2012 Gathering in Lake Tahoe 2/26-3/3/12 - Page 34

I haven't been around the shop a whole lot the last couple of weeks.  I get a pile of paternity leave to use how I want.  I took 3 weeks when he came, then Sarah had him while I worked until her leave finished, now I'm working 3 days a week until summer when she is off.

I've looked at the itinerary, I'm seeing what I can squeeze in.  I've thought of the mt rose day, unfortunately the squaw and alpine days are the two days that week that I work.  I'm also interested in the meet and greet at sky tavern.  If nothing else, if somehow a tour is nice on the mt rose day I'd stop in at the bar and have a drink.  Or ride lifts for the afternoon.  'Course Rose is a little bit of a PITA when it comes to having dogs in the car.  I can appreciate that at a certain level, but I haven't skied there much since they implemented and enforced that rule.  I used to love to spend a few hours/laps in the morning down the road and stop in for post ski tour lift riding.  But Maddie was in the car and they started to be touchy about that.  It used to be I'd wear her out ridin' pow in the backcountry and then hit up Rose for lunch and fast groomer laps.  She was always stoked to take a nap in the back of the truck.  If I do a tour that day, I'll have Dakota and Ez.

We took a drive with the dogs yesterday to look at what conditions are and there is plenty of snow for some lift riding.  I think people coming in will have a lot of fun.  We'll see about that rose day or at least a quick drive up the hill to sky tavern.  That's just a little up the road from me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

Quote:

Originally Posted by splitter 

I do wish you folks were going to see some pow while you were in town.  Or some ridiculous coverage and some nice warm california temps for lift-ridin' corn.

 

Y'all will have a fun time though.

Splitter, new daddy Bear!  

We've missed you.   Hope you can join us for some of the festivities!

Stopped by the store a few times but seem to be missing you.

 

another option for anyone who has not arranged lodging

I just added on the roll call (in my own tech-tarded sorta way). I'm curious to see how such a large gathering takes place on the mtn! I know noone on here except TC and Phil so looking forward to meeting some new Tahoe people. In Utah now but should be back in time for the Heave, Northstar and Kirkwood days. Snoseek out....

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoseek 

I just added on the roll call (in my own tech-tarded sorta way). I'm curious to see how such a large gathering takes place on the mtn! I know noone on here except TC and Phil so looking forward to meeting some new Tahoe people. In Utah now but should be back in time for the Heave, Northstar and Kirkwood days. Snoseek out....

I think you're in for a great time!

See you Wednesday, eh?

Yeah I should be back by Wednesday, going to take a little drive over to Colorado on Wednesday first. I can't be buying lift tickets all winter!!!!!!

PS-I'll bring some snowy thoughts back with me! I actually am starting to miss Tahoe!

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoseek 

I'm curious to see how such a large gathering takes place on the mtn!

Memo to De Vres: Bring that reaaally wide camera lens

In case folks aren't checking the 2012 EpicSki Gathering - Tahoe Forum I have to pull out due to health reasons. I have my slot in a shared house up for sale. Details here;  7 Nights Tahoe Lodging Sat Feb 26 to Sat March 3-$430 .

I also have a Tahoe 6 pack that I'll sell after I sell the lodging.

PM me for more details or to make an offer.

I'd like to participate in some carpooling from Tahoe City area to some of the evening get togethers. anyone?

I will be skiing Mammoth next Sunday Feb. 26 on my way to the Gathering.  Anyone arriving early who's interested in skiing there, send me a PM.

This probably the time to post-mortem my prediction range of snowfall from 2 months ago: Post #68 here: http://www.epicski.com/t/106678/squaw-alpine-n-tahoe-conditions-and-news-2011-2012-season-thread/60

seems an accurate description from what I have read here and elsewhere.

We're right on the borderline range of that prediction with about 6 feet total snowfall in the past 2 months.  That's in the 15th to 25th percentile range and about half of average depending upon the area.  What's been unusual is that snowfall has been similar among the areas instead of being much more on the Sierra Crest at Alpine, Squaw, Kirkwood vs. the leeward places Northstar, Mt. Rose and Heavenly.  Nonetheless subjective reports and terrain open are worst at Squaw and Heavenly vs. other places in line with the experience of past low seasons.

