Time to ski Steamboat!

In case you've been asleep...the 'boats gotten over 40" in the last day or so with another 2'+ expected in the near-term and another doozey predicted for this weekend.  I hesitated to drop everything and go immediately (stupid...), but intend to be there by Friday for the next round (fingers crossed otherwise I'm stupid times two).  Let's go powder-mining in the endless steep n' deep trees (I do know the "way") - leave a post or send a PM!

P.S. Other reasons to ski the 'boat this weekend is to take a free NASTAR run in memory of "Mr. NASTAR" (a former condo neighbor of mine - see the amazing story @ http://www.nastar.com/articles/mr-nastar-of-steamboat-springs-passes-away, and note that from 2004 to 2011 he logged 3,391 runs over 555 days on the 'boat's course). I can get you the info about taking a free run in his memory.  Oh and it's my 57th b-day on Sunday....

Tentatively leaving Monday night (and skiing that day), so we have at least one day to try n' meet up.  Could be more if it keeps dumping.  How well do you know the 'boat and are you a tree-rat like me (or wanna-be...no slight intended)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibumm100 

This will be my third year at Steamboat. I had a lot of fun but I don't really know the resort like a local (or you or Ron). I skied in the trees quite a bit last year. The secret, as you know, is knowing where the best spots are. I took a run in Fish Creek with Tam last year (thanks Tam!) and I didn't hold her up too bad. I was able to get a secret stash map but most of what's on it is no secret. As long as the stumps and deadfalls are buried, I'm good to go.

No worries - would be glad to show you my secret stashes (though you probably skied many of them since so much of the tree-skiing is hardly "secret") and I don't ski at breakneck speeds, though I imagine Tam knows way more than me - I have zip experience in the side/backcountry like Fish Creek (didn't know that bad-ass area had skiable terrain, nor do I even know how to get to it).  Anyway at this point side/backcountry is considered to be a sure avy threat.  I'll PM my cell #.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchell schneringer 

I'll be in Steamboat Monday through Wednesday next week. I am an advanced intermediate and am moderate to slow in the trees. I'd like to get to know the resort better if anyone wants to show me. If not, I completely understand.
My main question relates to the skis that I may need. My current all around skis are Blizzard Magnum 7.6 (2010/11 models). Although narrow (76 waist) they surprisingly work very well in freshies but I have not tried them in anything deeper than 6". Opinions appreciated much.
And finally, any chance of someone providing me one of these "insiders only" map prior to my departure?

Yeah, listen to Ron - unless you are an uber-strong expert with lots of powder time it is very hard to get the 7.6's to do what you need in even only moderately tight (i.e., gladed) trees.  I had a surpise deep (and somewhat "manky") day early in the year and was on my Sultan 85's - they did well but required way more effort and technical precision than my S7's, and just were flat-out far less fun (which is what skiing is all about for me) 
 

I'll PM my cell# and see if we can hook up for one or two of the "easier" tree runs.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finndog 

Oh BTW- I believe the 1 week total since Saturday is now at 52" and climbing.....  I am predicting 6 feet by Next Saturday.

It continues to snow hard today with a winter storm warning for heavy snow through sometime tomorrow.  With more storms expected Saturday/Sunday and then Monday/Tuesday (sounds like one big four day storm just like this one...) the 6' may be easliy surpassed by sometime early next week.  Too good to pass up (and still kicking myself for not leaving sooner) so it now looks like I am leaving tomorrow and staying til as late as Wednesday (fingers crossed). 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchell schneringer 

Ok, now I'm thinking I should purchase a set of new skis for next week. As I like my Blizzard Magnum 7.6 (170) it sounds like its not the correct ski for the conditions. Suggestions? Blizzard Bonaire and Cochise both mentioned above...my question is what length. I'm 6' and 210lbs.

I don't own a "tweener" ski like Bonaire or Cochise, so I'm not a good guide for this choice (I have my Sultan 85's for most days with even fairly deep snow as long as the base is solid, and my S7 pow skis which are reserved for fresh, deep snow and/or moderately tracked snow with an unpacked base...which is what we'll be seeing at the 'boat for now). 

You may want to demo to see whether a "tweener" (i.e., 100mm or so under foot) vs. more of a full-on resort pow ski might work better for you, though at your size something like the 117mm (I think) Rossi Super 7 that Ron mentioned will hardly be a full-on pow ski (it'll give you less flotation than my 110mm S7's do under my 130lb.'s).  The Bent Chetler also mentioned by Ron is over 120mm underfoot and may start to be a bit much for you to move around and/or edge well on more packed runs.  Good Luck!

Thoughts anybody else? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finndog 

BONAFIDE........ 

But "Bonaire" sounded more, uh, shall I say both debonaire and like a male body part inference....   
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

Good for you.  Please send a boat load of snow to Tahoe......we'll be appreciative.

 

Will try, but I may need to reverse the earth's rotation the get weather to flow that way...are the storms still bypassing the Sierras?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finndog 

the S3 is a fun ski for sure but I prefer at least 110 underfoot with modern rocker (think multi dim; S7 or Super 7, Dps, Sali R2) I also love the Cochise.... 

 

Mitchell - Now we're talking and go long (perhaps not 190 given your ability level but just shy of it)...I ski 178 in the S7's but they are both actually shorter (more like 172 which is typical for most of these skis except the DPS's) and they ski short.  To me the only reason to go for a 100mm+/- ski instead is to have that one-ski-quiver to bring with you when coming out (otherwise if you can bring more than one I'd go fat).
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazzer 

You obviously don't need a derrick to turn a phrase ski-ra. Single funniest phrase I've read recently, and I read a lot.
 

 

Tanks, though it still ain't good enough to quit my day job....
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchell schneringer 

This afternoon, I purchased the 2012 Blizzard Bonafide (187 length).  The 2013 Bonafide was also available, but the sales rep informed me they are the same with the exception of the skin.  I'll have them by tomorrow (air freight).  We depart on Friday and hopefully they work well.  Otherwise I'll end up renting something fatter.  I wanted to upgrade from the Magnum 7.6 while not going too fat for most of my days on mountain, which are non-powder days.

Wow that was fast (and a very very good idea given the continuing snow pukage).  Sounds like an informed decision (model and length) and Ron'll probably tell you that you picked a great ski.  Will definitely meet up and see how you like 'em!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpfreaq 

Hey ski-ra, will you be skiing tomorrow?  I plan to leave WP early but probably won't get to the 'boat by first chair.

 

I'm fine to ski on my own but if anyone is looking to add a skier to their posse, let me know.

Wasn't intending to make it to the 'boat to ski tomorrow - it's been a long time since I've tried that (and driving there tonite could be deadly)!  Was gonna stop tomorrow at WP on the way (or Copper unless WP finally gets some decent snow - they've been left out of all of this...as if you didn't know first hand).  Looks like we'll be missing eachother by a day...too bad (that's what I get for hesitating since Monday)!!!  OTOH don't want you skiing them trees alone (nor me on Friday).  You could--and I didn't tell you this--call me at 4:30AM tonite/tomorrow to wake me up so I can make it to the 'boat in time for 2nd chair??.   Hmm....