Ski Season 2024/2025

[texasdago 7553]

Looks like they won the race to be the first to open

[texasdago 7553]

This guy produces amazing CB videos - strongly recommend.  Met him last March - cool guy.

 

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1601]

On 10/25/2024 at 2:11 PM, texasdago said:

This guy produces amazing CB videos - strongly recommend.  Met him last March - cool guy.

 

Will be there in two weeks.  My body is ready.

[texasdago 7553]

31 minutes ago, GlenFromTheMailRoom said:

Will be there in two weeks.  My body is ready.

I think they've got another round coming

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1601]

4 minutes ago, texasdago said:

I think they've got another round coming

Indeed.  48 inches in the forecast.  Have the snow chains already loaded into the car.

Edit* - Webcam from the house shows a light dusting at 8000 ft.  Shaping up to be a great season.

Edited October 28 by GlenFromTheMailRoom

[texasdago 7553]

5 minutes ago, GlenFromTheMailRoom said:

Indeed.  48 inches in the forecast.  Have the snow chains already loaded into the car.

Edit* - Webcam from the house shows a light dusting at 8000 ft.  Shaping up to be a great season.

I really really hope Taos cooperates by New Year's

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1601]

Just now, texasdago said:

I really really hope Taos cooperates by New Year's

If it doesn't, just pop up to Pagosa.  We'll be around.

[texasdago 7553]

On 10/28/2024 at 12:24 PM, GlenFromTheMailRoom said:

If it doesn't, just pop up to Pagosa.  We'll be around.

Its dumping...

I'm super excited about our spring trip but I always question when we don't book a trip to Crested Butte

[LonghornJones 835]

I really need a webcam of a Wolf Creek snow stake. OpenSnow typically has them streaming at each resort when available, but with the amount of snow WC gets, I really want to be able to tune in when big storms roll through.

[texasdago 7553]

23 hours ago, LonghornJones said:

I really need a webcam of a Wolf Creek snow stake. OpenSnow typically has them streaming at each resort when available, but with the amount of snow WC gets, I really want to be able to tune in when big storms roll through.

well if you look at the webcam now, it is dumping again

[0xdeadbeef 1628]

Opening Day Skiing: Good idea or not? 

I haven't been skiing since 1996.  (Re: Kids)  A Euro trip is on the books for 2025 and would line up with a few days available for skiing near Grenoble. Before I do that, I need to get on skis again; maybe more than once.  My possible ski weekends are Nov 22-24, or Jan 10-12.   I'm looking at Park City since it looks like it's easy access from the airport (even Uber-able) and is projected to open on Nov 22nd.

What does opening weekend a major ski resort typically look like?

• A well oiled machine?
• A shit-show of untrained staff?
• Filled to capacity?
• Light crowds?

Obviously the weather has to do it's thing, but assuming it does, does the first weekend make for a good time, or is it better to wait until early January. 

I'll hang up and listen.

 

 

[Chewbacca 7730]

4 minutes ago, 0xdeadbeef said:

Opening Day Skiing: Good idea or not? 

I haven't been skiing since 1996.  (Re: Kids)  A Euro trip is on the books for 2025 and would line up with a few days available for skiing near Grenoble. Before I do that, I need to get on skis again; maybe more than once.  My possible ski weekends are Nov 22-24, or Jan 10-12.   I'm looking at Park City since it looks like it's easy access from the airport (even Uber-able) and is projected to open on Nov 22nd.

What does opening weekend a major ski resort typically look like?

• A well oiled machine?
• A shit-show of untrained staff?
• Filled to capacity?
• Light crowds?

Obviously the weather has to do it's thing, but assuming it does, does the first weekend make for a good time, or is it better to wait until early January. 

I'll hang up and listen.

 

 

White Ribbon of Death is the term you're looking for.  Avoid at all costs.  Only 2-3 runs will be open and they will be extremely crowded.

[0xdeadbeef 1628]

19 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:

White Ribbon of Death is the term you're looking for.  Avoid at all costs.  Only 2-3 runs will be open and they will be extremely crowded.

I was not familiar with that term; and now I am.

Well, not actually you, but the fact that I really should wait until January. 

 

[Chewbacca 7730]

15 minutes ago, 0xdeadbeef said:

I was not familiar with that term; and now I am.

Well, not actually you, but the fact that I really should wait until January. 

 

Dude, I live 15 min from Winter Park and I usually wait until mid to late December, depending on snow.  I avoid the week between Christmas and New Year's like the plague, though.

[texasdago 7553]

Hubba hubba

[Chewbacca 7730]

Copper snow stake was a bit extra this morning.  Everyone got some snow, but an intense pocket sat right on top of Copper Mountain all night.  This is 100% real. And the resort isn't even open yet. 

