The 2011 EpicSki Gathering - Page 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnL 

 

 

At least you make a lot of noise. And you speak some variant of English, instead of Quebecois. I appreciate that!

 

Fortunately, there's a bit more elbow room in Vail than at Blue Knob.

 

Though with a group of ~60 each day, the first run or two (until groups separate) will be interesting. As Uncle Louie has said, "We are our own worst enemy."

Or OB just says, "Don't worry I won't run over you." Then, after hearing the swish swish and getting sprayed, he gets to the bottom and says, "Boy, that was a close one, eh?"
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer 

First, your're telling me they won't wait for me, and then, Second there is not enough guides and Third, we'll probably be on our own anyway. I think I'll stay on Chair 15...it's really close to the bathrooms.
 

 

Yep !  There is something for everybody at The Gathering   

It's going to be a tough split,  but if I can get groups split in such a way that there is one or two familiar with the areas none of the members will be groping around for terrain.

(going to be funny to watch folks find chair 15 at the Basin eh ?  Bets on how long they can "hold it" ?  )

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Louie 

It's actually even easier than this the way it is set up this time around.  The guide gets to choose where he or her wants to go and takes 8-10 folks and heads out.  Since most of the skiers are capable of sking expert runs the split is usually quite close. I have skied with about 1/2 of the people coming to this thing so most of the split is already done, it's just a matter of including the rest.

 

I do expect a number of Intermediates at this event.  We will get them out of the meeting area first.

 

Now as a bit of advance notice I'm going to be doing tours of the Lake Chutes area at Breck (morning group and afternoon group)  weather, snow and ski patrol permitting.  This is Breckenridge's steepest terrain in the 53 degree range. There will be a carefull split and warm-up run in Horseshoe Bowl.  Anyone who struggles in Horseshoe bowl won't be allowed to continue up to the Lake Chutes.  (and......you should be capable of a 10 minute hike in your boots at 13,000')

 

 

 

Dang, I checked out some vids of the Lake Chutes. That is the real deal. Thre is nothing like that in my home state. But I have done the Daly Bowl/Chutes at Deer Valley in Utah which is fall to the bottom terrain. But I think that is more in the mid 40 degree range. UL, what is the Horseshoe Bowl like?

David
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarCube 

Quote:

 

I'm already a group!
 

 And how is he managing THAT???

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1 

Dang, I checked out some vids of the Lake Chutes. That is the real deal. Thre is nothing like that in my home state. But I have done the Daly Bowl/Chutes at Deer Valley in Utah which is fall to the bottom terrain. But I think that is more in the mid 40 degree range. UL, what is the Horseshoe Bowl like?

David
 

 

 Mostly fall-half-way-to-the-bottom.

Thanks, to Finn, for calling to check the voucher validity!

Just the answer I was hoping for.

Now I may have enough money left for a few Avalanche's at the brewery, yeah! Or maybe parking at Vail.

Doing the snow dance now.

Brudog

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1 

Dang, I checked out some vids of the Lake Chutes. That is the real deal. Thre is nothing like that in my home state. But I have done the Daly Bowl/Chutes at Deer Valley in Utah which is fall to the bottom terrain. But I think that is more in the mid 40 degree range. UL, what is the Horseshoe Bowl like?

David
 

 

Horsehoe Bowl is in the high 30's to low 40's  (Lulu area).  It's steep enough there that if it is wind packed  and smooth and you crash,  you have a few seconds to self-arrest or you just enjoy the ride to the bottom.

There is an area of the Lake Chutes that is usually about a 10 mandatory air area that this year we estimated at 60' from 6 chair this season because of all the snow (and wind in that area).  There was a guy standing on top of it looking down that looked like a spec.  I plan to head out there before The Gathering to make sure we can get into some of the fun sections without a mandatory drop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Louie 

Horsehoe Bowl is in the high 30's to low 40's  (Lulu area).  It's steep enough there that if it is wind packed  and smooth and you crash,  you have a few seconds to self-arrest or you just enjoy the ride to the bottom.

