TR Replies
Marcus - I'll check it out - thanks!
dan - Yup, here for ever and ever, amen - I thought of you when I arrived and wondered if we'd hook up. Looks like we're trading places. So far been in CO a month and have skied Crooked Couloir on Audubon, Sundance bowl (down to the river!), Tombstone bowl (ahem on location), and Bancroft. Torrey's North Face this week...
dan - Yup, here for ever and ever, amen - I thought of you when I arrived and wondered if we'd hook up. Looks like we're trading places. So far been in CO a month and have skied Crooked Couloir on Audubon, Sundance bowl (down to the river!), Tombstone bowl (ahem on location), and Bancroft. Torrey's North Face this week...
looks like i missed you by about a week,, sundance off of trail ridge was in awsome shape last week, and is about 2k with supper easy access, are you down in colorado foor good?
Wow, way to give it a go and glad that you are safe. I've learned over 4 or 5 skis of that route that it needs to be done when its 90 degrees in the lowlands and late in the day (like 4 o'clock). Over the next few weeks we should get a break like that.
Great shot -- really conveys the unique dusk ski experience up there!
Oh allright, I'll cut you some slack this time. Smarter people than us two have been discussing that issue up in random tracks lately. It's good to have a Colorado Correspondant on the scene.
Oh yes. But, my new camera takes very large photos, and the software to manipulate them won't allow me to shrink below the TAY limit of 100k w/out making them illegible. Until 1) I somehow find my other photoshop CD in storage or 2) Charles loosens the 100k limit on photos, then no photos will accomany TRs into the future. Such is life.
Don't they let you carry cameras down there in the South?
Gotta take my skis in today to get the bases grinded, the ski down with the pollen and then through the trees provided a good amount of glop and tar on the bottom. Not even skins would stick to them!
Wow, looks like I opened a can of "Random Tracks". Great info. Thanks
Michael
Michael
author=Randy link=topic=7362.msg29448#msg29448 date=1181771865]
But who knows what the new owners of the Karhu / K2 brand will do ? -- it might be that last season will be the only time it will be made.
NOOOOOOO!!! :'( Randy, is this really true?
We've been skiing our Guides all spring and we've been very impressed. Though not a fan of waxless in colder more powdery conditions, as far as I'm concern...
The hotlum- wintun as a ski descent is normally a great route with its only drawback being that you have to fight the fall line and trend skiers left as you ski it to get back to the hot-tun snowfield and the Brewer TH. The upper Hot-tun can ski well which tops out on the north side of the upper hotlum-wintun ridge proper, the hot tun can get some weird horizontal wind strata on it though. Slightly farther north is the climbers left hand variation of the Hotlum glacier route which is one of the...
This is the NW -- since when was powder performance an important consideration ;)
In fluffy snow the pattern doesn't climb very steeply -- but OTH it also doesn't drag very much.
The XCD Guide is a light ski for it's width and it is a very sweet turning ski. It would also be desirable if offered in a smooth based version.
But who knows what the new owners of the Karhu / K2 brand will do ? -- it might be that last season will be the only time...
In fluffy snow the pattern doesn't climb very steeply -- but OTH it also doesn't drag very much.
The XCD Guide is a light ski for it's width and it is a very sweet turning ski. It would also be desirable if offered in a smooth based version.
But who knows what the new owners of the Karhu / K2 brand will do ? -- it might be that last season will be the only time...
Thanks. It was a nice trip, though I'd agree earlier would be easier when there is more snow to cover the boulders.
Right after I took the first picture, I had a half-fall and tweaked my right knee. It appears the MCL got over-stretched. I'm out of commission for a little while, certainly not as bad as my left knee years ago. Hiking out over slick boulders and steep trail was a bit of chore (pain in the knee!).
Right after I took the first picture, I had a half-fall and tweaked my right knee. It appears the MCL got over-stretched. I'm out of commission for a little while, certainly not as bad as my left knee years ago. Hiking out over slick boulders and steep trail was a bit of chore (pain in the knee!).
Nice job hitting another weather window. Send me a PM next time you want to go so you won't be alone among the "hissers".
Michael
Michael
Sweetness, Dan. Now drive to Seattle next time it's about to get sunny and we'll go for a little tour. 8)
Randy, thanks for the direct experience report. After I posted I was thinking about the Guides and had the idea that there might be a spring transition time when they would work pretty well. I can get kind of cynical when I see something like that ski promoted for powder use...
Jeff, yes, the photo issue is definitely solved! Thanks for all of your help along the way.
