Sunday River or Sugarloaf (maybe Saddleback) as well. Also talking to friends about a potential trip to Utah.

Let it snow!
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Just took a look at some of the mountain cams for resorts in the Sierras and it looks like they got dumped on. A good early start to the season and I hope you can get after it soon.

Here on the east coast I just got my kids set up with skis, boots and poles and I'm looking forward to the season. Looks like I'll be chaperoning the weekly night skiing event at Wachusett for my two oldest with the rest of their middle school crew in January and February. We will make a couple of weekend trips to Maine to Sunday River or Sugarloaf (maybe Saddleback) as well. Also talking to friends about a potential trip to Utah.

Let it snow!
Wachusett nights are a crazy scene. Should be fun.

I'm headed up for Mammoth opening day on Friday with my eldest. Looks like less came down than I hoped, but it will be great to be back out there. Also planning to scout for some possible early Nov backcountry since the high peaks got hammered.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Wachusett nights are a crazy scene. Should be fun.

I'm headed up for Mammoth opening day on Friday with my eldest. Looks like less came down than I hoped, but it will be great to be back out there. Also planning to scout for some possible early Nov backcountry since the high peaks got hammered.
Very jealous of your early season bounty! My kids got all excited yesterday when Sunday River posted a pic to their instagram with a light dusting. But we'll be skiing soon enough.

Looking for a new pair this season and was thinking of getting some J's. Anyone who rides J's and would be willing to offer their perspective would be appreciated.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
It lived up to the billing. Top had great buff over a pretty heavy base, which made for great skiing if you knew where to look. Bottom was really hard until it softened up later in the day.

45961
 

jezza1918

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
2,607
South Dartmouth, MA
Cross posting from the documentary thread because wanted to make sure it gets out there but the new HBO Max documentary on Jake Burton Carpenter, Dear Rider, is streaming until December 14th and it was pretty outstanding. Good insight into his personality, drive, and how snowboarding became what it is today.
 

bohous

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 21, 2005
4,418
Framingham
Just took a look at some of the mountain cams for resorts in the Sierras and it looks like they got dumped on. A good early start to the season and I hope you can get after it soon.

Here on the east coast I just got my kids set up with skis, boots and poles and I'm looking forward to the season. Looks like I'll be chaperoning the weekly night skiing event at Wachusett for my two oldest with the rest of their middle school crew in January and February. We will make a couple of weekend trips to Maine to Sunday River or Sugarloaf (maybe Saddleback) as well. Also talking to friends about a potential trip to Utah.

Let it snow!

What nights are you doing Wachussett? I'm also chaperoning my daughter's school ski club on Thursday nights in Jan/Feb
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
What nights are you doing Wachussett? I'm also chaperoning my daughter's school ski club on Thursday nights in Jan/Feb
Tuesday evenings. The kids take over the entire place. It's going to be fun.
 

bohous

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 21, 2005
4,418
Framingham
Tuesday evenings. The kids take over the entire place. It's going to be fun.
Yeah, we did it last year and had a blast. Since we couldn't actually bus the kids as a club, parents had to drive/carpool, so we got the discount passes too. Daughter would go off with her crew and our parent group skied together and rarely saw the kids until it was time to go.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
Does anyone have experience at Big Sky? I have a tentative trip planned there with a friend in mid-February and I'm looking for some guidance on where to stay. TIA!
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
We do mainly groomed trails. I’ll try to get my wife off piste from time to time but she’s not a big fan of that stuff but she likes to challenge herself from time-to-time.
The first thing to understand about Whistler (and you will get this after your time in Europe) is that the massive vertical means that different parts of the mountain will work better or worse on different days.

They split into top, middle and bottom zones.

Top is primarily alpine, and works best on sunny days with less wind. If visibility is bad, avoid the top zone. Views are spectacular, and the runs can be very long from the top.

Middle consists of tree-lined trails. The middle zone works well in lower visibility conditions, has some shelter from the wind, and contains a lot of terrain.

The lower level gets the most rain and generally has the worst snow, both in terms of total amount and snow quality. It can be good on warm, sunny days, where it might have spring-like conditions before the other zones, but these are pretty rare in December. It can be the right zone after a top-to-bottom snowfall, especially if upper levels are wind-affected or under avy control.

The two mountains are also laid out very differently. Whistler is more fall line. You can generally pick a lift and run it top to bottom without traversing or ending up at another lift.

Blackcomb has longer runs with long traverses. Snowboarders generally like it less for this reason. Blackcomb is great for long runs through multiple zones, particularly if you go up to the Blackcomb Glacier on a clear day. It is beautiful and feels a bit Alps-like. Blackcomb also has more aspects. Whistler is mostly north facing, although creekside is a bit west with late sun. Blackcomb has some south facing stuff, mostly off 7th heaven. which soften up and melt quicker (for better and worse) on sunny days.

For groomers, Garbanzo on Whistler will be good, mid-mountain terrain. More groomers and relatively easy off-piste stuff can be found in Symphony and Harmony Bowls.

On Blackcomb, the Blackcomb Glacier is a long, very scenic groomed run. Excelerator is a good chair for windier/cloudier days, and Glacier express for clearer days.

