WASATCH STOKE, CONDITIONS, OBSERVATIONS and ASSORTED DRIVAL 20-21

[D-Roc]

Wind is still fierce this morning. Mixed bag out there but the turns lower down made it worth it. No pics, was fighting off frost bitten fingers from the wind and viz was mostly non existent.

^Fact, while lower more protected areas were fun, the wind is doing a number on the more exposed and secondary areas. Cranking probably 70+ gusts above 9k.

I can speak to the frozen-ness of it all haha,

I thought i put my headlamp in my pocket but must have dropped it as i was touring towards City Rocks, anyone finds a nice Petzl headlamp, beers on me...

[Shaaarrrp]

Super fun day at Solitude today mostly exploring the areas off Eagle Express and Powderhorn. Little windy earlier but it cleared up later and was great. Lots of fun stuff to be found and it's good to see snow filling in. Guess I still have a lot of areas to explore. Went up there 3 days thus far. I know this is a weak winter so far but coming from the east, I'll take what's out there for sure.

Hope to chase a few of yall around when it's doable!

[whyturn]

Another fun afternoon













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[jtran10]

There's a sign at Collins today saying to not leave skis unattended

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[snowaddict91]

There's a sign at Collins today saying to not leave skis unattended

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Nice.

[raisingarizona13]

I see they went forward with the new lift at NV. Any reviews yet from anyone on here?

[brutah]

I see they went forward with the new lift at NV. Any reviews yet from anyone on here?

I don't believe that lift has been installed at Nordic Valley yet. And I'm guessing most Utah skiers have not skied at NV.

Speaking of Nordic tho..... The XC ski season has been picking up here in Utah! Got out this morning in Round Valley, still pretty thin and they're not setting a classic track, but damn do I enjoy a little "kick, push, coast" Gotta hit RV in the morning as those groomed trails get chewed up by all the walkers and runners.

[muted]

I don't believe that lift has been installed at Nordic Valley yet. And I'm guessing most Utah skiers have not skied at NV.

it is up and running as of last weekend. I've heard good reviews, it has fun glades, but the top elevation of it is lower than the parking lot of Snowbird.

[raisingarizona13]

it is up and running as of last weekend. I've heard good reviews, it has fun glades, but the top elevation of it is lower than the parking lot of Snowbird.

I don't think Snowbird is a fair benchmark for all other ski areas. I ski in Arizona. We have to deal with all kinds of adverse conditions during a typical winter here but this mountain (AZ Snowbowl) is Colemans big $ maker or that's what I'm guessing. I can definitely see the point though that those lower elevation areas in the Wasatch won't even be viable in 20 to 50 years. This place probably won't be either then.

[muted]

The parking lot of Snowbird is a great benchmark to compare it to other resorts here in Utah. We all know how LCC looks like on lean years driving up before you hit the parking lot - it can be really thin. Take out the lake effect snow on top of that and that reference says a lot to me.

[raisingarizona13]

The parking lot of Snowbird is a great benchmark to compare it to other resorts here in Utah. We all know how LCC looks like on lean years driving up before you hit the parking lot - it can be really thin. Take out the lake effect snow on top of that and that reference says a lot to me.

It's a very high benchmark tho, No? I mean, you may be a bit spoiled there. Thin and shorter seasons that depend on early season snow making efforts are the norm in most places in the U.S and A. Plenty of those places have successful ski resorts.

[Benneke10]

It's a very high benchmark tho, No? I mean, you may be a bit spoiled there. Thin and shorter seasons that depend on early season snow making efforts are the norm in most places in the U.S and A. Plenty of those places have successful ski resorts.

