I just skied 4 days at Crested Butte. Got about a half inch dusting yesterday but nothing impactful. Conditions were ok, good job getting most runs groomed overnight. I thought it would be doom and gloom but overall very skiable despite a lack of snow.
*** Ski Season 2023 - 2024 ***
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Last: 1 mo ago by RangerRick9211
ac04 said:
any recommendations for east coast skiing with youngish kids (9 and 11)? we have been to colorado for spring break the past 5 years, but we have a soccer tournament in virginia the first weekend of spring break and don't really want to fly all the way back across the country to go skiing the rest of the week. trying to figure out if there is anywhere on the east side of the US that won't disappoint us when comparing to telluride, crested butte, beaver creek etc.
the main things we'd be looking for are the ability to stay on the mountain or at least at the base, a good ski school, and lots of intermediate runs.
I've heard there's some good laserdiscs on east coast skiing
JustPanda said:
Squad or Squad XL? Want me to just snag you a new set of XLs from the shop?
They have the interchangeable lenses. I guess that's the Mag? The ones where the strap point pivots and you just pop them in and out of the frame. The lenses just say squad on them. Definitely not the XL because my head is on the smaller side.
Can you take a picture for me?
Looking up at Steamboat. Current pic.
JustPanda said:
Can you take a picture for me?
Yeah I'll get one tomorrow when I get to my locker
That's a solid dump but also looks like REALLY wet snow. REALLY REALLY wet snow. Those flakes are HUGE! Looks like a swarm of albino mosquitos.
Good for raising the base. 10 degrees at summit. So should be lighter up there.
Yeah. I'd bet so too. It looks like whats mid mountain is going through a lower altitude current of warmer air thats rice caking it together and then once it leaves that current it's catching the downward draft of cooler air that's refreezing several flakes together. That happens a lot at steamboat because of the lower altitude of the base and how the winds rip in from Hayden. Creates a crazy little snow vortex that can leave a very wide range of POW conditions from summit to base to town. That's some slippery ass **** until the sun hits. If you've ever gone up on a POW day and had the run look like a glazed cinnamon roll, that's why.
That's the type of POW that if you're running it during daylight hours becomes concrete on the front of your jacket and goggles. It's thick, it's heavy, and once it catches a wiff of cold air, it's locks up tight.
That's the kinda snow that turns into pancake black ice FAST snd not only that, sticks to every tread of your tires and sticks up into your wheel wells. That's the kinda snow that even on studded snow tires will give you a hella case of the frog puckers because the treads and studs get frozen over in a rock hard shell of refreeze.
With all that said: I love all snow: light, heavy, wet, dry and am stoked we're finally back to what feels like a normal winter. Please don't take this as complaining snow gods. Very very thankful you finally woke up from your slumber.
That's the type of POW that if you're running it during daylight hours becomes concrete on the front of your jacket and goggles. It's thick, it's heavy, and once it catches a wiff of cold air, it's locks up tight.
That's the kinda snow that turns into pancake black ice FAST snd not only that, sticks to every tread of your tires and sticks up into your wheel wells. That's the kinda snow that even on studded snow tires will give you a hella case of the frog puckers because the treads and studs get frozen over in a rock hard shell of refreeze.
With all that said: I love all snow: light, heavy, wet, dry and am stoked we're finally back to what feels like a normal winter. Please don't take this as complaining snow gods. Very very thankful you finally woke up from your slumber.
El Niño can shut the tap off quick. Most of us, especially us in the PNW, will have a lot of help on our pack this week.
But we're still talking a jump of 25 > 50% or normal. And long term modeling is hinting at a dry spell end of January.
It's certainly an uncertain ski season. More info is better, imo.
But we're still talking a jump of 25 > 50% or normal. And long term modeling is hinting at a dry spell end of January.
It's certainly an uncertain ski season. More info is better, imo.
Sorry I'm the a-hole guys, I didn't realize how hard it was to search a mountains snow report and post it like I had inside info, all while telling you the sky is falling and you're going to be skiing on nothing but rocks.