 

There is an area of the Lake Chutes that is usually about a 10 mandatory air area that this year we estimated at 60' from 6 chair this season because of all the snow (and wind in that area).  There was a guy standing on top of it looking down that looked like a spec.  I plan to head out there before The Gathering to make sure we can get into some of the fun sections without a mandatory drop.

 

So a couple weeks ago I was at Vail and drop a couple of times into Iron Mask. Not much of a drop but the face had a pretty decent pitch. Any one know how that might compare to Horseshoe. Just getting my psych on....
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSloan 

 

Or OB just says, "Don't worry I won't run over you." Then, after hearing the swish swish and getting sprayed, he gets to the bottom and says, "Boy, that was a close one, eh?"
 

 

But it was the spoke work as I was passing LOL. No worries hahahahahaOutta my way im trying to run over John!!!!

And its not really that close unless you touch skiis then I say HOLY CRAP THAT WAS REAL CLOSER EH!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Boot 

But it was the spoke work as I was passing LOL. No worries hahahahahaOutta my way im trying to run over John!!!!

And its not really that close unless you touch skiis then I say HOLY CRAP THAT WAS REAL CLOSER EH!!!

 

I think Brother Boot has a penchant for getting, as Karen Carpenter would say, "close to you." Boot, remember that photo of the two of us at Vail two years ago. I think you thought you were in some sort of ski congo line.....

David
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noodler 

At last season's "impromptu" gathering at Vail we skied with a much larger group than 10 and we managed to hang together very well.  I think we could possibly increase the group sizes, but it really depends on how well the skier abilities are grouped.

Oh, that was a special day.  I fear it will never be repeated though, even if we had all the same people in the group again.  

All your ski run comparison questions can be mostly answered here: 3dskimaps.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1 

I think Brother Boot has a penchant for getting, as Karen Carpenter would say, "close to you." Boot, remember that photo of the two of us at Vail two years ago. I think you thought you were in some sort of ski congo line.....

David
 

 

Can't find it bah. All I can say is ya eh if ya aint sliden on yr two by twicers and keepin them side by each on da hill well the buys ya aint got no busness kissin the cod in dat dare freezer!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1

 

So a couple weeks ago I was at Vail and drop a couple of times into Iron Mask. Not much of a drop but the face had a pretty decent pitch. Any one know how that might compare to Horseshoe. Just getting my psych on....
 

 

I'd guess Iron Mask to be about the same pitch as some areas of Horshoe, but 4-5 degrees flatter than some of the steeper areas of the Front Bowl in general. (after the drop that is)
 

It's been about 10 years since I skied Breck, but I don't recall anything in Horsehoe Bowl being all that steep/risky (but I'm sure I may have missed a tough line or two between some rocks that a local could easily point out.)

From some of the youtube videos, Lake Chutes looks like the reeeeeaaaal deal and a huge leap up in difficulty/consequence. Looks like you better know what you're doing up there. Follow steep protocols, get guided on routes, and plan escape/slide paths. When in doubt, don't fall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noodler 

All your ski run comparison questions can be mostly answered here: 3dskimaps.com

Go here, click on Breckenridge and look for the bright yellow area at the top of the map under the word "skimaps".  Note just to the left of the bright yellow area, there is an area with no color.  Note also that the yellow is the highest percentage at 45.....and the area with no color is......skiable and ........freakin.....STEEP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Boot 

Can't find it bah. All I can say is ya eh if ya aint sliden on yr two by twicers and keepin them side by each on da hill well the buys ya aint got no busness kissin the cod in dat dare freezer!!!!

 

Ladies and gentleman, this man is a force of nature. Keep him in front of you and mind your cod....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Louie 

Go here, click on Breckenridge and look for the bright yellow area at the top of the map under the word "skimaps".  Note just to the left of the bright yellow area, there is an area with no color.  Note also that the yellow is the highest percentage at 45.....and the area with no color is......skiable and ........freakin.....STEEP.

