Plan A: update #1

[yellowsnow]

Update from "Plan A:" as seen here

4pm turned into 6pm and we finally got on the road. It was about a 13 hour drive and we pulled into Tahoe early in the morning very tired on Superbowl Sunday. Well there is snow on the mountain (first white stuff either of us has seen this year) and we are too excited to rest. In a semi delirious state with no sleep and only a powerbar in the last 24 hours we decide to waste no time. Let the fun begin.

We hit up some local ski shops first just to check things out. Wow, glad we left with everything we needed because gear is roughly 2x what it is at a normal non-ski shop, just as I had suspected. One thing we notice right away is the people. I guess there is a huge amount of foreign people employed at local shops in Tahoe, something to do with government assist pay I hear? Either way these people don’t seem like they really want to be here, they aren’t excited about what they do, and they aren’t very helpful or friendly. However the few locals we come across are stoked to be here and it shows.

We hung out at the bottom of a major resort and watched tourist, one after another come off the mountain early. Clipping was a breeze, first people we asked offered up a pair without question. Half a day on the mountain with no food and no sleep in 24 hours was actually a lot more fun then I thought it could be. Snow conditions were lacking but damn did it feel great to get some turns in.

Day 2, we find ourselves on the same mountain, but now we made it in at opening. This time with full stomachs and a full nights rest, skiing was great. We also had a local to hang with all day and show us around. Snow was even worse though and the lines were long for a Monday, but we had fun.

We rest a day and then get some local hand-me-downs for a full day at Squaw. Wow what terrain! This place has got to have the most options I’ve seen. Temps were in the 50’s though and the snow was pretty shitty. Ice in the morning then slush all day. We did find some good spots on north faces though and KT-22 was everything I had read about and more. This place is #1 on the list for any fresh days if we are lucky enough to catch any while we are still here (doesn’t look like it).

So, today is day 5, 2nd day of rest. So far we have had 2 ½ days of skiing, some quality warm floor space to crash and no major issues. Total cost right now is about $80, mostly in gas in food. Not bad, but the dwindling bank account is constantly in the back of my mind. We need to find a place to stick soon, and its going to need better snow. We need to stick somewhere long enough to score some part time jobs and possibly a room for rent. Our plans are still up in the air, all the TRs from Jackson are good so that is first on the list, but so far we haven’t been able to line anything up so we aren’t just rolling into town completely fresh. If we don’t find anything in the next 3 days or so we will probably pack up and leave for Bozeman where we were offered some floor space by XtrPickles. Along the way we might do some car camping at resort parking lots and try to continue our luck with the budget runs.

If anyone knows of anything along the way now would be a good time to share. Part time jobs or cheap rooms for rent near good snow would be life changing factors for us at this point. And if you happen to see these two kids bumming around your town anytime soon please come up and say hi.

[powstash]

I'm going to really enjoy these updates. Keep them coming.

My vote for best intro to the boards - quality before quantity.

[RootSkier]

Yes. Keep up the good work.

You should probably start selling Ecstasy or something to fund your travels.

[Sensisnow]

Sounds like things are going well so far! Congratulations on jumping in with both feet. Let me know if/when you'll be in Jackson, I'll be there 3/18-3/25 and I'd love to make some turns and have some drinks with you two. Keep us posted!