 

 

Edited November 5 by Chewbacca

[texasdago 7553]

13 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

Copper snow stake was a bit extra this morning.  Everyone got some snow, but an intense pocket sat right on top of Copper Mountain all night.  This is 100% real. And the resort isn't even open yet. 

 

 

Reminds me I haven't hit up Copper Mountain in years and years.  Really need to head back there.  I remember really liking it.

[Chewbacca 7730]

Reminds me I haven't hit up Copper Mountain in years and years.  Really need to head back there.  I remember really liking it.

It's a great mountain

[LonghornJones 835]

On 10/30/2024 at 3:07 PM, 0xdeadbeef said:

My possible ski weekends are Nov 22-24, or Jan 10-12.   

I'm pretty sure this is MLK weekend, but I would still take that weekend over opening weekend any day.

[Axle Hongsnort 208]

My last day with current employer is 12/20 after which I’m taking a sabbatical for several months. I’ve been working “corporate grind” hours since 1997 and have never had more than two’ish weeks off, so this is legit a trip of a lifetime skiing, driving, reading, digital detoxing, and hitting the mental reset button.

I leave the day after Xmas and drive to Crested Butte for a few days solo before meeting the wife/kids flying out to meet me in PC for a week and then the kids head back to school and my trek continues.

I’ve done Epic for like 12 years and am pumped for the Ikon pass this year. Plan to spend 3’ish weeks hitting almost everything in greater Park City area. Then plan to drive north for a couple weeks across Jackson Hole, Big Sky and Sun Valley having the family meet me again for some long weekends. I’ve never been to these three and would love any tips/ recs!

I’ll do a second leg in CO across March with a goofy goal of skiing 52 days this season ending on my 52nd birthday in March.

I’m still in “pinch me” mode now that plans are taking shape. Drinks are on me if paths cross!

[Chewbacca 7730]

1 minute ago, Axle Hongsnort said:

My last day with current employer is 12/20 after which I’m taking a sabbatical for several months. I’ve been working “corporate grind” hours since 1997 and have never had more than two’ish weeks off, so this is legit a trip of a lifetime skiing, driving, reading, digital detoxing, and hitting the mental reset button.

I leave the day after Xmas and drive to Crested Butte for a few days solo before meeting the wife/kids flying out to meet me in PC for a week and then the kids head back to school and my trek continues.

I’ve done Epic for like 12 years and am pumped for the Ikon pass this year. Plan to spend 3’ish weeks hitting almost everything in greater Park City area. Then plan to drive north for a couple weeks across Jackson Hole, Big Sky and Sun Valley having the family meet me again for some long weekends. I’ve never been to these three and would love any tips/ recs!

I’ll do a second leg in CO across March with a goofy goal of skiing 52 days this season ending on my 52nd birthday in March.

I’m still in “pinch me” mode now that plans are taking shape. Drinks are on me if paths cross!

Hit me up if you head to Winter Park.  

How did you get the wife to sign off on this?

[texasdago 7553]

17 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

Hit me up if you head to Winter Park.  

How did you get the wife to sign off on this?

My question

[texasdago 7553]

On a side note, Wolf Creek may be great for Thanksgiving

[Mittens 8196]

Making a run up to CO over Thanksgiving.  1st time to the mountains in 4 or 5 years - not sure which will fail first, my legs or my heart.  Praying for good snow 🙏

11/24 Winter Park
11/25-26 Copper
11/27-28 Snowmass

[texasdago 7553]

1 hour ago, Mittens said:

Making a run up to CO over Thanksgiving.  1st time to the mountains in 4 or 5 years - not sure which will fail first, my legs or my heart.  Praying for good snow 🙏

11/24 Winter Park
11/25-26 Copper
11/27-28 Snowmass

Snowcams will make you happy this morning.  I went to Copper over Thanksgiving something like 20 years ago and it was amazing.  A very heavy snow year.  Hopefully you get the same.

Check out that season...

Meanwhile Ullr is puking in Taos

[Mittens 8196]

You might need to break out that TI-86, my friend!

[texasdago 7553]

29 minutes ago, Mittens said:

You might need to break out that TI-86, my friend!

LOL... here's my source: https://bestsnow.net/seas96.htm

It was apparently made with the same high tech technology used by most condo complexes in Taos Ski Valley.  What a beating.

[Mittens 8196]

I was referring to what year you think 20 years ago was...

[HouTex 1851]

2 hours ago, Mittens said:

Making a run up to CO over Thanksgiving.  1st time to the mountains in 4 or 5 years - not sure which will fail first, my legs or my heart.  Praying for good snow 🙏

11/24 Winter Park
11/25-26 Copper
11/27-28 Snowmass

Snowmass snow stake today:

[LonghornJones 835]

Looks like Angel Fire will be the big winner with this upcoming southern storm.

