Ski Season 2019/2020

[Chewbacca 7780]

Steamboat is the opposite. We came again after first visiting at New Years. I was hoping the longer lift lines and congested runs were just the New Years/Christmas crowd. I was wrong

Well, you're the one who picked the two busiest times of year to visit...

[Larry Sellers 8]

Touché. Unfortunately all dictated by kids school calendars but I was hoping the further away from Texas, we might avoid some of the spring break madness. Snowmass wasn’t bad at all during Presidents’ Day weekend even though that’s supposedly a busy time.

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

35 minutes ago, Larry Sellers said:

Snowmass wasn’t bad at all during Presidents’ Day weekend even though that’s supposedly a busy time.

Shhhhhhhh

[Upgrayedd 5813]

46 minutes ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

Shhhhhhhh

I’ll be up there 3/19 thru 3/23.  Staying in Basalt.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

On 2/28/2020 at 2:09 AM, Johnny Chimpo said:

Yea mammoth is great but don’t head up there thinking you’re gonna beat the crowd. Mammoth is the best resort SoCal folks can drive to, and they do it in droves. 
 

My buddy Who spent some time in Oregon always had a lot of good things to say about bachelor but I’ve never been myself. I hear Bend is a really cool town, too. 

 

I dig it.    Been here since December.

I'm not the experienced ski/snowboarder that make up the folks in this thread, though.  I just finished the "Ski or Ride in 5" program for snowboarding.  I like the sport a bunch, but I'm in strict newbie, still mess up linking turns, still fall getting off the lift sometimes territory.  And I'm an old and naturally uncoordinated, so it takes me longer to pick things like this up.

I can possibly help with this--the Bend area schools go on Spring Break March 23-27, which I believe is a week later than most of the Texas schools.  Weekends get pretty busy up there, but I've seen no lift lines like you see in some of the pics in this thread.   The President's weekend was pretty bad traffic wise.  

And of course, no idea what Corona virus stuff is going to do around here.  There is a confirmed case in the area that rumor states is a person in nursing home.  Schools currently still on normal schedule.  Drove by Costco and it looked insane. 

And being an excited newbie I just got my first board and was hoping to start using it next week (can't this week b/c work).  Selfish me says screw that virus, I'm going to the mountain anyway! 

Edited March 12, 2020 by MC Fresh Breath

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

On 3/9/2020 at 9:35 PM, Upgrayedd said:

I’ll be up there 3/19 thru 3/23.  Staying in Basalt.

i was planning on leaving for austin 3/18 but it's looking like that trip might be off...once i know if i'm a go or not i'll let you know. if not, let's get after it.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

Welp, forget what I posted.  Oregon closing K-12 schools from March 16 through March 31st.  At this rate, I'm not positive the resorts won't close either.  And, honestly, it seems it may be best not to make travel plans right now, but I'm just an average idiot so do what you have to do.

 

[Upgrayedd 5813]

14 hours ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

i was planning on leaving for austin 3/18 but it's looking like that trip might be off...once i know if i'm a go or not i'll let you know. if not, let's get after it.

Yup

[texasdago 7573]

Welp, NM is off.  Italy eventually shut down the resorts for the season.  I see that eventually happening here.  

 

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

I have to assume we’re getting pretty close to the resorts up here shutting down.

[Chewbacca 7780]

I have to assume we’re getting pretty close to the resorts up here shutting down.

We have to be. Should be in the next few days, i would think.

[Chewbacca 7780]

And just like that, Vail is shutting down its operations from March 15-22. Can't imagine they reopen.

[Chewbacca 7780]

And now Alterra (WP, Steamboat, Big Bear, mammoth, Squaw Valley) is closed as well.

[Upgrayedd 5813]

On 3/13/2020 at 5:29 AM, Upgrayedd said:

Yup

Nope

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

1 hour ago, Upgrayedd said:

Nope

Aspen just shuttered all mountains.

[Upgrayedd 5813]

1 minute ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

Aspen just shuttered all mountains.

Knew that was coming.  Bummed.  Guess I’ll play golf instead.  I’m taking my vacation days.  Fuck it.

Still planning on rotating up there this summer.  

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

All of CO shut down. This is nuts.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

Mt. Bachelor shut down as well. Dammit.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

Everything is gonna shut down it looks like right now.  They can't get enough supplies probably.   Hell the toilet paper shortage alone has proably done more than anything to force the closures.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

 

Hoodoo is about an hour from Bend, I believe about the same from Eugene.  I've never been, I hear it called the budget version of resorts by locals.  I also hear the phrase "steeper and cheaper."  Not sure I can get out there next week, but maybe....

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

39 minutes ago, Onboard 2.0 said:

Everything is gonna shut down it looks like right now.  They can't get enough supplies probably.   Hell the toilet paper shortage alone has proably done more than anything to force the closures.

