NorCal Skiing and BS Thread

The snow wasn't too heavy? I am thinking heading there Sunday since it is supposed to rain almost everywhere else.

 

I talked to a few guys and they said the snowfall yesterday was wet/heavy but it lightened up that evening. It was pow this morning on top of all the heavy stuff.
They set off a few avalanches early this morning too before opening, I guess there was a huge one in Eagle bowl but I didn't see it because I only rode chair 6.
There are more storm systems coming in tomorrow night and going through the week. I'd be prepared to see 88 close again, it closed yesterday and a portion was still closed from kirkwood to silver lake when I left at 11:30 today.

 

Was gonna head up to South Lake this weekend but seems like heavy rain sat afternoon till sunday night. May just do a day trip on saturday.

 

Monday night's drive home was hell. It took 7 hrs to go 110 miles. My buddy was 20 mins ahead of us and got trapped on Highway 20 before they plowed the off ramp closed.

 

My sister was in that mess too. Took her 13.5 hrs to drive from my house to Chico (180 miles). She said highway 20 was like a parking lot of cars spun out everywhere and ended up back tracking to 80 after sitting forever.

 

Where are you thinking of going? some friends and I are crashing in a motel up there tonight to beat the traffic and to hopefully hit the freshies tomorrow.

 

Good idea, we just decided to do the same thing. Not sure where yet, either Heavenly or Kirkwood. Probably Heavenly since most of the terrain is open now.

 

Yeah we are doing Heavenly. I looked and as of now they don't have open Mott Canyon or Killabrew Canyon..... I am really hoping that changes this weekend though. I mean I am sure they have enough snow now. Maybe they are just waiting for the weekend crowds?

 

Weird just checked right now on the site and it says Mott and Killebrew are open.

 

Wahhhhh? I also checked around 9am so that's probably why. I am going there first thing tomorrow then. Definitely my favorite part of the whole mountain.

 

Hot damn. That doesn't surprise me at all though. Hopefully some fresh snow overnight will fill in some holes and it will be good tomorrow morning. Are you going out this weekend?

 

lol I can understand that; if I lived in the mountains I would be the same way. Unless I lived in somewhere like Jackson Hole or Park City. Everyday there is a slice of heaven it seems.

 

It's plowed over within ten minutes of snipping the rope usually haha.

 

Can someone tell me the about the typical drive from Sacramento to Squaw via the 80 to 89 I did the drive before Christmas and it was a pretty easy drive since there was no snow. I'm accustomed to the drive from LA to Mammoth and it is a pretty straight flat drive. When it snows, they have chain checks points and everyone either needs to put on chains or carry them, including 4x4 must show they are carrying chains even if the 4x4 aren't required to put them on. The drive has been pretty much uneventful. Do people typically do up and back day trips. Is the drive pretty uneventful or is there always an accident or backed up. On Jan 2nd, a typical 2.5 hour drive to Big Bear was 5 hours up and 3 down, what was it like up there.

Is Christmas considered a busy day, the 24th had a lot of snow and a few people were out, the 25th seemed pretty empty compared to what I consider busy from Mammoth or Big Bear standards? If what I experience was what you guys are used to as a crowed day, you are so lucky.

I did like Alpine Meadows over Squaw, any recommendations for a boarder for the next trip?

 

The drive from sac shouldnt be bad on a typical day. I live in the Bay and always do day trips (3.5-4hours each way). The only times it becomes quite the shit show is when there is snow/rain. Its just like you described it ... chain control checkpoints where they'll only let you pass if youre 4x4 or put on chains. Legally you do have to carry chains no matter what you drive but I've never had them check before. Really, its snow/rain that can make it go from an uneventful drive to a crazy one. I know people were getting stuck on 80 for 10+ hours this past weekend because of all the snow and extra people in the tahoe area.

I can't comment on Christmas eve/day since I've never been up on those days but I've heard from others its usually pretty quiet.

But for sure most resorts are crazy busy on a regular weekend. I'll assume what you experienced was a really light day.

Personally, I love kirkwood but squaw is right up there. I've never been to Alpine.

I'll let everyone else chime in for recommendations.

 

Checking the weather now.. might hit Squaw or Homewood tomorrow. It really depends on when the snow turns to rain.

 

Yeah I agree with @rob1208 in regards to the roads and conditions. For riding, it really just depends on what kind of terrain you like. I like Northstar for mellow days with a group. When I want to push myself I go to Kirkwood or the back side of Heavenly. I ski and stick mainly to the steeps and trees though. I have also heard great things about Sugarbowl and their terrain. Boreal is well known within the park rat world. Again it depends on your personal preference. I am not a huge squaw/alpine person, but that's just me.

 

Ever get like this, this is a Thursday late in the day? And that isn't even a high speed quad.