TR Replies

Might be heading to that area this weekend.  Where/how do we purchase the $5 quicksilver lift?   We attempted once 2 seasons ago and failed.  So, we had to just hike up under the lift which wasn't so much fun.  Would gladly pay the $5 to not have to hike up a ski run.

Thanks.

wow Matt!  those are some really nice photos, as usual.  the surface hoar exposures are my favorite, with the warm morning back-light.  thanks for sharing.

kam

GregL, its actually $34 Canadian, with the current exchange rate (which isn't what it used to be) I think it works out to about $28 US.  Saves you about 2 hours of skinning, if you wanted you could access the same area by climbing the Singing Pass Trail, which we used to ski out.

Very nice photos, looks like you had lots of fun.

Erik_L: Is that $25 CDN per day?

Looks like a great way to spend a morning! 8) Nice photos.  Kam!

Hah, we were writing and posting the trip report at the same time.  Here's mine copied into this thread for cleaniness:

I'm finding early morning ski trips are a great way to break up the work week, get some exercise and turns, all while avoiding the suspicion and watchful eye of bosses (though I hardly think mine would object, but rather approve;  Kam's might have a different take).

Kam and I headed up to Alpental to ski some of the unconsolidated sugar over the Decembe...

  On the second day of this new year, Gabe (my son), Ted and Paul (telefriends) and I were also enjoying the wonderland around Table Mountain.
  The plan was to skin up to the start of the Ptarmagan Ridge and then make a decision as to where we would do our turns. As the sun crested theShuksan Armlight,dry snow sparkled like millions of diamonds. The deep blue sky provided a dramatic backdrop for the white slope, the green tree islands, the exposed rocky ridges and the steam plume...

I wish I could have been there! Fortunately I have secret agents filming for me 8)   Here's my weekly report

Jill and I had a great day sharing the powder in the sun with an easy going fun group.  See you again soon.  Once again the senior citizens reaffirmed that you never leave great powder to find better powder. :) Stefan, you broke a nice trail.

Zap

Wolfs, Brother of Wolfs, and I were there as well. Out past table mountain. We had intended to ski the slope beneath Coleman pinnacle, but alas I was too slow.

Saw some nice figure elevens done by some radical snowboarders. Lamely we made turns on the nice untracked snow. Sure was cold in the shade of Ptarmigan Ridge.

Nice photos you guys.
Clearly a stellar day.

Thanks for the photo's Stefan, I also have some available for viewing here.  :D

http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/paradise1205.msnw

...but, remember the crust ? well, it got progressively thinner the higher up we got, and while i was able to milk a few satisfying turns, my friend kept breaking thru the crust...

Great TR Ema, thanks for the smiles.  Ron and I can tell you a few stories about breakable crust and which of us is able to milk a few turns while the other is not so fortunate  :D

good to run in to ya Eric and Jim.
Yesterday was fantastic up there...this morning on Mazama Ridge the weather was a lot warmer. The snow was still fun, but not the face-shot powder like on Saturday and Sunday.
We broke camp and headed for the parking lot as the day-trippers began to arrive and see what lines were left to ski.

my funnest day on skis yet. the snow was perfect. and so was the company,although Jerry should have been there.

some pics I took are avail for you to view at
http://community.webshots.com/album/243562901ofFJzo

Where's this Golden Gate and 911 gully stuff in relation to mazama ridge/pan point, etc?

If I tell ya I'd have to kill ya. ;D ;D ;D

We were there Friday, but didn't make it as far up as you did.  The snow was nice, what little there was of it.  Lots of bounding off submerged rocks and limbs, but it was fun.  I certainly won't be complaining about Alpental not opening up.  Looks to me like they'll need another 24 inches at least.

Jan 2,

hit the Baker area and skiied a couple of laps underneath Table Mountain, north facing aspect.  Amazing how tracked up the area was.  The snow boarders seemed to be systematically working on the steepest drop-ins remaining.
Didn't cut trail all day, the snow that had been packed was noisy styra-snow.

Beautiful blue bird day, any uncut sections you could find made for nice turns.
It looked like in order to get your own uncut section of hillside, you needed to...

in the interest of accuracy, isn't that Alta Vista rather than Pan Point? 8)

Wow.
Another great job on the cinematography, Warren... I mean Jerry.  That's another keeper.  Great choice of bg tunes, as well.  Very nice work.

Next time, Jim . . . but I'll probably be up on Table with you!

You were the thin guy with Lasers and Dynafits over by the GS course? Good to chat with you!

We possibly crossed paths at the ski area yesterday! Nice shot. I think that the tree that extends up to the top of the photo on the right is in front of the line we took from the saddle. I'll try that one again (in stable conditions...)! I think the headlamp parade we watched come down was heading near or in the gulley just to the left of the tree.

Saw your tracks from the ski area yesterday, Jim. Nice!