If I lived in Arizona I'd be stoked to ski NV any time, but Utah is a special place where snowfall can vary dramatically within a small area. Skiing groomers and bashing rocks sucks a lot more when you know you could be skiing powder nearby in upper LCC

[raisingarizona13]

If I lived in Arizona I'd be stoked to ski NV any time, but Utah is a special place where snowfall can vary dramatically within a small area. Skiing groomers and bashing rocks sucks a lot more when you know you could be skiing powder nearby in upper LCC

Sure but hows that traffic situation doing? Everyone can't be in LCC or needs to be skiing the terrain of Snowbird. I guess I'm talking about the business side of things and not what you or I (or anyone else on here) prefers. I don't see it as every ski area needs to be like Snowbird to be successful. In fact, I'd say it's better not to be if you want to make money. At this point, the popularity and IKON passes are taking away from the attractiveness of the Snowbirds and Jacksons. People are going to be looking for more affordable and less stressful options imho. Or that's the point I'm getting close to now.

And you might be surprised at the kind of skiing we do have when it's good, especially the touring. We get folks from Utah skiing here every now and then and some have said that if this were Utah it would be tracked out in a few hours but our back country stays nearly empty all of the time. I've had Utah skiers even say that this place is unique and extremely special because of that. I wouldn't trade an epic day here for one at NV.

[muted]

It's a very high benchmark tho, No? I mean, you may be a bit spoiled there. Thin and shorter seasons that depend on early season snow making efforts are the norm in most places in the U.S and A. Plenty of those places have successful ski resorts.

I don't know what you are trying to say about a parking lot elevation spoiling us. You asked for lift info, I gave it: Decent blue terrain, does not get much snow for anywhere, Utah or not.

[Dantheman]

I can definitely see the point though that those lower elevation areas in the Wasatch won't even be viable in 20 to 50 years.

NV might not be a viable ski area in 10 years. Some serious potential as a bike park, though.

[westoxified]

NV might not be a viable ski area in 10 years. Some serious potential as a bike park, though.

salivating at this thought. i'll gladly take crappy meadow skipping if it came with a side of dirt laps.

[DryorDie]

Have you guys heard anything about Wasatch Peaks Ranch? Sounds like a Yellowstone Club for the Wasatch - 10 miles south of Snowbasin, with Bob Wheaton (ex long time Deer Valley President) running the show & lifts scheduled for construction this summer.

https://www.saminfo.com/headline-new...00Sb3Hg3WJ3z04

[brutah]

Sure but hows that traffic situation doing? Everyone can't be in LCC or needs to be skiing the terrain of Snowbird. I guess I'm talking about the business side of things and not what you or I (or anyone else on here) prefers. I don't see it as every ski area needs to be like Snowbird to be successful. In fact, I'd say it's better not to be if you want to make money. At this point, the popularity and IKON passes are taking away from the attractiveness of the Snowbirds and Jacksons. People are going to be looking for more affordable and less stressful options imho. Or that's the point I'm getting close to now.

Are you trolling? You want to take a ski vacation to ski nordic valley??!? That's the most ridiculous thing I've read today.

every ski area can't be like the snowbirds and jacksons of the world and that's why they'll never be destination ski areas. These ski areas have a geological advantage that is appealing to expert and beginner skiers alike. It doesn't matter if you can ski all the terrain, the average skier on vacation probably is only skiing for a few hours to begin with and are likely more concerned with the amenities that come along with the resort, ie, restaurants, spas, hotels.

I don't think you are considering what the typical ski vacationer is looking for in a ski vacation.

I also sorta understand where you are coming from as a dirtbag skier like you, I prioritize actual skiing over everything else, and I've had a blast skiing NV for a few hours on my way home from pow mow.

[Benneke10]

Haven't you heard Ogden is the next great luxury ski destination town?

[JTG4]

Looking out my window/slider at The Inn. Looks like it’s gonna be (another) rough night for skiers trying to get home. Traffic at a complete stop.

[telefreewasatch]

Its snowing.

[wasatch_carpetbagger]

What time are yall thinking to be at the mouth of LCC tomorrow? 7am?

[Lone Star]

depends on overnight snowfall, timing of overnight snowfall, current snowfall intensity, expected snowfall intensity, winds, interest of other skiers, the whims and vehicles of the worst drivers, and reports from people skiing this afternoon.

if you want to play it safe, make that 6AM

[jtran10]

What time are yall thinking to be at the mouth of LCC tomorrow? 7am?

Save me a spot at sunnyside?

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[telefreewasatch]

Its not snowing.