Jeff, yes, the photo issue is definitely solved! Thanks for all of your help along the way.
author=ovrthhills link=topic=7362.msg29385#msg29385 date=1181573287]
Charles,
Great report. The first two pictures are show quality. Do you know anything about the Karhu Guide XCD midfat waxless skis?
Michael
I have a pair of Karhu XCD Guides -- overall I'm pretty happy with the performance of the ski. Due to it's width, a stiffer boot than Charles "Joke Boots" is desirable. ...
Hey Kenji looks like you had a great trip, nice pix!
makes me jealous as I spent the weekend moving.
BTW did you get my e-mail about the car?
Roger
makes me jealous as I spent the weekend moving.
BTW did you get my e-mail about the car?
Roger
nic pics Kenji. Looks like you got a good trip in before the weather turned.
Great report and photos Charles. I hope this solves the Fryingpan picture issue :).
Charles,
Thanks for the info on the waxless skis. And, ironically, this report and the replies describing the firn spiegel reinforce my opinion about the posting of pictures. A couple of well chosen pictures accompanied by good descriptive prose and the experience is complete. Thanks again.
Thanks for the info on the waxless skis. And, ironically, this report and the replies describing the firn spiegel reinforce my opinion about the posting of pictures. A couple of well chosen pictures accompanied by good descriptive prose and the experience is complete. Thanks again.
Chris,
So, that's where we went. ;) Its good to go out with a "Paradise Veteran"
And, its always a good lesson to experience the mountains when exposed to the "full rigours of the North Pacific". As for your gear, next time we'll have to swap. Then you can experience the joys of Goodes.
So, that's where we went. ;) Its good to go out with a "Paradise Veteran"
And, its always a good lesson to experience the mountains when exposed to the "full rigours of the North Pacific". As for your gear, next time we'll have to swap. Then you can experience the joys of Goodes.
Michael, I don't have any direct experience with those Guide skis. I kind of wonder what is the point of them, however. They are pretty wide (109-78-95) and promoted for the flotation they provide in powder conditions. The problem is that although fishscales grip well when there is some soft moist snow on the surface, they are pretty much useless for ascending in cold snow. If one takes the Guides out on a powder day skins will be the only way to ascend, so why not use regular and maybe hig...
It wasn't corn Telemack but the steep stuff skied Okakdokey. It was good to get out on an iffy day. MAN I LOVE MY DYNAFITS WHY DIDN"T I CONVERT YEARS AGO!
So, corn in Edith and Mazama bowl was the deal? Sounded OK.
BTW, Chris, this week I'm checking the forecast for the Baker area.
BTW, Chris, this week I'm checking the forecast for the Baker area.
Sounds good Chris. Let's hope some of that snow sticks around for awhile ;)
Glad you got out and got some goods out of what looked like a questionable day. The only vert I got was working with/on a ladder.
Good description of Firn Spiegel-
I love skiing the Firn, usually it is in patches on the slopes, but it is a real treat when you get a whole run on it.
One of the cool things is if you hit it right it sounds like shattered glass as you turn and as the ice debris trickles down the slope. You keep looking over your shoulder expecting much more coming down hill after you. It can be rather noisy, but an awesome smooth ski under foot. Wish I was there. When you tell someone (other skiers)...
I love skiing the Firn, usually it is in patches on the slopes, but it is a real treat when you get a whole run on it.
One of the cool things is if you hit it right it sounds like shattered glass as you turn and as the ice debris trickles down the slope. You keep looking over your shoulder expecting much more coming down hill after you. It can be rather noisy, but an awesome smooth ski under foot. Wish I was there. When you tell someone (other skiers)...
Exotic snow conditions are one of the big draws of BC skiing for me. The delight of skiing light, 4 inch feathered depth hoar, velvet corn, firn spiegel, etc add a depth to the skiing outing. Not all exotica conditions are great, like the hell-born texture of frozen ocean wave sustrugi on Misery Hill on Shasta, but you'll always remember it.
Some of the choicest turns I've ever made, edging out even continental champaign powder, is firn spiegel skied on a steep slope. The...
Some of the choicest turns I've ever made, edging out even continental champaign powder, is firn spiegel skied on a steep slope. The...
Charles,
Great report. The first two pictures are show quality. Do you know anything about the Karhu Guide XCD midfat waxless skis?
Michael
Great report. The first two pictures are show quality. Do you know anything about the Karhu Guide XCD midfat waxless skis?
Michael
wheelinthesky - you're Keith, right? Good to see you here!