JP you keep doing you, bro, maybe take an edible though, this **** isn't as dire as you make it out to be, and I think you're giving some folks some undue trip anxiety.
JP you keep doing you, bro, maybe take an edible though, this **** isn't as dire as you make it out to be, and I think you're giving some folks some undue trip anxiety.
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AG
Just got done shredding the knarly pow-pow. It was awesome
Empire strikes back. No need to be so mad "bro".
I could do without your "bleed" comments on the Travel board regarding Panda. Just ****ty and unnecessary, imo. Dude is a lot, 
, but it's his livelihood and he's hyped for it so I roll with it.
I also post meteorological data here for the PNW. There's some folks here WA, ID and Southern Oregon that like the beta. Resorts are mostly real time with a next day forecast. They aren't ripping the NAM, HRRR, GFS or Euro 12z runs for the latest 1-14 day like we are.
And if you're in TX, spending $4k in flights for your fam and 3 kids, car, rentals, lodging, I'd be after the snow report as well in an El Niño year trying to make sure the juice is absolutely worth the squeeze.
And it has been that bad, objectively. Lowest snow pack to-date for us on Hood, on record. I'm less worried about ski season, we'll ski, but fire season could blow this year if we don't pad it.
, but it's his livelihood and he's hyped for it so I roll with it. I also post meteorological data here for the PNW. There's some folks here WA, ID and Southern Oregon that like the beta. Resorts are mostly real time with a next day forecast. They aren't ripping the NAM, HRRR, GFS or Euro 12z runs for the latest 1-14 day like we are.
And if you're in TX, spending $4k in flights for your fam and 3 kids, car, rentals, lodging, I'd be after the snow report as well in an El Niño year trying to make sure the juice is absolutely worth the squeeze.
And it has been that bad, objectively. Lowest snow pack to-date for us on Hood, on record. I'm less worried about ski season, we'll ski, but fire season could blow this year if we don't pad it.
RangerRick9211 said:
El Niño can shut the tap off quick. Most of us, especially us in the PNW, will have a lot of help on our pack this week.
But we're still talking a jump of 25 > 50% or normal. And long term modeling is hinting at a dry spell end of January.
It's certainly an uncertain ski season. More info is better, imo.
Going the about forecast holds with what they're predicting. Will be looking at 15-20" at valley elevations by the end of the week. Will do wonders for the slopes, and hopefully they can get more lifts open at Schweitzer.
However, I'm not looking forward to next weekend where they're forecasting highs in the negatives. Going to suuuuck on the mountain if there's any wind.
rather be fishing said:RangerRick9211 said:
El Niño can shut the tap off quick. Most of us, especially us in the PNW, will have a lot of help on our pack this week.
But we're still talking a jump of 25 > 50% or normal. And long term modeling is hinting at a dry spell end of January.
It's certainly an uncertain ski season. More info is better, imo.
Going the about forecast holds with what they're predicting. Will be looking at 15-20" at valley elevations by the end of the week. Will do wonders for the slopes, and hopefully they can get more lifts open at Schweitzer.
However, I'm not looking forward to next weekend where they're forecasting highs in the negatives. Going to suuuuck on the mountain if there's any wind.
I'll be that diva, I'm not skiing in the negatives. We're supposed to be in Bend next weekend with highs of 8 and 9 deg., respectively for Saturday and Sunday. I'm guessing Bach will be 10 deg or so lower. It will take them most of the morning to de-ice anyways. I'll be at the Deschutes Brewery. Godspeed!
That's good timing as they just opened up the new Mahogany lift for the new terrain. I wish I was still up there but I'll be back.
Golden Peak Race Course T-Bar (Chair 16) is supposed to open this week at Vail. It's open to the public. Super fun.
Just go away, JustPanda is what makes this thread what it is, you don't like him, cool, NBD. Go start an AF ski report thread and have at it.
Sorry for offending everyone, I know we're all so uptight over this lack of snow.
