JaySkisBig

http://www.tuckerman.org/ This is my fav site for Tucks Av Report, weather, photos, 'trail map' and a ton of cool stuff. Pics from 4-13-09 http://www.tuckerman.org/photos/tucks/

hahaha, i didn't! Thanks!

Given that a few people in the Ratpack have gotten married and/or had kids, they have given up our yearly Tucks trip. I'm looking to build a group to join us four on April 25-26th. This is more like a satelite group, meaning that they should be self reliant and capable, but want to ski/board with others forming a much larger bunch. If you think that a probe is something only to do with Cartman, then need not respond! LOL

Given that SLC is at about 4200' and Snowbird base lodge is at 8100', don't base your ski resort decision on the forecast for SLC. They did get 6" in the last two days, not stellar, but at least it's still snowing. The highest point of lift accessed terrain is 11,000'. The weather in SLC maybe Spring like, but the up in the canyon (Little Cottonwood), it could be menacing. I agree with Johnny Law about Park City. For skiing/riding, it kinda sucks unless you really like groomers. The party scene is top notch, but you can go there to party at night easily enough. A favorite of the locals is a smaller family place called Beaver Mountain. They don't get the epic snow of like the Bird, but they offer cheap tickets and really really sick terrain as well as long lasting hiden stashes if you can get a local to show you. Beer bribes work well. Also, Powder Mtn has Cat skiing/riding into terrain that isn't lift serviced and it's only $12/run or $300/full day. Give 'em a call, 1-801-745-3772 Ext 181, to see how often they are running. For the most part, stick to the Bird for late season fun. Peter Griffen from Family Guy said it best.... http://www.metatube.com/?Seccion=Videos&am...amp;Video=15957 "Everybody's heard that the Bird is the word... b b b bird bird bird, the bird is the word." Good Luck and have fun

Yeah there is a ton of info that can be found, but if nobody in your group has any experience then would they know how to take a snow sample, know what a snow pit is or even how to read a cross section. They wouldn't know the difference between a northface vs a southface after 11am warmup. They wouldn't know whether or not to avoid a snow pillow or blast off it. What makes OB skiing out west any more dangerous than east coast? Cmon, you know the answer to that. Accessability. Just a 5 minute hike at most places out west can put you in a slide-prone area. Now you tell me. How many places on the east can a 5 minute hike put you right in the middle of a slide-prone area? WHAT THE FUCK? You know what? Keep your little fucking site. Too many pissing contests here. I thought it was all about putting out and getting back good information.... nah here it's a little boys club. Piss piss piss.

Good to hear that you have some back area experience. I can't stress this enough... If you venture out of bounds (out west), then please go with a group or guide that has experience in that specific area and always go prepared.

Try looking up a few local ski clubs in the BC area and se if you can piggyback off of their group or voucher rate program purchases for the BEST DEALS. It may be a longshot, but ya never know... Also, if you made hotel/condo reservations through an RE management company, you can try contacting them. Vancouver Tourism might be able to help as well. 604-682-2222 Ask for Luke.

Paolo, Have you ever skied backcountry or out of bounds out west?

Stowe has a different kind of ski experience. Mansfield is a great mountain. They too get higher than average snowfall and have all the ammenities including a gondola and great snowmaking. This comes at a price. If you are willing to shell out $84 to ski/ride on a Saturday, then enjoy it, but even with expensive tix liftlines can still be long. Check out these numbers... awesome!!!! Snowfall at Stowe: Last 24 Hours: 17-21" Last 48 Hours: 21-26" Last 7 Days: 27-36" Season Total: 246"

If you are interested in learning more about the mountain, then talk to your teacher about it. Anyone that sports the sticker is usually quite happy to talk about it. I've never skied a place like it.

Johnny, that bottom pic looks very familiar. Is that Magic Mtn by any chance? I've done some sick skiing at Magic. A buddy of mine had access to the mountain via snowmobile and we'd take turns running each other and friends up when we weren't able to get back to the lifts. I hope they get hit with big snow late in the season like they did last year. Good Times!

