TR Replies
I thought my Dad, who raced in a number of Silver Skis races in the 30's might get a kick out of this thread, and here is his reply to my note to him with the link:
"The 1934 race was really crazy, but several years later with starts 1 minute apart it was better. Also by 1936 when I raced the equipment was far better. Later Hannes Schroll, the Austrian downhiller, made a super fast run and beat the rest of us by one full minute. I don't remember which year that was...
"The 1934 race was really crazy, but several years later with starts 1 minute apart it was better. Also by 1936 when I raced the equipment was far better. Later Hannes Schroll, the Austrian downhiller, made a super fast run and beat the rest of us by one full minute. I don't remember which year that was...
Hey ultragrrl you stole my sunshine! >:( ;)
Buddy and I were touring Edith Creek. Was high overcast with light misting. From time to time the sun would beam thru. Anyway if it wasn't steeper than 30 degrees it was work. Still a fun day. Kept thinking to myself where is everybody? Maybe everyones preparing for the Muir race on Sunday. One more 12 ounce curl and I'll have completed my set of 12. ;D
Buddy and I were touring Edith Creek. Was high overcast with light misting. From time to time the sun would beam thru. Anyway if it wasn't steeper than 30 degrees it was work. Still a fun day. Kept thinking to myself where is everybody? Maybe everyones preparing for the Muir race on Sunday. One more 12 ounce curl and I'll have completed my set of 12. ;D
When I checked their website Sat eve, it indicated the gate open. I think they just opened it Saturday (4/30). We saw two shoers, but no ski tracks.
Kenji, what day did they open the White River gate?
Something to dream about until conditions improve or next season arrives...
This was taken from the summit of Ruth Mountain last season.
Sorry it didn't work out for you this time. It could have just as easily been epic. But until you stick your neck out, you'll never know!
Ditto what Sky said...
This was taken from the summit of Ruth Mountain last season.
Sorry it didn't work out for you this time. It could have just as easily been epic. But until you stick your neck out, you'll never know!
Ditto what Sky said...
Your second photo has a strangely 1930's look to it, as well - maybe a PhotoShopped sepia version would be fun.
How about this.
Can you identify the participants in the group photo? I recognize many of the faces, but not all -
Okay, here's where I make a fool of myself. ;) Please correct me folks. I'd like to...
;D I too had to make turns. I started in a tuck but once I was going over 40mph, I started to worry about terrain irregularites and their implications at high speed. ???
I have my stategy all planned out for next year.
13 minutes just doesn't cut it for me!
That aside, it was a spectacular day with great company!
I have my stategy all planned out for next year.
13 minutes just doesn't cut it for me!
That aside, it was a spectacular day with great company!
Good job pulling this off, Lowell, and sorry I couldn't make it yesterday. Sounds like you hit the weather window perfectly. Your second photo has a strangely 1930's look to it, as well - maybe a PhotoShopped sepia version would be fun.
Can you identify the participants in the group photo? I recognize many of the faces, but not all -
Can you identify the participants in the group photo? I recognize many of the faces, but not all -
Sounds about right. I saw your tracks out of the bowl down the logging spur. We got a late start and climbed silver via a bushwack from the PCT up the eastern col (hard but fun) and reached the summit around 2:30. We dropped from a point a little higher on the ridge than you guys and took the road back down to the pass. We noticed a sweet chute on the NE ridge, right below the summit that were going back for today. This looks like the good line up there. Hopefully the lack of sun today will make...
Once again we were same place, different shifts. I parked at what may have been your picnic spot, just before a point on road where someone else made abortive deep ruts in what would have otherwise been skiable snow on the road for about 100 yards. BTW I don't understand the purpose of the rubble heaps left on this road past Windy, they are just big enough to stop normal cars with conscientious drivers making an honest attempt to gain some elevation, and just small enough to encourage the jacked...
The immediate drop to the valley and direct ascent to the ridge has worked for me, both with and without skis. I'd recommend it, even though I haven't tried to do the North Face via any other approach.
I'd encourage you to try again someday; this is one of the most aesthetic, exhilirating descents to be found.
I'd encourage you to try again someday; this is one of the most aesthetic, exhilirating descents to be found.