 

 

[7KHorn 2620]

From NWS ABQ this evening, emphasis mine:

[LonghornJones 835]

DUMPING in Ruidoso. Ski Apache is loving it:

https://www.discoverruidoso.com/info/live-webcam-see-what-ruidoso-looks-like-in-real-time

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1601]

On 11/6/2024 at 9:27 AM, texasdago said:

On a side note, Wolf Creek may be great for Thanksgiving

It's freezing cold up there right now for this time of the year.  Trying to convince the wife to pull the kids out of school early so we can head up ahead of schedule.  Will be my first time skiing with her in the past 7 years.  We're both looking forward to it.

[texasdago 7553]

39 minutes ago, GlenFromTheMailRoom said:

It's freezing cold up there right now for this time of the year.  Trying to convince the wife to pull the kids out of school early so we can head up ahead of schedule.  Will be my first time skiing with her in the past 7 years.  We're both looking forward to it.

I thought their page said the mountain was 60% open

Meanwhile...

Edited November 7 by texasdago

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1601]

4 minutes ago, texasdago said:

I thought their page said the mountain was 60% open

Haven't checked in a couple weeks.  This time last year the entire thing was open and there were zero lines.  Skied the entire thing in a day because we didn't have to wait on anything.

Edited November 7 by GlenFromTheMailRoom

[texasdago 7553]

57 minutes ago, GlenFromTheMailRoom said:

Haven't checked in a couple weeks.  This time last year the entire thing was open and there were zero lines.  Skied the entire thing in a day because we didn't have to wait on anything.

I really need to check off Wolf Creek... I remember calling the snow phone when I was in HS/college and being astounded by the snow totals there compared to the rest of Colorado.  Same goes with Monarch having looked at it coming over the pass to go to Crested Butte.  I heard there's some fun terrain.

[PRONG HORN 3114]

13 hours ago, texasdago said:

I really need to check off Wolf Creek... I remember calling the snow phone when I was in HS/college and being astounded by the snow totals there compared to the rest of Colorado.  Same goes with Monarch having looked at it coming over the pass to go to Crested Butte.  I heard there's some fun terrain.

 

 

If I ever do anymore box checking in Colorado, it would probably be Silverton.

 

https://silvertonmountain.com/

 

 

 

[texasdago 7553]

5 hours ago, PRONG HORN said:

 

 

If I ever do anymore box checking in Colorado, it would probably be Silverton.

 

https://silvertonmountain.com/

 

 

 

Oh yeah.  If I make it to La Grave in March, Silverton is next

[LonghornJones 835]

I was not familiar with Silverton. I had to look it up. That's even more desolate and difficult to get to than Wolf Creek.

[texasdago 7553]

21 minutes ago, LonghornJones said:

I was not familiar with Silverton. I had to look it up. That's even more desolate and difficult to get to than Wolf Creek.

That's one question... how often does the road to Silverton get shut down?

For those not familiar, here's your "trail map"

 

[texasdago 7553]

Hey... a question.  What do y'all think about buying an avalanche beacon via marketplace instead of new?  Of course the onus is to trust that the person selling it is truly selling a functional one (and you wouldn't go in the backcountry without testing it) but my friend in Idaho suggested to search marketplace in ski towns to get equipment like a beacon.  Thoughts?  

Picture just shows examples... not exactly the ones I'm looking at.

 

Edited November 8 by texasdago

[wackawacka 171]

On 8/27/2024 at 12:42 PM, LonghornJones said:

Does anyone have experience with Deer Valley, UT? I need to get on booking this trip for January '25, and I've never been. I will have 7 & 8 yr old girls who will need to be in lessons for a day or 2 before venturing off with me. Is there a good ski school here? Also, I need a place to stay that has a GREAT bar scene so my wife can "work" and people watch.

Dago,

My wife gave me permission to take the family to ski Europe in 2026. Any family friendly places in the Alps (the closest to an airport the better) you would recommend? I know this is not going to be cheap, but we do not require Euro luxury. 3-4 days skiing intermediate terrain is all we need. Is Geneva the closest airport to fly into? I have not even looked in to this yet as i ned to focus on Utah first for this season. 

I can't help you yet but I moved to SLC just so I could ski all winter. I am here through May.

I can ask around or when your trip gets closer then I will have some time to figure it out by then.

[wackawacka 171]

Going to Jackson Hole, WY around xmas time. Will try to get a few days of skiing in while there.

Anyone have experience?

[Frank Drebin 5635]

On 11/7/2024 at 12:54 AM, 7KHorn said:

From NWS ABQ this evening, emphasis mine:

My uncle sent these from his house in Santa Fe yesterday.  

[Axle Hongsnort 208]

Hit me up if you head to Winter Park.  
How did you get the wife to sign off on this?