I know you’re wandering from sub forum to sub forum trying to downplay the risks of this virus, so I’m just going to continue to point out how silly this comment is. There’s no issue with the supply of toilet paper. The issue is there is a highly contagious virus with no known vaccine rapidly spreading throughout the US. That is what has forced the closures.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

39 minutes ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

I know you’re wandering from sub forum to sub forum trying to downplay the risks of this virus, so I’m just going to continue to point out how silly this comment is. There’s no issue with the supply of toilet paper. The issue is there is a highly contagious virus with no known vaccine rapidly spreading throughout the US. That is what has forced the closures.

You're wrong about the gist of what I was commenting on, it's everything. Even places that want to stay open won't be able to. I'm not downplaying the virus. I've had a wait and see strategy since a week or two ago.  The son telling me the Air Force has stopped all travel until May, makes it serious to me.

Oh, and there is an issue with getting toilet paper, and a ski resort or any place with large crowds can't operate without it. Our local grocery stores have had multiple tractor trailer shipments disappear from shelves in less than an hour.  Toilet paper is just now the product that people are currently hoarding.  Let this thing grow a bit or other industries get shut down, (transportation) and you'll see food supplies become harder to get.

Respectfully, I don't need you telling me how much I should be worried.

[Horns99 155]

Red River & Taos shut down after today. Angel Fire probably next


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[crash_davis 23113]

Did Snowbasin today. Today was the last day it was open for the season. Doing Powder Mountain tomorrow, if it stays open. I ain't skeered. PM may be the last resort open in Utah.

[Horns99 155]

Angel Fire done tomorrow. Looking like it’s the end of ski season everywhere


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[PRONG HORN 3146]

9 minutes ago, Horns99 said:

Angel Fire done tomorrow. Looking like it’s the end of ski season everywhere


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If you can skin there are hundreds of ski runs to choose from.  Snowmobile also.  There will be lots of skiing going on at every resort until the snow melts.  

[Spaulding Smails 1553]

We arrived in Telluride Saturday afternoon.  Shortly after checking into the hotel, we found out the mountain was closing.  We were supposed to be in our hotel for a night, then switch to a VRBO.  We were able to reschedule the VRBO to next year.  Spent one more night in Telluride.  Driving back to Texas now.  Telluride was a ghost town last night.  

[PRONG HORN 3146]

All you had to do was rent a couple of snowmobiles so you could run laps with someone.  

[Larry Sellers 8]

It’ll be interesting to see if the Ikon pass or Epic pass gives any discounts or partial refund for the ski resorts closing. I got my money’s worth this year but from Ikons Facebook page, I think they are working on something in terms of appeasing unhappy pass holders.

[Larry Sellers 8]

FYI. Sun and ski is having a pretty good sale on gear if you want to stock up for next year. Ordered some Smith I/o goggles that came out less than $100 after the sale and coupon on their site.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

1 minute ago, Larry Sellers said:

It’ll be interesting to see if the Ikon pass or Epic pass gives any discounts or partial refund for the ski resorts closing. I got my money’s worth this year but from Ikons Facebook page, I think they are working on something in terms of appeasing unhappy pass holders.

Yep we were discussing that as well, as we're typical shallow Americans. I didn't get my moneys worth as the second trip was cancelled. $50-$100 should be credited next season at least off the EPIC pass.

[Upgrayedd 5813]

12 minutes ago, Larry Sellers said:

It’ll be interesting to see if the Ikon pass or Epic pass gives any discounts or partial refund for the ski resorts closing. I got my money’s worth this year but from Ikons Facebook page, I think they are working on something in terms of appeasing unhappy pass holders.

I buy the insurance with the pass every year.  Used it in 17 when I broke my leg.  I need to look into it; however, with 12 days on it, don’t know how much credit I’d get. 

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

1 minute ago, Upgrayedd said:

I buy the insurance with the pass every year.  Used it in 17 when I broke my leg.  I need to look into it; however, with 12 days on it, don’t know how much credit I’d get. 

Yeah not holding out much hope. Vail is the greediest mother fucking co. in the world.

[PRONG HORN 3146]

1 hour ago, Onboard 2.0 said:

Vail is the greediest mother fucking co. in the world.

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

Vail told their seasonal employees they have 10 days to vacate employee housing. Aspen waived rents through the month of April.

publicly traded versus family owned.

[ousuxndallas 65]

CB, now a Vail property, emailed earlier this week that they would refund individual tickets purchased, but no refunds on season passes or Epic passes.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

11 minutes ago, ousuxndallas said:

CB, now a Vail property, emailed earlier this week that they would refund individual tickets purchased, but no refunds on season passes or Epic passes.

People should not be expecting a refund on their epic passes but a slight reduction in the cost next season is certainly warranted considering the cost of a walk up ticket pricePeople should be expecting a refund on their epic passes but a slight reduction in the cost next season is certainly warranted considering the cost of a walk up ticket price

Edited March 21, 2020 by Onboard 2.0

[PRONG HORN 3146]

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

That is a technical chute right there, ya really gotta straight line it or you're gonna eat a fence post off the fall line.