Bet still stands Panda, I'll come back at end of Jan and pay it off even if you don't accept.
Y'all watch out for the rocks!
Bet still stands Panda, I'll come back at end of Jan and pay it off even if you don't accept.
Y'all watch out for the rocks!
I knew something was up when I saw there were 36 more posts on this thread.
Nothing beats the toegasms you catch after skiing subzero temps for too long. Doesn't make it worth it, but man are they special. Not to mention the runs are empty and the slide is FAST.
Nothing funnier than watching the groups from Miami come into town when it's -10 and watching them take off clothes like a Russian Doll. I think the most layers we've counted a guest peel off at the shop was 6. I think he bought underlayers in every size, went out in the smalls and was like NOPE. Came back and added the mediums on top, went back out and was like NOPE, went back and threw on the larges too, went out and said NOPE, so he decided to throw on a hoodie and a vest and find the biggest coat ever made to complete the steez.
Almost gave the dude his **** for free because we couldn't fn believe it. God knows how many pairs of socks the dude was rocking. I'm guessing at least 3 maybe 4.
I only ski in a base layer and hoodie or a base layer hoodie and a vest so anything under 0 is 99% of the time a hell no. Plus, it gives me PTSD back to HS racing days where they leave you outside to freeze. That's why I can wear sandals all winter. My feet have damn near no feeling left in them from all the minor frostbites.
Edit to add: subzero temps also are HELL on the flex of your boots. There's not a faster way to trash the flex of your hard shells than getting them super cold, sending vibes up the spine while the liner heats up and the outside shell freezes, and then heating the liner and boot back up to room temperature.
Oh yeah or putting them in front of a space heater to warm up. That's a fast way to ruin them by going to opposite direction and over heating them.
That's one reason why you shouldn't leave your hard shells in the car over night. Plus, getting your foot into frozen hardshell is maybe the most painful thing ever and then once your foot's in the liner, the liners balls cold and freezes your foot.
Oh yeah and always keep your hard shells buckled when you aren't using them. Otherwise the liner and the plastics will lose their shape and want to naturally sit into that skewed open position which can create some really funky hot spots.
You always want to keep your boots buckled in storage exactly like you have them on the hill. As easy as it is to toss the SOBs across the room when you're done for the day, try your best to keep them ratcheted up and not open.
Nothing funnier than watching the groups from Miami come into town when it's -10 and watching them take off clothes like a Russian Doll. I think the most layers we've counted a guest peel off at the shop was 6. I think he bought underlayers in every size, went out in the smalls and was like NOPE. Came back and added the mediums on top, went back out and was like NOPE, went back and threw on the larges too, went out and said NOPE, so he decided to throw on a hoodie and a vest and find the biggest coat ever made to complete the steez.
Almost gave the dude his **** for free because we couldn't fn believe it. God knows how many pairs of socks the dude was rocking. I'm guessing at least 3 maybe 4.
I only ski in a base layer and hoodie or a base layer hoodie and a vest so anything under 0 is 99% of the time a hell no. Plus, it gives me PTSD back to HS racing days where they leave you outside to freeze. That's why I can wear sandals all winter. My feet have damn near no feeling left in them from all the minor frostbites.
Edit to add: subzero temps also are HELL on the flex of your boots. There's not a faster way to trash the flex of your hard shells than getting them super cold, sending vibes up the spine while the liner heats up and the outside shell freezes, and then heating the liner and boot back up to room temperature.
Oh yeah or putting them in front of a space heater to warm up. That's a fast way to ruin them by going to opposite direction and over heating them.
That's one reason why you shouldn't leave your hard shells in the car over night. Plus, getting your foot into frozen hardshell is maybe the most painful thing ever and then once your foot's in the liner, the liners balls cold and freezes your foot.
Oh yeah and always keep your hard shells buckled when you aren't using them. Otherwise the liner and the plastics will lose their shape and want to naturally sit into that skewed open position which can create some really funky hot spots.