First off, before you get your little pink panties in a bunch.... oops too late, I was calling myself stupid for ranting. At this point, take it how you want. I personally don't care. Just like you I too have an opinion and as you, am entitled to it. Second, I did say that east coast skiing doesn't compare to west coast, but I also said to appreciate each and every mountain for what it has to offer. Let's get into the thick of the BS. You flat out said... " i dont think it is much better or bigger than here, other than receiving more snow. i would much rather save my money and ski out west because spending extra money to go to vermont doesnt seem worth it to me anymore." (Just because you experienced the west for the first time?) LOL How is almost 300% more vert not bigger? (Any time you want to answer....) What makes a mountain better? Is it snowfall, total acreage, steeps, cliffs? Up north has them all and it's a lot closer and cheaper then going out west for somebody that may not have it in their budget to do so. Ohhhh this is actually fun.... You are telling me, "no need for a rant with name-calling and asumptions that you have made up." If I can't even make fun of myself or call myself names, then who can I make fun of? Me making things up? Let's just stop trying to create facts out of fiction, there are no ski areas (we are still talking about ski areas or are you going to change it up now and say heli-skiing.. haha) that have 6,000 feet of skiable in North America. You did say that, "i would rather ski 6000' of a mountain that has above treeline stuff, steeps, and cliffs rather than what vermont has." Whistler Blackcomb has the most vert in North America and that is about 5200'. Fact! It's great that you went out to Jackson, I hope you had the best time of your life, but don't cut on everything else just because it is not Jackson. If you drive a Ferrari one time, does that mean you should give up driving because the car in your garage is only a modded R32? If you have been up north many times, I don't know why you weren't able to hook up with some locals to have them show you where the best stuff is. As far as your type, that's easy... somebody that would pass judgement and make comparisons between areas in PA vs. an area like Mad River without even going there. Have you skied Mad River or Jay Peak or the backwoods of Sugarbush? Just as you I too am very opinionated, but I tend not to water it down. I call it how I see it. If I could rewrite my previous post, I wouldn't change a thing. IT IS JUST STUPID TO SAY THAT PLACES LIKE WHITE FACE OR JAY PEAK ARE NOT MUCH BIGGER OR BETTER THAN PLACES HERE (in PA). As far as Blue Mountin sucking... How can you say that? A detachable 6-pack, a killer park, over 1000' of vert., pond skimming, a cardboard box derby, a great racing program... all close to home. They do more for PA skiing than anyone around. Can I toss in the olive branch at this time? (This means to make peace). If you are open to suggestions, then let me suggest something. The next time you go up to VT or NH, take a few early runs then stop by the ski school. If you really want to see the best a ski area has to offer, then strike up a conversation with a local instructor. Donate an hour of your time helping him/her out teaching a class in exchange for having them show you some of the mountain. Many times they'll just say come back at a certain hour and take a few runs, but if they take you up on helping out with teaching a class, I'd hope you'd have fun with that. Part of the ski experience is giving back. We were all beginners at one point. Up to you bro, but I'm lookin to make peace. I've skied tons of places both east and west. I've even surfed and skied in the same day. We can go back and forth, but what's the point? I can offer you some good input as I am sure you can offer me some great input as well. I can even tell you how to ski free at places like The Canyons, Park City, and more. So what's it going to be; peace or should I really turn into a douche?