[PRONG HORN 3146]

 

[Larry Sellers 8]

Ikon came out with its Covid policy for 19-20 ikon pass holders. Looks like they doubled the discount to $200 for full pass renewals. So $799 for early renewal instead of $899. They also extended the renewal deadline until May 26. Apparently the pass insurance doesn’t cover you if the resorts still don’t open up though next winter.

[Chewbacca 7780]

Ikon came out with its Covid policy for 19-20 ikon pass holders. Looks like they doubled the discount to $200 for full pass renewals. So $799 for early renewal instead of $899. They also extended the renewal deadline until May 26. Apparently the pass insurance doesn’t cover you if the resorts still don’t open up though next winter.

I wouldn't renew shit just yet.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

35 minutes ago, Larry Sellers said:

Ikon came out with its Covid policy for 19-20 ikon pass holders. Looks like they doubled the discount to $200 for full pass renewals. So $799 for early renewal instead of $899. They also extended the renewal deadline until May 26. Apparently the pass insurance doesn’t cover you if the resorts still don’t open up though next winter.

Ikon is a bit more expensive than the EPIC pass I believe.  How many resorts honor it ?

 Chewbacca, yeah you're right.... dammit.

[Chewbacca 7780]

Ikon is a bit more expensive than the EPIC pass I believe.  How many resorts honor it ?
 Chewbacca, yeah you're right.... dammit.

I probably won't renew mine until fall at the earliest. I'm still not convinced we are going to get to ski next year.

[Upgrayedd 5813]

36 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:

2 hours ago, Onboard 2.0 said:

Ikon is a bit more expensive than the EPIC pass I believe.  How many resorts honor it ?
 Chewbacca, yeah you're right.... dammit.

I probably won't renew mine until fall at the earliest. I'm still not convinced we are going to get to ski next year.

I've resigned myself to this probability.

[Chewbacca 7780]

I've resigned myself to this probability.

On the positive side for you, mountain houses should be cheaper by the end of summer.

[Onboard 2.0 9083]

59 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:

3 hours ago, Upgrayedd said:

I've resigned myself to this probability.

On the positive side for you, mountain houses should be cheaper by the end of summer.

Just gotta clear out the dead bodies ?

[Upgrayedd 5813]

1 hour ago, Chewbacca said:

3 hours ago, Upgrayedd said:

I've resigned myself to this probability.

On the positive side for you, mountain houses should be cheaper by the end of summer.

Right?  Just need to time it right for both of us to still be employed at closing 🙂 

May need to look into an AT setup.

[triplehorn 2664]

Turns all year 🤘 

 

Opting for extreme social distancing, I summited Mt Hood yesterday.  A climbing buddy and I skinned up from elevation 6k ft to 10k ft, then ditched skis and packs, put crampons on the ski boots and climbed another 1000ft to the top. ~7hrs round trip, only 45 min of which was skiing off the volcano.

 

VVV Looking up with 1000 feet to go, you can see two climbers on the snow coming down from the summit center left up high

 

 

 

VVV Reverse four point crawl down that ice chute off the summit.  Would have felt a lot safer with ropes.  The holds were solid but I won't be tempting the odds like that again any time soon, if ever if I can avoid it.  There's no way around the final technical section below the summit.  Most people don't rope up.  The prevailing conditions determine the risk.  We were fortunate to safely get up and down.

 

re above, the view down from that point  VVV

 

Last ones off the mountain (climbing bud)

 

 

[triplehorn 2664]

Turns all year Part 2 🤘

I summited Mt. Adams (elev 12,281) yesterday for the first time and did a ski descent with two buddies.  Almost a 7000 ft vertical climb up, and an uninterrupted 4000 ft ski down via the SW chutes.  Our route took us about 11 hrs and 14 mi round trip.  At the summit, the visibility allowed seeing Mt. Baker 178mi to the north, just south of the Canadian border, and Sisters mountains 150 mi to the south in central Oregon.  I am completely wrecked today, but the ski descent is an epic 10/10.

VVV heading up to Piker's peak (aka the false summit)

 

VVV top of Piker's (still over 700 ft. elev. to gain to reach summit) 

 

VVV SW chutes descent 

 

 

 

VVV Looking back up from about 5000ft below summit and start of SW chutes between/below the two snowy peak bumps at top.

 

VVV The brutal part was not picking a higher elevation to traverse back over to the South Climb route we ascended .  When the snow ended, we bushwhacked down another 500ft with boots and skis on our backs to find the round-the-mountain trail and hiked 2 more mi on that (more like a steeplechase this time of year) before finding the path to base.  Start of bushwhack with Mt. Hood on the horizon VV

Probably the biggest plus about this climb and descent is that it's generally not technical, with minimal fatal fall risk.  And I can't think of another peak in the PNW that lets you view so many other major peaks spanning hundreds of miles.

I highly recommend this mountain 🤘

 

Edited June 21, 2020 by triplehorn