Tahoe We Have a Problem (Snow Dances Needed) - Page 2

In the meanwhile, New Mexico, Kansas, and even North Texas have been getting pounded in a fashion most ironic. Where are you La Nina?!

We've been lucky here, though. Red Lodge was 100% open when I went a couple weekends ago, with fantastic snow, some pow to be found, minimal crowds, and beautiful days. Can't wait til Friday!!! Going to ski all weekend.

What's really funny (only to me), is that last year when my family was tossing around the idea of a Xmas vacation, we were debating warm vs cold and I pushed hard for Lake Tahoe.

They eventually decided on FL, and I pouted all year, but now I won't feel bad getting on the plane on Sat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirquerider 

Continuing on, as we must with our Snow Dance, things began to look better as I approached Northstar.  Say what you will, this place has more skiable terrain than any area in Tahoe, and it is because they have massive snowmaking, and don't need to wait for mother nature.

 

 

 

 

WOW!  That trail to looker's left of the liftline looks MEGA-STEEP!  It maybe even looks steeper than Snow King.  

Has anybody here skied it?

I guess you're referring to "Boca" ?  It's actually less steep than Stampede on the other side of the lift.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitamin Ski 

WOW!  That trail to looker's left of the liftline looks MEGA-STEEP!  It maybe even looks steeper than Snow King.  

 

Has anybody here skied it?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayT 

I guess you're referring to "Boca" ?  It's actually less steep than Stampede on the other side of the lift.
 

 

Oh, maybe it's the camera angle.

Some of the best tree skiing around Tahoe, as soon as it snows!

Those are definitely the 2 steepest runs at Northstar.  Any one know what slope degree they are on the top half (before they mellow out considerably)?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug 

There is some fun terrain over there. 

There's no snow on the horizon - the Snow Gods told me "It's the economy". 

Snow dances are great, but this is getting to the point that it calls for a full on SKI burning party. I'm talking booze, fire, dancing, possible nudity and at least three pairs of skis going up in smoke. 

While there may be some of you that freaked out by this. I believe this ski burning is for the safety of the general public. EVERYONE in Tahoe is on the ragged edge. Skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, restaurant owners, shop owners, shop employees even the locals dogs are ready to snap. Ski burnings have happened in the past when things got bad like this, and there is a 80% success rate in bringing snow to the area. One is in the works. Keep your fingers crossed it works, it is for everyone's best interest. 

Is La Nina letting us down???

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirksuchy 

Is La Nina letting us down???

She seems to be a fickle B!tch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

She seems to be a fickle B!tch!

Well, according to MSP, "The Bltch [was] Back" last year.

This year, I think "She's Gone"

Crystal Express lift at Diamond Peak this past Saturday. From afar you could see a lonely stripe of man-made snow leading down to the bottom.

At the end of the day I saw someone ride into the lodge on a mountain bike.

wow those pics remind of last year when I visited heavenly and drove around the lake.  No snow until after we left then they had a about 7' 

Beautiful area

Doing my best Snow Dance for Northstar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ske-Bum 

Snow dances are great, but this is getting to the point that it calls for a full on SKI burning party. 

Bonafide Bonfire!

Flying along the Eastern crest of Tahoe yesterday:

A sad state of affairs

JF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug 

I agree with getting multiple skis of the mountain is a PITA..a pain at most areas but Northstar is worse (along the lines of Okemo back east). Knowing the ins and outs of Northstar does help. We will tend to get there extra early for parking, head up to mid mountain, have some coffee then hit the lifts when they open. 

 

Cirque, you should have come up yesterday..it was a tale of two days. Quite interesting. 

What, don't those big mountains out west have smilling friendly Ambassadors waiting to help you carry your crap. :) and give you hot chocolate coupons and may be a $5.00 coupon.

I'm not working this year, I got the Ultra Pass so I can get early lift access.

Hope you guys are enjoying your nice weather. We're still waiting for it to stay below freezing for more than a couple of day's. Currently it's 54F in CT, Okemo say's it's 44F, lots of sunshine. I only have 5 day's in so far.

Is that a VT green long sleeve T shirt you have on ?

Good Luck Buddy, Happy Holiday's tell Trish too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayT 

Those are definitely the 2 steepest runs at Northstar.  Any one know what slope degree they are on the top half (before they mellow out considerably)?
 

 

Come on Mr. Ambassador! Get a copy of Theodolite for your iPhone, get out there and figure it out for us. Your followers want to know.

FYI, Theodolite is a cool little photo app that was written by a maggot, if I remember correctly.

I think his app is only for the iPhone, and I have a Droid.  I did however download a similar app for droid that does the same thing, but haven't tried it out yet.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinecure 

Come on Mr. Ambassador! Get a copy of Theodolite for your iPhone, get out there and figure it out for us. Your followers want to know.

 

FYI, Theodolite is a cool little photo app that was written by a maggot, if I remember correctly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

Thanks for the TR.

You pretty much nailed it.

I've skied mostly at N* so far but have a few days in at Mt Rose.

Mt Rose has excellent snow quality(for man made) but less runs open.  I'm interested to see what they will add to the open terrain this coming weekend.  they're making snow like crazy!
 

The next time you head to N* give me a shout out and I'll show you some tricks to make it easier. I promise!

 

 

Yeah, i have found a few of the tricksthat help a bit.  I should also try to carry less crap with me to the start!   Rose is hands down the best mountain in Tahoe if you want to test multiple skis (as if i would!) . Park right beside the lift (slide side) and switch out as and when you want without losing any time.

Snow-wise it is getting better, i was training this morning and they have been working hard and making some pretty good snow.  Looks like they will be opening the lake-view chair run by the weekend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitamin Ski 

WOW!  That trail to looker's left of the liftline looks MEGA-STEEP!  It maybe even looks steeper than Snow King.  

 

Has anybody here skied it?

 

Stampede, 2nd from right in pic is Northstar's steepest run (not including a few of the glades). It's one of my favorites. Boca (just left of lift) and Prosser are also great fun. Let the masses head to the backside or Comstock. Lookout is my favorite playground at N*.

So mentioning Lookout at N* ... the photo from a distance makes you think, oh, one good storm and those trails will be open in no time.  Well, here's what Boca looked like from the top today. 

Martis and Washoe are open, however.  I won't even show you a photo of White Rabbit (backside of Lookout), which doesn't have a single patch of snow on it.  Too depressing.  Snow already!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayT 

So mentioning Lookout at N* ... the photo from a distance makes you think, oh, one good storm and those trails will be open in no time.  Well, here's what Boca looked like from the top today. 

 

 

Martis and Washoe are open, however.  I won't even show you a photo of White Rabbit (backside of Lookout), which doesn't have a single patch of snow on it.  Too depressing.  Snow already!

In the east, we call that thin cover - 

and that is more coverage than what we have in the East except for what is on the snowmaking trails - very depressing start to the winter and I am supposed to arrive for a week of skiing on January 6th - hoping that a few storms roll in before then - 

How much snow is needed before Tahoe resorts go into full operation - 1 foot, two, three, four ... ?  It is getting closer to start thinking about pulling the plug on January trip to Tahoe and start looking elsewhere. So, it better start snowing.