There are only 2 comparable seasons through February in the past, 1976-77 and 1990-91.  Mammoth is in much better shape than either of those seasons now.  Tahoe is better than 1990-91 and a little behind 1976-77 at this point.   1976-77 is remembered as the worst overall season because March/April were low too.  It snowed 200 inches in the Sierra in March 1991, so season totals were 20th percentile or so, ahead of several other seasons in addition to 1976-77.

explain? sounds way wrong to me. bold mine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Crocker 

I will be skiing Mammoth next Sunday Feb. 26 on my way to the Gathering.  Anyone arriving early who's interested in skiing there, send me a PM.

 

This probably the time to post-mortem my prediction range of snowfall from 2 months ago: Post #68 here: http://www.epicski.com/t/106678/squaw-alpine-n-tahoe-conditions-and-news-2011-2012-season-thread/60

seems an accurate description from what I have read here and elsewhere.

 

We're right on the borderline range of that prediction with about 6 feet total snowfall in the past 2 months.  That's in the 15th to 25th percentile range and about half of average depending upon the area.  What's been unusual is that snowfall has been similar among the areas instead of being much more on the Sierra Crest at Alpine, Squaw, Kirkwood vs. the leeward places Northstar, Mt. Rose and Heavenly.  Nonetheless subjective reports and terrain open are worst at Squaw and Heavenly vs. other places in line with the experience of past low seasons.

 

There are only 2 comparable seasons through February in the past, 1976-77 and 1990-91.  Mammoth is in much better shape than either of those seasons now.  Tahoe is better than 1990-91 and a little behind 1976-77 at this point.   1976-77 is remembered as the worst overall season because March/April were low too.  It snowed 200 inches in the Sierra in March 1991, so season totals were 20th percentile or so, ahead of several other seasons in addition to 1976-77.

To echo davluri (or at least, what I think he's saying), I think you may be shortchanging Squaw.  Most of the mountain (the major exceptions being Broken Arrow and Silverado) is now accessible.  North-facing pitches were skiing extremely well this weekend, if you know where to look and are willing to tolerate a nasty entrance to get to the good stuff; I had a great time on KT, Headwall, Siberia, and Granite Chief on Sunday afternoon.  The threat of a hot spell later this week, which might otherwise gunk up the snow, appears to be lessening.  The primary downside to Squaw remains the weekend crowds (especially on Saturdays), but we shouldn't have to worry about that.

IIRC the conditions at Tahoe didn't start to improve until Tony announced that he wouldn't be coming.  Conincidence?  I think not.   I think we should encourage Tony to note whatever shortcomings he can come up with, because only then will conditions get even better.   

And it will be great to have Tony on whatever days he is able to join in the fun.   

Holy Moly, Batman

 I'm busy packing (fly to SFO tomorrow) and guess what just fell out of the sky ?

it's a a    an  Epic Ski baseball cap !!   I'm stoked.

By mail In a USPS box from Market Street in San Francisco.  It goes right into the trip bag.

Guess it is a sign I need to go to this gathering.!

I can't remember ordering it. Maybe yes, Maybe no. My inquiry was a long time ago.

See Ya soon.

 Mdskier

Discount tickets to Mt. Rose

Save 65% on Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe lift tickets at Liftopia.com!
Only 18 tickets left for Tuesday, 02/28/2012, so get yours now:

http://www.liftopia.com/q/ctrJ

I've skied Squaw, Northstar, and Mt Rose in the past week and I'm fairly impressed by how all of them are skiing.  

Still doing snow dances and stocking up on ULLR.  

C'mon Snow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

I've skied Squaw, Northstar, and Mt Rose in the past week and I'm fairly impressed by how all of them are skiing.  

 

Still doing snow dances and stocking up on ULLR.  