DUUUUUUDE,,, Is that what METH does to people's minds? LOL JK, but seriously, not much bigger or better than anything in PA... Cmon now. I'm not about hating, but let's be real. There is a lot to say about skiing up north. First of all, White Face (Ice Face to those that know the mountain well) in NY has more vert than: The Canyons and Park City in Utah and Mammoth in California. (Yes, lift serviced vert and continuous). If ya wanna hike White Face then you get even more. Lift serviced, it's 3216' and if The Slides are open, then you can get 3400' with a hike. They held the 1980 Winter Olympics at White Face. This means they had to have a Downhill run. Do you know any place in PA that has the terrain to sponsor an Olympic Downhill run? Both White Face and K-Town has more vert than: Marmot, Snowbasin, Deer Valley, Crusty But, Crystal, Taos, Squaw, Copper, A-Basin and even Alta. (There are more well known western areas that these two Northeast places tower over, but I think the point is made). Now I am not an expert on PA ski areas, but I have skied most of them (even holes like and from what I know, Blue has the most vert in PA at 1082' and Blue is close behind at 1072'. Maybe this has something to do with the new 'Fuzzy Math' that is being taught in schools today, but I don't get how 3216' is not bigger than 1082'. To me that is a gargantuan difference; bordering on colossal. Let me try my old-school math... isn't that about 297% bigger? Please, somebody correct me if I am wrong. I am not trying to cut on PA ski hills. I think it is awesome to have places to ski close to home, but don't misrepresent what they are and try to compare them to places that are so much bigger. There are places in Virginia, West Virginia and even North Carolina that have more skiable vertical than 1082'. Surprised? If you want their stats/locations/names, ask and I will add to this blog. Now to really play with people's minds. Are you ready for this? Jay Peak gets more average annual snowfall than Vail or Steamboat. This is not a typo. Yes, close to 30 FEET of snow. Look it up for yourself. The info is all out there. Would ya like me to get into the total skiable acreage? Maybe another time

Hahaha yes, skiers deserve reparations!!!! And what is wrong with saying MIDGETS? Too much time teaching political correctness and not enough time teaching tolerance! Main Entry: midg

I just hope that racing will be held at Hidden Valley next year so I can say BUH BYE to Mountain Crack once and FOR ALL!!!!

Killy K-Mart..... I have always called it K-Town. Does anybody else? New management has stopped selling bulk open-ended vouchers to the major ski clubs and ski councils so F them; with a CAPITAL F!!! I will miss The Wobbly Barn and The Pickle Barrel though. (sniffle sniffle) Had all too many great nights there (wink, wink).

I really can't see Magic Mountain operating as a coop for many reasons. They are another great mountain when they have snowfall, but being in southern Vermont kills them as they just don't get enough natural. I love skiing there. Especially with their 'Everything is in-bounds" ski policy. But in addition to their added expenses of having to make more snow, they just don't have the same following as Mad River. I hope Magic Mountain stays open as it is really good and fun skiing. I hope it doesn't close as did so many places already.

It's funny how areas like Mad River and many others don't buy into the marketing hype. Will it get to the point that when searching for a mountain to ski, if they don't have 8 double diamonds listed on their trail map they are probably worth skiing? haha

I was up at Mad River Glen on the weekend and once again they showed me what the BEST in eastern skiing was. I gulped the Kool-Aid they were serving and left wearing a white robe. (David Koresh, eat your heart out). Although I try to enjoy every ski experience, this experience was by far the best I've had in a long time. (Funny how I say this EVERY time I go there.) This place is designed to break, blowout and implode body parts. Their blue-square intermediate runs would be a black diamond anywhere else if not maybe even Double Black! As a matter of fact, they don't feed into the cheesy marketing hype that all the little mole-hills do. If you look at their trail map, they don't use the Double Diamond designation even though most of the mountain is that intense. Especially today in our lawsuit happy culture where ambulance chasing slip and fall attorneys reign supreme and can eventually run for President of the US (John Edwards), I am shocked that this place exists. I have hiked and skied Tuckerman's Ravine. Mt Washington for those that aren't in the know; braved the peak where the highest surface wind speed in the world was recorded (the anemometer was spun until it reached 231mph/372kph) and the best way to describe MRG is lift serviced Tuckerman's. Not for the wind, but for their relentless terrain and ridiculous annual average snowfall for mid Vermont. MRG receives about 250" of snowfall annually. That's over 20 feet! The snow is incredible and the terrain is even better. How many places have 6-8 foot drop-offs on posted trails? Not many to say the least. How many eastern areas have 10-20 foot cliffs that are inbounds? Even less. How many have a frozen waterfall through their signature trail? Besides here, I have yet to see one that wasn't a backcountry trip. Beyond the fabulous terrain is also the culture of skiing Mad River. People don't wear the latest ski fashion. This is not Vail. People don't make three turns then brag about their accomplishments on the hill. This is not Hunter Mtn. (Yeah, Hunta, how you doin... fuhgettaboudit). This is for hardcore skiers. People that like to push the limits of their physical ability and (not to sound too corny) people that enjoy being at one with the mountain. To truly appreciate MRG, you must understand that skiing can almost be a spiritual experience. To more fully understand the culture, let me explain a bit more about it. The founder and original investor of Stowe, Roland Palmedo, had a vision. He wanted a ski area where sport not profit would be the prevailing concern. Roland believed that "