 

UL, thanks for that link. I had not seen it before. I can only ponder why they chose yellow to denote the steepest designated pitches. Must have some sort of piste significance that escapes me.

David

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1 

UL, thanks for that link. I had not seen it before. I can only ponder why they chose yellow to denote the steepest designated pitches. Must have some sort of piste significance that escapes me.

David

 

Yep...most pee their pants, especially when they fall, therefore the color yellow, me thinks.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer 

Yep...most pee their pants, especially when they fall, therefore the color yellow, me thinks.
 

 

 Most falls there result either in cartwheeling or rag-doll flopping, so the pee gets evenly distributed.

I doubt anyone who isn't a Colorado native is going to hike the Lake Chutes in 10 minutes. Shit, most can't even make it to the summit from the chair in 12.

Of course, that should separate the wheat from the chafe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lars 

I doubt anyone who isn't a Colorado native is going to hike the Lake Chutes in 10 minutes. Shit, most can't even make it to the summit from the chair in 12.

 

Of course, that should separate the wheat from the chafe.

You coming to the gathering Lars?  I'd love the opportunity to meet up with you!

For those wanting a demanding, but not terifying, black run experience, the Whale's Tail area in Breck might be a better choice.  It's a right turn off the same Imperial Express chair that leads to the Lake Chutes hike, and is a vast, open bowl with many routes down.  No one will be bored there reegardless of ability!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_m 

For those wanting a demanding, but not terifying, black run experience, the Whale's Tail area in Breck might be a better choice.  It's a right turn off the same Imperial Express chair that leads to the Lake Chutes hike, and is a vast, open bowl with many routes down.  No one will be bored there reegardless of ability!

Mike, would that be in the realm of Ghengis, Sweet Sweet Sour, etc at Vail?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

You coming to the gathering Lars?  I'd love the opportunity to meet up with you!

 

My Wifey can't get the time off as her Spring break starts on the 9th of April for two weeks. That said, We will be in Summit Co. on the 10th thru the 15th. Have a place in Frisco that we stay at. So, if you are around you can meet us for some turns and apreski. Will be meeting up with Rick and UL. Details to come on that time.

So, any stragglers and leftovers from the Gathering who want to meet a Legend, PM or leave a post here.

I would love to meet you TC.

As for the Whales Tail, it's an easy traverse mostly downhill to the right of the Lift exit. No hike and the last time I did it in February, it was thigh deep powder and wind deposites. Actually more fun than the Lake Chutes as in my opinion, not worth the hike due to the shortness of the runout. That said, if it's a clear day, you can see Maroon Bells all the way to Long's peak from the top. as well as a real neat view of Copper and Jaques Peak to the West. If it's windy and snowey, not worth it.

Now, a hike to the Weather station is definitly worth it. The coverage is good but you must be in really good shape and acclimated as you'll be sucking air to no end if you're not.

JMHO

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliberate1 

 

Mike, would that be in the realm of Ghengis, Sweet Sweet Sour, etc at Vail?
 

 

It's better than Ghengis as it's steeper and less skied and always gets windloaded so you can make laps and ski untracked all the time. But, don't tell anybody.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lars 

 

It's better than Ghengis as it's steeper and less skied and always gets windloaded so you can make laps and ski untracked all the time. But, don't tell anybody.

 

Lars, your secret is safe with me,,,,

When last I got to visit Whale's Tail, about 10 days ago, there was a cornice that required about a six-foot drop.

While the winds for which Breckenfridge is famous do a tremendous job of refreshing the snow in Whale's Tail, they also can push the snow into really heavy little whales, so be aware the snow there can be variable.

If you go to the outside rim, you can look down on Copper.

The view in any direction is pretty spectacular on a sunny day.  You're just below 13000 feet when you leave the lift.

Cornice drops are optional; just depends where you choose to drop off the traverse. Plenty of choices.  Fun, long, steep (but not crazy).

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_m 

Cornice drops are optional; just depends where you choose to drop off the traverse. Plenty of choices.  Fun, long, steep (but not crazy).

Just enough for a nice 360 drop in. Always makes for good conversation.