I not sure where you were looking, but I found the snow perfectly skiable on Sat and corning up nicely on Sun around Chinook Pass. North side of Pk 6567 was perfect corn yesterday afternoon. Where was everybody?
I had a great time too, quite a unique experience. Thanks Lowell and everyone else who participated. I was just happy to make it up to Muir at all, let alone get there nearly an hour faster than I hoped. I wouldn't have made it a couple of days earlier. Seeing you guys fly uphill provided me much-needed incentive and inspiration to keep chugging along, including trying to keep Lowell in my sights as he finally pulled away above 9500 ft after a nice chat in-motion.
It was amazing to...
It was amazing to...
Phil, that drop from the White Salmon Road through the jungles is not optimal for skiers. You can wiggle through the alder with a climing pack, but not with skies attached. (edited to add: unless, of course, you are a legend of self-abuse!) ;D The best route is the one both of you took -- down from the ski area, but on a decent snow year.
Or, up the Sulphide, but that invloves a whole bunch of car shuttling. Maybe have a friend drop you off on the Shannon creek road and pic...
Or, up the Sulphide, but that invloves a whole bunch of car shuttling. Maybe have a friend drop you off on the Shannon creek road and pic...
straight down to the valley from the end of the logging road that branches off from 542 just before the resort, then climb up the other side out of the valley, and then along the ridge to the col at the base of the face.
This is the way we went in last May when we climbed the North Face. Steep through the woods, but not very brushy and fairly quick to the col.
North Face is a fine line and definitely worth the effort to ski it in the...
Thanks for putting yesterdays trip together Lowell! What a kick!
I was originally a bit skeptical about the weather but it came together absolutely perfectly. The snowfield was butter smooth and the thin coverage around pan point kept speeds in check on the blind rollovers. The questionable forecast probably helped keep total number of Paradise visitors down too which helped crowd control on the lower sections.
It blew my mind witnessing the Hummel brothers, Matt and Carl pull awa...
I was originally a bit skeptical about the weather but it came together absolutely perfectly. The snowfield was butter smooth and the thin coverage around pan point kept speeds in check on the blind rollovers. The questionable forecast probably helped keep total number of Paradise visitors down too which helped crowd control on the lower sections.
It blew my mind witnessing the Hummel brothers, Matt and Carl pull awa...
Thanks for the great post - I feel like I was there. Perhaps I can take part in the fun next year...
Great day Lowell!
"If you post it, they will come."
It was super to put yet more faces to names. What a powerhouse group of tourers too!
Funny, I probably cranked out over a hundred turns between Muir and Pebble Creek. Maybe that has something to do with my 37 minute finish time. Then again, my quads were cooked from the trip up and wanted no part of a sustained tuck ;D Also, Amar should have a couple minutes shaved off his finish time sin...
"If you post it, they will come."
It was super to put yet more faces to names. What a powerhouse group of tourers too!
Funny, I probably cranked out over a hundred turns between Muir and Pebble Creek. Maybe that has something to do with my 37 minute finish time. Then again, my quads were cooked from the trip up and wanted no part of a sustained tuck ;D Also, Amar should have a couple minutes shaved off his finish time sin...
What a great day... thanks for putting this together Lowell!
I turned on my GPS on at the top (and I know a few others did too). I'm not one to usually fiddle with waypoints and stuff, but it was interesting to see my progress down the snowfield afterwards in TOPO!
Here is annotated map, with my 1 minute waypoints marked (that's a GPS glitch near the beginning):
Route Map
A very humble 20 minute run for me - I t...
I turned on my GPS on at the top (and I know a few others did too). I'm not one to usually fiddle with waypoints and stuff, but it was interesting to see my progress down the snowfield afterwards in TOPO!
Here is annotated map, with my 1 minute waypoints marked (that's a GPS glitch near the beginning):
Route Map
A very humble 20 minute run for me - I t...
Nice report and pictures from Hood. Ann and I skinned up to a bit below Crater Rock and didn't wait long enough for a window of good visibility to descend. By the time we were finishing our run the sun decided to make a short appearance on the Zig Zag.
Great picture Zeno. I like how you can see all eighteen of us clearly. The idea of sixty racers boggles the mind!
Wow - excellent report Lowell! Glad things worked out so well.