 

C'mon Snow

Seriously, people, get on it! It's time!

All I can say about the bulk of the posts on this thread is that fools need to spend less time postulating about the weather and more time actually skiing.

I received my Epicski cap in the mail today, as well. 

I believe it was a benefit to being a Supporter.  In any event, the arrival was timely, as I am leaving Thursday morning for Bachelor and then Tahoe. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdskier 

Holy Moly, Batman

 I'm busy packing (fly to SFO tomorrow) and guess what just fell out of the sky ?

 

it's a a    an  Epic Ski baseball cap !!   I'm stoked.

 

By mail In a USPS box from Market Street in San Francisco.  It goes right into the trip bag.

 

Guess it is a sign I need to go to this gathering.!

I can't remember ordering it. Maybe yes, Maybe no. My inquiry was a long time ago.

See Ya soon.

 Mdskier

 

 

Thanks for posting this.  I scored the ticket.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by agent.5 

Discount tickets to Mt. Rose

 

Adult	1	02/28/2012 Tuesday		$24.00
Tax Recovery Charges & Fees: $0.72 Grand Total: $24.72

 

 

 

Save 65% on Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe lift tickets at Liftopia.com!
Only 18 tickets left for Tuesday, 02/28/2012, so get yours now:

http://www.liftopia.com/q/ctrJ

for those looking for lift tickets, here is your quick chart:

http://www.slidingonthecheap.com/deals/all.shtml

REI and Costco are your best bet for for sure tickets, and you can stop by along the way for the visitors.

(call first so you don't waste a trip, and confirm blackout dates).

If you're looking for the shell deal, and you really can't get that validated, an option is ebay or craigslist, and entrepreneur will sell/mail you a voucher for the convenience fee of around $5-10.  blackouts apply on Saturday.

for northstar/heavenly hopefully you can find a vail passholder who can help you with a buddy pass; otherwise barring a group discount, that's going to be an expensive ticket.  

REI is your best bet:  (if driving from SFO berkeley/sacramento.  if in Reno, Reno). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDad 

To echo davluri (or at least, what I think he's saying), I think you may be shortchanging Squaw.  Most of the mountain (the major exceptions being Broken Arrow and Silverado) is now accessible.  North-facing pitches were skiing extremely well this weekend, if you know where to look and are willing to tolerate a nasty entrance to get to the good stuff; I had a great time on KT, Headwall, Siberia, and Granite Chief on Sunday afternoon.  The threat of a hot spell later this week, which might otherwise gunk up the snow, appears to be lessening.  The primary downside to Squaw remains the weekend crowds (especially on Saturdays), but we shouldn't have to worry about that.

Squaw had a firesale of discount tickets last week to boost attendence(2pak for $100) +allowing Sunday into the shell 2-for-1 deal, whereas Vail (northstar/heavenly) pretty much held steadfast to their relatively very lift ticket prices all year with no changes in policy or heavy discounts (and getting hammered on yelp for the money grubbing).

I think you'll definitely notice the pricing effect reflected in the crowds.  I have not had a "crowded" day at heavenly yet as far as the lift lines (at least compared to previous years).  

If you read the latest posts on the Squaw thread, it looks like it was a bit of mayhem last weekend.

Regarding conditions, I think you'll have fun on all the mountains. Everyone who goes always remarks "better than expected"

Right now you're not going to get any powder, so its' pretty much all about the groomers.

The problem with the calculations of snowfall is it doesn't take into account snowmaking or grooming.  If they get a few days of cold, depending on if the resort turns on the guns it will make a huge difference in the snow quality (well, groomer quality at least).

Heavenly is always low on the natural snowfall inches, but they make up for the lower amount of natural snow by blowing a carpload of money on snowmaking.  The storage lakes they are using are starting to look pretty low, they pumped a lot onto the slopes this season. 