After 25 years of marriage we’re pretty dialed in. Plus the kids are in high school and college, so not ditching her for a turbo-momming slog. And a fortuitous severance package set up an opportunity for a legit sabbatical experience after what’s been a mega grinding 5 years professionally.

[7KHorn 2620]

I can corroborate your Uncle's pics, from my back deck:

Edited November 11 by 7KHorn

[PRONG HORN 3114]

On 11/8/2024 at 2:03 PM, texasdago said:

Hey... a question.  What do y'all think about buying an avalanche beacon via marketplace instead of new?

 

 

A general rule of thumb is never buy used electronics.  That's not specific to life support equipment, it's just a general rule for buying used anything.  Get your probe, shovel, and pack used, but buy the newest best beacon you can.  It should last you from here on out.  

Yes, you might as well get a pack designed for backcountry.  Some are designed to carry your skis using one of the carrying styles, and It will have the straps already in place.  

 

ex

 

one with diagonal carry

 

one with diagonal or A-frame carry

 

 

There's always the wise choice of investing in an airbag pack and just renting the transceiver.  You'll rent one that you know works and is probably fairly new.  

 

HERE

 

 

 

[texasdago 7553]

4 hours ago, PRONG HORN said:

 

 

A general rule of thumb is never buy used electronics.  That's not specific to life support equipment, it's just a general rule for buying used anything.  Get your probe, shovel, and pack used, but buy the newest best beacon you can.  It should last you from here on out.  

Yes, you might as well get a pack designed for backcountry.  Some are designed to carry your skis using one of the carrying styles, and It will have the straps already in place.  

 

ex

 

one with diagonal carry

 

one with diagonal or A-frame carry

 

 

There's always the wise choice of investing in an airbag pack and just renting the transceiver.  You'll rent one that you know works and is probably fairly new.  

 

HERE

 

 

 

I currently have a Dakine backpack that I use for my skis... definitely makes a big difference when bootpacking.  Used it on Willy's Staircase at A-Basin and it made a soul sucking climb a little less awful. Maybe I'll just go ahead and get a shovel and probe and rent the transceiver when I need it.  Last time I went offpiste with a guide in France, the transceiver was included with the guide so that might be the best option with using equipment they know well and then I can get my own later. 

[CoTex 1160]

Anybody drive to Colorado on the reg?  To ski, buy the MJ, or just listen to John Denver - i don't care.

I've done it a few times and learned a few things.  Last time, stopped for dinner in 'rillo, ate at the Big Texan because I'm a red blooded 'merican, and then drove to Dumas to stay at the Holiday Inn express.

Thinking about doing it again a day or two after Christmas - head to an I-70 destination.  I'm looking for tips, stories, interesting things to see, and ways to pass the long drive across Texas.

From Dallas, what ski resort is the best bang for the buck?  I don't mean cheapest but, is Aspen better than Vail?  How much better?  Is Vail better than Breckenridge?  I've been to Park City Winter Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Jhole, and Ruidoso (which I won't repeat).  Is Crested Butte an easier drive?  Is there a shortcut to Telluride that shaves 4 hours off the trip?

[texasdago 7553]

1 hour ago, CoTex said:

Anybody drive to Colorado on the reg?  To ski, buy the MJ, or just listen to John Denver - i don't care.

I've done it a few times and learned a few things.  Last time, stopped for dinner in 'rillo, ate at the Big Texan because I'm a red blooded 'merican, and then drove to Dumas to stay at the Holiday Inn express.

Thinking about doing it again a day or two after Christmas - head to an I-70 destination.  I'm looking for tips, stories, interesting things to see, and ways to pass the long drive across Texas.

From Dallas, what ski resort is the best bang for the buck?  I don't mean cheapest but, is Aspen better than Vail?  How much better?  Is Vail better than Breckenridge?  I've been to Park City Winter Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Jhole, and Ruidoso (which I won't repeat).  Is Crested Butte an easier drive?  Is there a shortcut to Telluride that shaves 4 hours off the trip?

I would avoid the I-70 resorts during peak season.  Crested Butte will not be as busy... they seem to have a decent start snowwise and if you don't care about the more extreme skiing on the T-Bars, coverage should be pretty good.  If you do like steeps, the T-Bars may not be running yet.  One never knows.  They could get dumped on.  CB is my favorite CO resort, easily.  If you really want to go to the I-70 resorts, I would maybe hit up Copper Mountain.  Great mountain, well laid out.  Village is meh but if you're jsut going skiing for a few days it might be better.  Other option is Purgatory because Durango is cool.  Lift pass should not be as expensive as Vail or Breck (will be packed).  Keystone will also be jam packed full of families.

Honestly, chase the snow... NM is highest risk, Wolf Creek lowest risk but small but I've never skied it and if you like exploring the mountain, you can probably have a good time.  Again, can't speak from experience but, dude, they have 10 lift spinning right now.  

Edited Monday at 06:11 PM by texasdago