Nice report.... too bad it didn't work out :-)
I've heard the best way to get to the north face (when there isn't any snow cover in the valley), is to drop straight down to the valley from the end of the logging road that branches off from 542 just before the resort, then climb up the other side out of the valley, and then along the ridge to the col at the base of the face. I've never tried it though.
I've only gone the way you went though (on the way in), and it was very qui...
I've heard the best way to get to the north face (when there isn't any snow cover in the valley), is to drop straight down to the valley from the end of the logging road that branches off from 542 just before the resort, then climb up the other side out of the valley, and then along the ridge to the col at the base of the face. I've never tried it though.
I've only gone the way you went though (on the way in), and it was very qui...
Zap, The idea of turning my niece into a sherpa is brilliant! I'll start working on that right away. :)
I'm not going to have any Sierra trips this Spring. Hopefully another year.
I'm not going to have any Sierra trips this Spring. Hopefully another year.
Hey Zap, retired is good, eh? I retired about 5 years ago as wel and enjoy skiing, mountain biking, backcountry, etc.
I am thinking of skiing something near TIoga on Tue and Wed. How are the conditions? Thinking of 3rd pillar or Ripper. Both East facing, but 3rd Pillar is more protected from the sun. Or Gibbs, East facing and in full sun.
Any beta will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rod
I am thinking of skiing something near TIoga on Tue and Wed. How are the conditions? Thinking of 3rd pillar or Ripper. Both East facing, but 3rd Pillar is more protected from the sun. Or Gibbs, East facing and in full sun.
Any beta will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rod
Jeff, Your new niece looks like a potential sherpa for uncle Jeff. I have 5 grandsons and the first words I spoke to them when they were born were "it's fun to breaktrail and carry some of grandpa's pack weight." I think I may have a break through with my 3 year old grandson in North Bend,WA.
When are you coming to the Sierras ? :)
Zap
When are you coming to the Sierras ? :)
Zap
Related to Shasta, on TTips a user posted an article from today's SF Chronical about a study from the USGS reviewing the threat of volcanoes and calling for better monitoring:
At present, two of the three most dangerous California volcanoes are not only in the northern part of the state, several hours' drive from San Francisco, but those two -- Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak -- are like bomb factories without burglar alarms: They're inadequately monitored with sei...
Skiing is great rate now in the Sierra and the snowpack should take us into mid-June. However, I caution one to believe that the weather will cooperate. All it takes is one heat wave to throw everything out of cycle. In 1995 after another stellar year and one of the top 5 on record in the Sierra, a heat wave came through and rapidly melted the snowpack. Reservoirs could not catch the snowmelt runoff, neccessary for Ca' water supply.
I'm a realist. Ski it whil...
I'm a realist. Ski it whil...
We were at Chinook Friday and had a decent tour on Yakima Peak - the percipitation came down as snow, with little accumulation - the North facing runs had enough coverage,but the best conditions were the turns back to the car just before it got real warm -
I agree with powderjunkie. Skiing there in spring/summer of '98, similar to this years snowpack, Mammoth was still open on July 4th, and we had just skied Dana Couloir and Ellery bowl to the highway on smooth snow....The skis to the desert floor may not be skiiable this late, but when Tioga pass opens, there is still plenty to ski well into summer.
I agree with skoog. Last weekend I was in a new area (for me) and I could see a dozen or more peaks that begged to be skied, let alone by how many routes.
Edit to add: I just read your post Sky. You make me crack up! If anyone would prove you wrong, it would be yourself. In that case, I'll buy you a case and if I live maybe I'll even take a drink.
Edit to add: I just read your post Sky. You make me crack up! If anyone would prove you wrong, it would be yourself. In that case, I'll buy you a case and if I live maybe I'll even take a drink.
I absolutely agree with Lowell. There's a lot to do. I'm not ready to quit. I haven't even begun. We're just stretching our legs getting ready for the track meet, eh?
But for Amar, I will go ahead and call this summit unskiable. Mt Washington in Oregon is quite different. Sure, the top is craggy and cliffy, but once you get below that you're in a mellow open bowl. In the right conditions you do a little sidestepping and billygoating on top, take a 20-30 foot huck, and then cruise t...
But for Amar, I will go ahead and call this summit unskiable. Mt Washington in Oregon is quite different. Sure, the top is craggy and cliffy, but once you get below that you're in a mellow open bowl. In the right conditions you do a little sidestepping and billygoating on top, take a 20-30 foot huck, and then cruise t...