After having another great day skiing on firn spiegel I finally got motivated to learn more about it. CSAC has a good description:
"An ice crust formed on the snow surface on sunny, cold days. The sun's heat penetrates the surface snow layers and causes melt around the grains beneath the surface, but meltwater at the surface i...
After having another great day skiing on firn spiegel I finally got motivated to learn more about it. CSAC has a good description:
"An ice crust formed on the snow surface on sunny, cold days. The sun's heat penetrates the surface snow layers and causes melt around the grains beneath the surface, but meltwater at the surface i...
Charles,
Nice report. The glare off of "das firnspiegel" is blinding. We got some snow down here from the same system. Enough to keep the 'turn all year" going. Keep up the good work.
Nice report. The glare off of "das firnspiegel" is blinding. We got some snow down here from the same system. Enough to keep the 'turn all year" going. Keep up the good work.
The route is South to South-West, but there is some deep snow piled in there. No avy depris, but differential melting due to aglae and dirt on snow has caused cupping, and if the suface was hard it would not be fun to ski. I like the new helmet mount better than the chest mount too. The trick is to make a wedge of dense foam to fit behind it and create the correct angle, then just duct tape the heck out of it, shove off and hope for the best. Try not to hit anything with...
We also saw it last weekend in the Paradise parking lot when we returned from Little Tahoma.
A nice tour and you beat the cloud bank. You "fishscales" skiers are animals. ;)
FYI. I was on the Wintum-Hotlum yesterday and I don't recommend it for this season. Steelman on telemarktips.com said the snow above 12,500 wasn't any good. I climbed to 12K due to firm conditions as all I brought were ski crampons. My goal was to ski good corn and not go for the summit. Between 10-12K, snow was nice corn, but textured. Below 10K, the snow is really sticky and I just put a warm wax on my skis. I did two laps between 10-12K, but baile...
If you enjoy photographic trip reports, you can find my Telemarktips TR here: http://telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=35459
Enjoy,
Bob
Enjoy,
Bob
Jerm, I did see a dog. Your ski lines looked nice from my perspective below.
Joe, I understand about the desire to explore new places yet many times being drawn back to the convenient locations. I have to create lists to remind me for "next season". It always amazes me that there are so many "stashes" within close proximity to the popular sites. Just spend a day with Ron and Mad Dog around Paradise and you realize the truth in that statement. Many...
Joe, I understand about the desire to explore new places yet many times being drawn back to the convenient locations. I have to create lists to remind me for "next season". It always amazes me that there are so many "stashes" within close proximity to the popular sites. Just spend a day with Ron and Mad Dog around Paradise and you realize the truth in that statement. Many...
Art, Your ski line was beautiful. Last month, it was probably continuous. When I was at Kangaroo Pass a couple of weeks ago, there was considerable avy debris off the backside. What aspect is the descent route ?
Glad to hear about your switch to Dynafit, you'll be a happier and faster "trailbreaker".
I like the new helmet cam versus the chest cam. ;)
Zap
Glad to hear about your switch to Dynafit, you'll be a happier and faster "trailbreaker".
I like the new helmet cam versus the chest cam. ;)
Zap
I think that must've been us on the NE slope. We were up there with our dog, Keller. Set off some hissers ourselves, a couple went pretty far. Snow was nice and carveable though, and slid pretty nicely compared to the pollen loaded gunk a few weeks ago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk - apparently 2-3 meters, according to the wikipedia.
author=LeeL link=topic=7350.msg29318#msg29318 date=1181325207]
Nice - i went biking instead - which was fun but I know I missed out
Like this shot a lot
http://bp3.blogger.com/_avdLqn1SOPw/RmjUN7k-UYI/AAAAAAAAAPs/H8gbpHJpa1o/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG
We are planning more climb/ski trips like the NF of Fissle, Fitzsimmons in the next few weeks. PM me if you'd like to join in.
Hmm... Sulphur fumes and a shunk. Maybe he wasn't lost. Maybe he just made it to Shunk Heaven. ;)
author=Zap link=topic=7354.msg29347#msg29347 date=1181422475]
Joe, It's funny that you toured to Governor. I stopped at the split and peered numerous slopes with the binoculars and thought about Governor.
I too had the binoculars out in search and recon mode. Maybe one of these days our worlds will cosmically align and we will meet up for a tour. ;)
Every year I say, I should go do this or that, but the lure of s...
Joe, It's funny that you toured to Governor. I stopped at the split and peered numerous slopes with the binoculars and thought about Governor.