You always want to keep your boots buckled in storage exactly like you have them on the hill. As easy as it is to toss the SOBs across the room when you're done for the day, try your best to keep them ratcheted up and not open.
And if your goggles are fogging up while you ride, pull your gaiter back further past the ears (think running your hand through the side of your hair like a shampoo commercial) and make sure it's not tucked under the foam portion of your goggles.
Damn - looks like I missed out on some fun! What was the proposed bet???
Jock,
I went to mail your parking pass and it won't get to you by the time you get here. Not to worry. I'll be in town on 1/12. I'm headed into Vail tomorrow. I'm going to leave you a hang parking pass at the LSL front desk along w a keycard to open the gate. Just shoot me a text when you get close to Vail and I'll come out and meet you at the gate or you can just buzz into the front desk and tell them accounting left you a pass and they will open it for you. The FD manager already knows and I let the other front desk and valets know before I left on Friday.
So so so sorry. USPS is the worst up here and I want to make sure you make it into the lot.
If anyone else is ever coming up to Vail or BC and needs parking, please lmk. I'm happy to help get yall into our lot directly next to gondola 19 vs. making you pay to park in the Lionshead garage and schleping gear 1/2 way across town. Plus, I'll throw a free belt wax on your skis. Only takes me a couple of minutes per set of sticks or board. I can modify the wax to the conditions and if you're staying multiple days, I'm happy to do it each time before you go out.
I'm here to try and help out as much as I can and provide you guys and gals w the best ride and best deals possible when visiting since I know how hard they price gouge tourists. It's criminal IMO that skiing costs what it does now and I work 3 jobs and have 3 kids so I understand what it's like to have to balance finances and opportunities while wanting to give my kids and family an enjoyable experience to look back on later and smile and laugh. Just looking to pay things forward when I can because I have a lot of bad karma to make up from my 20s and early 30s.
If anyone runs out of days on your epic day passes or have friends that didn't buy them in time, I'm also happy to give out as many of my buddy passes as you guys need. Still doesn't make things cheap, but it'll cut the day rate to the advanced window -35% so better than nothing.
Again, here to help however I can.
I went to mail your parking pass and it won't get to you by the time you get here. Not to worry. I'll be in town on 1/12. I'm headed into Vail tomorrow. I'm going to leave you a hang parking pass at the LSL front desk along w a keycard to open the gate. Just shoot me a text when you get close to Vail and I'll come out and meet you at the gate or you can just buzz into the front desk and tell them accounting left you a pass and they will open it for you. The FD manager already knows and I let the other front desk and valets know before I left on Friday.
So so so sorry. USPS is the worst up here and I want to make sure you make it into the lot.
If anyone else is ever coming up to Vail or BC and needs parking, please lmk. I'm happy to help get yall into our lot directly next to gondola 19 vs. making you pay to park in the Lionshead garage and schleping gear 1/2 way across town. Plus, I'll throw a free belt wax on your skis. Only takes me a couple of minutes per set of sticks or board. I can modify the wax to the conditions and if you're staying multiple days, I'm happy to do it each time before you go out.
I'm here to try and help out as much as I can and provide you guys and gals w the best ride and best deals possible when visiting since I know how hard they price gouge tourists. It's criminal IMO that skiing costs what it does now and I work 3 jobs and have 3 kids so I understand what it's like to have to balance finances and opportunities while wanting to give my kids and family an enjoyable experience to look back on later and smile and laugh. Just looking to pay things forward when I can because I have a lot of bad karma to make up from my 20s and early 30s.
If anyone runs out of days on your epic day passes or have friends that didn't buy them in time, I'm also happy to give out as many of my buddy passes as you guys need. Still doesn't make things cheap, but it'll cut the day rate to the advanced window -35% so better than nothing.
Again, here to help however I can.
You are awesome Panda!!
Do you have any connections or recommend any rental places near WC/Pagosa Springs? Leaning on renting in PS as we are staying near there and not sure how many days we will be skiing.