The Gondolas on both are good to warm up or for very long runs.

Have fun. Whistler is a blast.
 

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
The first thing to understand about Whistler (and you will get this after your time in Europe) is that the massive vertical means that different parts of the mountain will work better or worse on different days.

They split into top, middle and bottom zones.

Top is primarily alpine, and works best on sunny days with less wind. If visibility is bad, avoid the top zone. Views are spectacular, and the runs can be very long from the top.

Middle consists of tree-lined trails. The middle zone works well in lower visibility conditions, has some shelter from the wind, and contains a lot of terrain.

The lower level gets the most rain and generally has the worst snow, both in terms of total amount and snow quality. It can be good on warm, sunny days, where it might have spring-like conditions before the other zones, but these are pretty rare in December. It can be the right zone after a top-to-bottom snowfall, especially if upper levels are wind-affected or under avy control.

The two mountains are also laid out very differently. Whistler is more fall line. You can generally pick a lift and run it top to bottom without traversing or ending up at another lift.

Blackcomb has longer runs with long traverses. Snowboarders generally like it less for this reason. Blackcomb is great for long runs through multiple zones, particularly if you go up to the Blackcomb Glacier on a clear day. It is beautiful and feels a bit Alps-like. Blackcomb also has more aspects. Whistler is mostly north facing, although creekside is a bit west with late sun. Blackcomb has some south facing stuff, mostly off 7th heaven. which soften up and melt quicker (for better and worse) on sunny days.

For groomers, Garbanzo on Whistler will be good, mid-mountain terrain. More groomers and relatively easy off-piste stuff can be found in Symphony and Harmony Bowls.

On Blackcomb, the Blackcomb Glacier is a long, very scenic groomed run. Excelerator is a good chair for windier/cloudier days, and Glacier express for clearer days.

The Gondolas on both are good to warm up or for very long runs.

Have fun. Whistler is a blast.
Great info! Thanks!
 

graffam198

dog lover
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
1,861
Reno, NV
Sierra Storm did not disappoint! My home resort clocked in 100" of snow over the 4 days.

Last Thursday I went up and skied the 5 open runs. Enough snow to get a pre-season warmup in, test out my new skis, and get stoked.

This Thursday, different mountain. Everything open. Storm came in correct. Heavy and dense to start, finished cold and light for blower pow and excellent base coverage. I managed to ski a little over 3 hours before my legs were just junk.

Gave the mountains some time to settle, slide, adjust to the new snow and did my first back country tour of the winter. Great powder to be had in the wind sheltered areas.

I did pull a Tom and "treated myself" to new setups this season. Got some Black Diamond Helio 88 for BC, with solomon bindings. Under 8 lbs! with skins on! For the resort, I got some Volkl Mantra M5s. Helios are super fun and responsive, Volkl just shred. Very stiff, very unforgiving.
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
Sierra Storm did not disappoint! My home resort clocked in 100" of snow over the 4 days.

Last Thursday I went up and skied the 5 open runs. Enough snow to get a pre-season warmup in, test out my new skis, and get stoked.

This Thursday, different mountain. Everything open. Storm came in correct. Heavy and dense to start, finished cold and light for blower pow and excellent base coverage. I managed to ski a little over 3 hours before my legs were just junk.

Gave the mountains some time to settle, slide, adjust to the new snow and did my first back country tour of the winter. Great powder to be had in the wind sheltered areas.

I did pull a Tom and "treated myself" to new setups this season. Got some Black Diamond Helio 88 for BC, with solomon bindings. Under 8 lbs! with skins on! For the resort, I got some Volkl Mantra M5s. Helios are super fun and responsive, Volkl just shred. Very stiff, very unforgiving.
Great start to the season on the west coast. I am jealous. Enjoy the snow and La Niña winter!
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
I did pull a Tom and "treated myself" to new setups this season. Got some Black Diamond Helio 88 for BC, with solomon bindings. Under 8 lbs! with skins on! For the resort, I got some Volkl Mantra M5s. Helios are super fun and responsive, Volkl just shred. Very stiff, very unforgiving.
Enjoy the new skis!

Been up at Mammoth for most of the last two weeks. Snow has been incredible, to the point that our biggest worry (technically my wife's biggest worry) is actually getting out of here on the 24th for Christmas in LA.

Took the kids over to June Mountain yesterday, which feels like time traveling to the 1960s. Old lifts, no crowds, low-key vibe. It was opening day, so we got fresh tracks all day.

I've also run into Glen Plake 3 times already this week.
 
