Alrighty then.... see you there. Rolling in from Utah 31 to the 6th
I’m full of compliments !
I’m full of compliments !
@Skicheryl -- I'll let others chime in re:blue groomers cause I failed to pay attention to any names, but curious about where you're planning on staying in the truck camper. Just did 3 nights in a van up there and always looking for more beta. Awesome time.
Thank you, Jmeb! that is very helpful information, and I am very grateful to you.@Eddie S -- I'm a relatively newb but to save @Ron some typing ...
How is Pony Express area accessed if the PE lift is closed? From top of Storm Peak, I assume, but can runs be accessed from black runs (Crowtrack or The Ridge, for example) or only extreme runs such as the chutes? I am not an expert skier, so I avoid extreme terrain.
I could only figure out a way here via the "extreme" runs. Those runs vary a great deal in difficulty, from rock drop/cliff laced to just steep with loose trees. Christmas trees or East face are the easiest skis. You then still have to sort of know where the hike is off to the skiers right. For someone from CO in decent shape its a bit under 10min. Add some time if you're not used to altitude.
· Looks like a bowl or meadow on Morningside, between Frying Pan and Rooster, funneling down to lift. Good area to ski? Are the tree areas there – especially those on each side of the Morningside lift – all skiable?
It's OK in my opinion, not great. Most the trees are skiable, but the pitch is relatively flat after the first bit which can suck if you get flatted out in the trees. Worth a run or two early, but don't get trapped back there after 10:30/11 as line gets long. However, if you want to access the peak / extreme terrain, it's the easiest way.
· What is the level of tree well danger right now, with the relatively shallow base?
It didn't seem horrible, but definitely need to still pay attention around the coniferous stuff. I punched through a few times. As always, ski trees with friends if possible.
· What is the general level of terrain difficulty at Steamboat, compared to, say, Taos? I can competently ski all blues and many blacks at Taos (the only mountain I visit frequently), so I can use that as a benchmark. One of my brothers can ski anything steep, but the other brother is not ready for anything too challenging – the blacks at Taos were a bit much for him to be comfortable.
I'd say pretty even, with perhaps Taos being a touch stiffer. Rarely did I have surprise very-steep or technical skiing unless I was really looking for it.
· What makes First/Last Chance runs black-diamond level? They seem to mostly traverse the mountain, which usually indicates a modest slope.
They are basically catwalks that are ungroomed, flat, by lumpy skiiing down narrow paths where you need to carry speed. Not steep, but require a bit of attention. Probably really just black because you have to ski difficult terrain to access them.
@Skicheryl we are getting some really nice snow including 3" last night and another storm coming in Thursday or Friday. That should really put the entire mountain in fantastic shape. For blue cruisers, look at Buddys Run (top of Some peak lift) first thing in the AM if its clear. Beautiful views and its a long rolling cruiser. I would also hit 4 points lift to Upper and lower Rainbow. You could also hit Cowboy coffee or Alarm clock on Morningside but the tops could be bumped up. Otherwise, on the lower mountain, Vagabond is also a good one. I don't think this weekend is supposed to be crowded but the key up here especially on weekends is to get up and out early. BTW- bumps are awesome .
No, but drooled when I read Joel Gratz's Steamboat report this morning - hope we get some more for our visit there starting Thursday. Very glad you can enjoy it, Ron. Let us know how your day goes on the mountain - and if you think there is a chance that they'll spin Pony Express sometime soon.Are there any Pugs skiing this AM? Great day please let me know