We are staying Feb 11-18.
Should I just wait to buy lift tickets each day or get them in advance? We are doing a few other non skiing things and my wife doesn't ski much so not sure how many and what days yet… although can decide if needed to buy in advance. Any risk of them selling out or anything. Want to ski mid week to try and avoid crowds…
Do you have any connections or recommend any rental places near WC/Pagosa Springs? Leaning on renting in PS as we are staying near there and not sure how many days we will be skiing.
We are staying Feb 11-18.
Should I just wait to buy lift tickets each day or get them in advance? We are doing a few other non skiing things and my wife doesn't ski much so not sure how many and what days yet… although can decide if needed to buy in advance. Any risk of them selling out or anything. Want to ski mid week to try and avoid crowds…
Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the slowest days on most hills. We call them the local days because it's mostly locals that work Wed - Sun and then ski Monday and Tuesday.
You'll probs get a better rate on the skis in PS than WC. I'd rec calling around and asking the PS shops if you rent for 3/4 days and take a day off in the middle, if they will credit you the day back that you don't ski (we do it all the time) because otherwise they have to retech the gear which takes time and effort. Easier to just comp the day back to you and not have to worry about reteching something that's already out the door.
2/11 is WC skier appreciation day. So, passes are 25% off on that day.
You'll probs get a better rate on the skis in PS than WC. I'd rec calling around and asking the PS shops if you rent for 3/4 days and take a day off in the middle, if they will credit you the day back that you don't ski (we do it all the time) because otherwise they have to retech the gear which takes time and effort. Easier to just comp the day back to you and not have to worry about reteching something that's already out the door.
2/11 is WC skier appreciation day. So, passes are 25% off on that day.
Well Steamboat is getting a massive dump
That's sexy.
To the guy asking about the 120 Bent Chetlers. That's their type of POW. They crush deep and heavy with the 120 waist, the twin tips, and the camber under foot. Makes it so so so easy to stay riding on the top coat and never sink into the heavier grippy stuff that wants to catch ya. If you went out on the BC (120) and I went out in the Mana 4.0 (119) even though it's only 1mm difference in waist, youre probs sinking 2-3 inches less than I'd be and that's conservative. After 4-5 runs, that means you still have legs while I'm passed out or looking for advil and a hot tub.
To the guy asking about the 120 Bent Chetlers. That's their type of POW. They crush deep and heavy with the 120 waist, the twin tips, and the camber under foot. Makes it so so so easy to stay riding on the top coat and never sink into the heavier grippy stuff that wants to catch ya. If you went out on the BC (120) and I went out in the Mana 4.0 (119) even though it's only 1mm difference in waist, youre probs sinking 2-3 inches less than I'd be and that's conservative. After 4-5 runs, that means you still have legs while I'm passed out or looking for advil and a hot tub.
Awesome, sounds like a plan, I really appreciate it.
Ha, I made the mistake of leaving my boot bag in my truck while I was at a sales meeting here in MN a year ago. Was overnighting at a casino resort in Red Wing close to Welch Village my home hill. Meeting was over at lunch on a Friday and planned to hit some runs on the way home. Of course I didn't feel like dragging my boot bag into the hotel so it sat freezing in my truck.
That Friday I sat for a good twenty minutes at the chalet trying to get my boots on. I almost called it and packed back up. Never again.
That Friday I sat for a good twenty minutes at the chalet trying to get my boots on. I almost called it and packed back up. Never again.
Jan 30th in the boat. Loving this 10 day forecast!
Here you go:
Anyone want to test their stamina - go spend a day skiing Sipapu in NM and do not use any chair lifts. Only use the last Poma lift in the North America. It was what it was like skiing in the 70s/80s. You never got to "sit" - you were always on your feet/skis going down and up! Santa Fe had a killer one in that era for the top of the mountain above the tree line.
https://www.powder.com/trending-news/new-mexico-vintage-lift
https://www.powder.com/trending-news/new-mexico-vintage-lift
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