Nice trip! That's one I'd like to do sometime.
I think last October Ann and I skied Muir with you and I remember you mentioned that you were headed there. Glad to hear it worked out. (I think it was a sunny weekday about mid month)
I think last October Ann and I skied Muir with you and I remember you mentioned that you were headed there. Glad to hear it worked out. (I think it was a sunny weekday about mid month)
Guess we can now close the books on Cascades ski mountaineering!
Heavens no, there's plenty of other things to do. Even routes that have been "done" could be improved upon. Plus if a route is really worthwhile, it's worth doing again even if it doesn't count in the record books.
I like Phil's observation that the NE flank of Jack goes way down to 3400 feet before leveling out. If you camped next to the peak (the basin below the...
Sky skinnning the icefall, shortly before switching to crampons.
I think your local guide is mistaken Jim. Ton's of coverage that will last AT LEAST 2 more months. This could be a Sierra's TAY kinda year. ;D
Navaho didn't look too good for skiing from up on the ridge above Bean Creek this past weekend (and in fact the pickings were slim in Bean Creek Basin too), so unless you meant to go hike Navaho, I suspect you made a good choice. Sounds like even Ingalls is a lot of hiking right now...
Korup, cost was about $1950, this included all hut costs and meals except snacks you had to buy yourself.
Additionally , you paid for your own transport costs to Chamonix. Included in $1950 was one night's hotel room at each end of tour. Also included was ski tickets for initial day of lift skiing before the tour started and the "Carte Neige" rescue insurance.
Used frequent flier miles to get to Geneva. Then booked taxi transfer to Chamonix( about 1.5 hours) with a company ca...
Additionally , you paid for your own transport costs to Chamonix. Included in $1950 was one night's hotel room at each end of tour. Also included was ski tickets for initial day of lift skiing before the tour started and the "Carte Neige" rescue insurance.
Used frequent flier miles to get to Geneva. Then booked taxi transfer to Chamonix( about 1.5 hours) with a company ca...
Hey, not to be nosy, but ballpark cost? It looks like a superb time!
I made an error above when I wrote that we skied from the highest skiable point. Look at the photo and we could have skied from a little higher on the left, but there was a bit of a cornice there and we didn't particularly need to press our luck.
Sky, when we were discussing which volcanoes are skiable from the summit, you told me that the highest skiable point is always the true summit (or higher if snow is piled up above that). If Mt Jefferson...
Here's a photo from John Roper.
I got a lot of photos but the slides will be a few days. The south face looks very good... for another year. Both that and the NE Glacier we skied would make wonderful descents in the right conditions. I'd say the same about NE Face of Mt Fury. But what do you do? Go hoping for the best, then take what you can get.
I made an error above when I wrote t...
I got a lot of photos but the slides will be a few days. The south face looks very good... for another year. Both that and the NE Glacier we skied would make wonderful descents in the right conditions. I'd say the same about NE Face of Mt Fury. But what do you do? Go hoping for the best, then take what you can get.
I made an error above when I wrote t...
Wow.
Super Trip, Chris. I'm glad you had a good time.
Thanks for sharing it.
Super Trip, Chris. I'm glad you had a good time.
Thanks for sharing it.
I'n in jackson, wy, and was thinking of heading out to the sierras in late may, leaving here on or about may 26. a local ski quide just reported that the sierra will be over by then. any thoughts on the matter?
jim larue
jim larue
Zap -- Sounds like conditions are great. So, it looks like the access is good for LeMark col and surrounding areas? We are planning to start a trip down there next Friday.
Say hi to Annette and Jens for me.
Ross.
Say hi to Annette and Jens for me.
Ross.
Congratulations on your descent -- and ascent! Guess we can now close the books on Cascades ski mountaineering!
I bailed on that route as a solo ice climb about 30 years ago. Seemed like no place to be alone on that particular day. I've idled about it as a possible ski route since. Glad I can now let it rest!
Oh, yeah. Nice touch with the day trip thing!
I bailed on that route as a solo ice climb about 30 years ago. Seemed like no place to be alone on that particular day. I've idled about it as a possible ski route since. Glad I can now let it rest!
Oh, yeah. Nice touch with the day trip thing!