Most of the lines are on the blue runs. I juggle between Headwall and Siberia. There is almost no wait, especially Headwall.Like TheDad said, the off-piste is fun this weekend. I learn to look at things differently. Initially, I hate all the rocks on the reverse traverse, then it become a interesting challenge for me to see how do I get thru it without touching any rocks.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by raytseng 

 

Squaw had a firesale of discount tickets last week to boost attendence(2pak for $100) +allowing Sunday into the shell 2-for-1 deal, whereas Vail (northstar/heavenly) pretty much held steadfast to their relatively very lift ticket prices all year with no changes in policy or heavy discounts (and getting hammered on yelp for the money grubbing).

I think you'll definitely notice the pricing effect reflected in the crowds.  I have not had a "crowded" day at heavenly yet as far as the lift lines (at least compared to previous years).  

If you read the latest posts on the Squaw thread, it looks like it was a bit of mayhem last weekend.

 

 

Regarding conditions, I think you'll have fun on all the mountains. Everyone who goes always remarks "better than expected"

 

Right now you're not going to get any powder, so its' pretty much all about the groomers.

The problem with the calculations of snowfall is it doesn't take into account snowmaking or grooming.  If they get a few days of cold, depending on if the resort turns on the guns it will make a huge difference in the snow quality (well, groomer quality at least).

Heavenly is always low on the natural snowfall inches, but they make up for the lower amount of natural snow by blowing a carpload of money on snowmaking.  The storage lakes they are using are starting to look pretty low, they pumped a lot onto the slopes this season. 

Wow, Vail just added Kirkwood to the fold... Haven't read the fine print but it looks like epic passes are good there this season. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexzn 

...you do have to tolerate nasty entrances.  But after that it is still fun.

Hmmmm, reminds me of an old gf.

Quote:

Originally Posted by segbrown 

Wow, Vail just added Kirkwood to the fold... Haven't read the fine print but it looks like epic passes are good there this season. 

According to http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120222/NEWS/120229960/1078 my $359 Heavenly/Northstar pass is now good at Kirkwood.

"Vail Resorts also announced that, effective immediately, Heavenly and Northstar pass holders will have access to Kirkwood and Kirkwood pass holders will be able to ski and ride Heavenly and Northstar."

That could change my plans for as soon as next Sunday as Kirkwood gets more and better snow than Heavenly and is about 50 miles closer to home.

Next year I was thinking about only getting an inexpensive weekday pass to Kirkwood, but that has probably changed too.
 

I also have two tickets (good any day) from Costco for Kirkwood that I received for Christmas that no longer need and I am willing to sell for $50 each.   

Quote:

Originally Posted by segbrown 

Wow, Vail just added Kirkwood to the fold... Haven't read the fine print but it looks like epic passes are good there this season. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tseeb 

According to http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120222/NEWS/120229960/1078 my $359 Heavenly/Northstar pass is now good at Kirkwood.

 

"Vail Resorts also announced that, effective immediately, Heavenly and Northstar pass holders will have access to Kirkwood and Kirkwood pass holders will be able to ski and ride Heavenly and Northstar."

 

That could change my plans for as soon as next Sunday as Kirkwood gets more and better snow than Heavenly and is about 50 miles closer to home.

Next year I was thinking about only getting an inexpensive weekday pass to Kirkwood, but that has probably changed too.
 

I also have two tickets (good any day) from Costco for Kirkwood that I received for Christmas that no longer need and I am willing to sell for $50 each.   

This makes things very interesting...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/vail-resorts-to-buy-lake-tahoe-s-kirkwood-mountain-in-18-million-deal.html

Details on how the pass' work with this deal, on the EpicMix website.

http://www.snow.com/epic-pass/bestoftahoe.aspx

That had been my assumption.  But Heavenly having only 190 acres open at Christmas after a cold and dry December when Mammoth got 500 acres open has revised my opinion.

I've skied Mammoth early season a few times in "low tide" conditions and agree with that.   So that's what I'm hoping to see next week.

Quoted for Stoke!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces 

I was at Kirkwood yesterday, and it has gotten much better.  Coverage is thin, but that IMO makes the terrain more interesting.  Mid-winter conditions at the moment and very fun.

 

.