Got snow, Rat?

[_RaT_]

Not being a snowboarder myself, I have found quite the opposite today. Snowboarders now account for about 50% of the folks on the mountain. In the beginning they were the scourge on the hill. A famous resort in Tahoe even forbid them. Now, not only do they allow them, but build slopes exclusively for them. I see 60 year olds out boarding to 5 year olds. I generally ski nothing but very steep ungroomed runs and in the trees as much as possible. I am suprised to see the boarders right in there with me. They have been a blessing of sorts in that they have really helped out the resorts in income and that has helped maintain ticket prices. I think it boils down to the individual, some folks are just self centered jerks that care about me, myself and I. They can be found on boards, skis and of course on the highways and roads, but that's another matter. Anyway, Heavanly is a spectacular place to ski. The views of the Lake are the best there. If you really want a treat, check out Squaw Valley. Attached is a shot of me at Heavenly. It was cold, really cold for us Californians. Those things in the background are tree's

 

[sassafraspete]

Whew weee ..... that is a great picture of snow ghosts. My nostrils start sticking together at -30. Thanks for sharing it. I don't have problems with snowboarders really. I have problems with people who are dangerously wreckless and ski/board without regard to others.

As for skiing steeps with trees... forget it. I could never be that good. I already have too many bumps on my head.

 

[_RaT_]

Speaking of skiing in trees and getting a bump on the head. Heavenly is were Sonny Bono hit a tree and died.

 

[slydog]

WOWWWW! That is an awesome shot! I wish I were good enough for the Alpine skiing. I really wish I had started younger.

I didn't ski my first time till I was in my mid 30's, but I have to say it is one the most enjoyable, exciting things I have ever done. I ski the blues, but have gotten up the courage to ski a couple of blacks at Copper Mountain. Even made it all the way down ONE without falling /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif. After that personal accomplishment...i've stuck to the blues, or some nice greens with my wife who has only been twice.

She claims I like to take vacations where I can try and kill her. lol.
I actually proposed to her on the slopes at Copper Mountain, on her very first ski trip. Here is a shot of her right after I gave her the ring. I had a romantic proposal all planned for a sleigh ride to dinner in a camp tent, but after she wiped out and threw her ski poles at me, amidst all the cussing, I was forced to ad lib it on slopes. WOMEN...they just don't know what fun is! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Thats pretty funny. Even the best layed plans.....

Skiing has that effect on folks. My wife pretty much hated me the first day I skiied with her. At that time she was a girlfriend. I told her to walk up to the chair lift (with her skis on). 2 steps forward and 3 backwards, I think that's when the trouble started.

I have yet to ski any of Colorado. I have been to Utah and Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley, is unbelievable.

 

[ByronBob]

My wife has been to Tahoe skiing but I have not. We ski in the East which is nice but not this winter.

What's more fun than skiing with the wife is seeing my 4yr old doing it. It's quality family time

 

[RobertN]

I have skiied off and on since '84, in the Tahoe area. When I started, lotsa folks would announce they were behind you, coming along side ect. You hear"on you left" or right ect.

Now, people just buzz up on you and past you. And crash in to you. I think there are more people on the slopes; more traffic to bump in to. I also think a lot of people were not taught the courtesies, so they do not have a clue.

And, a lot of people "go for it" even if they really do not have the expierience to judge that distance or gap.

It's about common courtesy, which aint as common as it used to be, just in general.

 

[slydog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's about common courtesy, which aint as common as it used to be, just in general. )</font>

Amen! I always yell ahead, and ski within my abilities.

I love Copper Mountain, lots of varied terrain in all classes. I've skied Park City (where I learned), Copper several times,
and Heavenly once. I do have to say, while the Rockies around the Denver area are lovely; Tahoe, the Sierras, and the drive from Reno up and around the lake, and back through Carson City, are the most beautiful moutains I have ever seen. Any readers who have never made this trip, you have got to experience it, even if you don't ski.

 

[_RaT_]

Ken, that is a amazing look at the East side of the Sierras. The mountains just take off and get very tall, very fast. With Carson and Reno at about 4000' and the peaks at about 10,000 you have some vertical climb. A fabulous and perhaps one of the most spectacular drives anywhere is down 395 to Bishop. You have the White Mountains to the East, High Sierras to the West with Mt Whitney at well over 14,000 feet and Highway 395 down in the 3000' level. The mountains tower. If you ever wondered what "purple mountain majesty" must have meant, that is it.The mountains take on that look in the evening. Down there is also Mammoth Ski Resort. The name doesn't do it justice. It too is awesome.