Last edited:

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
We went a few years ago in the summer and used this company to find a rental. They took good care of us when a bear broke into our cabin and tore the place up.

https://www.bookbigsky.com/vacation-rentals-homes-search
Thanks. One of the issues I've run into is that the lodgings offered that website and other similar ones are all geared towards larger cabin rentals. IOW, the crew is just 2 of us at the moment, although I expect it may balloon to more as the date gets closer and my Denver friends get more clarity on schedules. The good news is that I found a place in the village that can fit 2-3 for a reasonable price, and is refundable until 01/08.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Currently in the middle of a five+ foot dump at mammoth and I’m throwing up from a stomach bug. I’m actually hoping the mountain doesn’t open today (pretty likely at the moment) so I don’t have to disappoint my son and his ski buddy.

just looked up wind speeds. Sustained 87 with gusts to 137!
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
Currently in the middle of a five+ foot dump at mammoth and I’m throwing up from a stomach bug. I’m actually hoping the mountain doesn’t open today (pretty likely at the moment) so I don’t have to disappoint my son and his ski buddy.

just looked up wind speeds. Sustained 87 with gusts to 137!
Hope you feel better soon. With that much snow avalanche danger has to be high. Stay safe and happy holidays!
 

graffam198

dog lover
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
1,861
Reno, NV
It has been dumping along the north shore of Tahoe this past week. Well over 5' of snow and counting. Thursday I was able to sneak up the mountain and get some BC in. Blizzard conditions, tons of wind transport, and a lot of fresh snow. We actually didn't do much skiing, instead, focusing on beacon work. We spent about 4 hours working through different rescue scenarios, burial types, debris field work. Mostly using the day to work at an extreme disadvantage and practice skills we hopefully never have to use.

That being said, we still got about 6 miles of touring in and did ski a very mellow <30 degree slope back to the cars. Knee deep powder everywhere, but 0 visibility. By the time we got back to the rigs, the highway was closed. I've never driven a closed road before, was surreal to be the only people up there and switching between left and right side of the road (depending on where it was plowed).

No Skiing until Tuesday? maybe later because they can't get the highway opened :(
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,840
Small east coast hill (Wintergreen) and my sister wipes out, breaks leg, ambulance down the mountain. So, that was a fun 2 hours of skiing instead of a 2 day trip.
 

Preacher

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Whistler did not disappoint. We got there the day after 10 days of snow. The day before being the biggest snowfall. Great conditions, especially the first two days. Bluebird skies and reasonable temperature. The last couple days it was super cold. The high yesterday was 2. That was bit extreme and we basically skied half days just because of the cold. But it was a great trip.

47794
 

graffam198

dog lover
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
1,861
Reno, NV
Whistler did not disappoint. We got there the day after 10 days of snow. The day before being the biggest snowfall. Great conditions, especially the first two days. Bluebird skies and reasonable temperature. The last couple days it was super cold. The high yesterday was 2. That was bit extreme and we basically skied half days just because of the cold. But it was a great trip.
That is awesome! Love when a trip works out like that. 2 is cold, but hey, makes the snow light...right?!

After 7 days of storms, and 4 days of hwy closure, I spent yesterday in the backcountry and today in the resort. Storm cycle dumped 109" of fresh at the summit. Digging a pit, and working on crevasse rescue, I believe every bit of it. Resort only opened 1/2 the mountain yesterday, and the other half today, so I was able to get fresh powder all morning long. Not a bad way to wrap up the year.

47819

My partner and I roped up prior to my "fall". He only killed me twice during training :)

@GoJeff! , did you ever escape Mammoth?! I saw access was shut down and 395 was a disaster!
 

Icculus

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
265
Gamehenge
Thanks. One of the issues I've run into is that the lodgings offered that website and other similar ones are all geared towards larger cabin rentals. IOW, the crew is just 2 of us at the moment, although I expect it may balloon to more as the date gets closer and my Denver friends get more clarity on schedules. The good news is that I found a place in the village that can fit 2-3 for a reasonable price, and is refundable until 01/08.
Glad you found a spot, I know the area and mountain fairly well, happy to help if there's any other questions you have.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
@GoJeff! , did you ever escape Mammoth?! I saw access was shut down and 395 was a disaster!
I did, fortunately or unfortunately depending how you look at it. At least my wife was happy. To be honest, I find 395 south of Mammoth to be about the easiest ski drive around-much easier than getting to the local hills and a breeze compared to the hundreds of snow days I've driven in New England.

Glad you've been getting some touring in. I'm planning to head up into the San Gabriels tomorrow morning for some low-angle storm time assume the road stays open, and probably again on the first when it clears. And my eldest is doing remote schooling for a few days due to omicron, so we'll probably head back up to Mammoth for a few days next week.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
Glad you found a spot, I know the area and mountain fairly well, happy to help if there's any other questions you have.
Thanks for the response. With COVID spiking as hard is it at the moment, I'm not sure if this trip is going to get off the ground. I should know a lot more in the next 3-4 days as there are some decision points coming up (i.e. I don't expect much more clarity re COVID). I'm glad I have a March trip booked, because I'm not optimistic about February. I hope the situation is better by August so I can try to get down to Argentina again--that would be a huge win for me.
 

Icculus

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
265
Gamehenge
For what it's worth: COVID's everywhere throughout town now so your biggest risk by then is probably going to be from other visitors.
Been loving everyone chasing the snow in California, mountain's been relatively quiet and there's still enough snow to have fun.
 

GoJeff!

Member
SoSH Member
May 30, 2007
2,011
Los Angeles
Got in a great day of perfect corn on Mt. Baldy near LA yesterday. Last week's snow froze overnight and we were able to time the melt just perfectly for a run down Zen chute.

48202
48203