The ride takes about 11-12 minutes to ride up long haul? How many feet of vertical is it?

What is a TR?

Mapquest is really straight forward from Bartonsville. Glenn hit the nail on the head with his post. The only area that might be confusing is when exiting 87N (NYS Thruway) at exit 19 (Kingston), and when getting on Rt 28 W, stay right before the circle (round-a-bout). Also, watch out for speed traps on Rt28. Local law enforment use cars that look more like forest rangers and DEC cars/trucks then the typical police cruiser. HAVE FUN!!!

$15 Lift Tickets One Friday every month: Dec. 14, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 14 & April 11 Just $99 gets you lodging and lift tickets to Belleayre Mountain for two people! Offered Monday - Friday, non-holiday. http://www.belleayre.com/promotions/hotelpackages.htm There are a ton of good deals at Belleayre. I ski there during their skier appreciation days and even though it is an intermediate mountain, the lack of liftlines makes it so that you ski more than wait. Even on the weekends!!! (even Grey Goose on the rocks is only $5)

I would completely agree with Method of the assessment of Hunter Mtn., but I lean hard the other way regarding Belleayre. I think Belleayre is a great mountain for intermediates. Even with how they rate their own difficulty, they have about 60% intermediate. I've been up there twice this year so far and each time I go, I still think the same thing over and over again. "These trails should not be rated Diamond or Double Diamond." First off, there is NOTHING at Belleayre that should be called Double Diamond; NOTHING! Anything labeled as a Double Diamond should be a single diamond and anything that is rated as a single diamond should be a solid intermediate. This place really overexagerates the terrain that they have. The only areas that are really even close to expert is The Glenn which is a dense glade, Winnisook Glades (which is an extremely SHORT, but steep glade) or small sections of Cathedral Brook (which can get somewhat narrow). Almost all glades should be labeled expert because of how quickly the conditions can change and lets face it, you are skiing through trees, it can be very dangerous for those not quite ready to be in there. It is because ski areas rate their own terrain that it becomes Most Difficult (pun intended) to figure out exactly what they have from only reading their Trail Map or website link. How is it that Mad River Glen (great place design to break, snap or implode body parts) has no Double Diamonds, but Belleayre has eleven? The answer is simple. Belleayre, in reality, does not have even one real Double Diamond and much of Mad River's intermediate terrain would send chills down the spine of most recreational skiers. There is no real comparison! At Belleayre, the upper sections of Winnisook, Wanatuska and Mohawk should all be blue squares (NOT EXPERT TERRAIN). No worries at all. Even Dot Nebel's upper section is really really weak. Sometimes it can be bumped up, but even so the steep section is very very short. Blink once and ya missed the 'Expert' terrain. Bellearye is a really odd moutain. Parts of the very top can be somewhat steep, but it is all so short that it's over before making just a few turns leaving all but the top 300 vertical feet nothing but a long flat groomer. As far as the 'Mid-stations' go, neither are true midstations. Both mid-stations are almost at the top of the hill leaving only a very short stretch from mid to top. Either way, even if I were a weak intermediate skier, I still would not leave the chair at the 'mid.' What they call 'expert' is not hard or technical at all. The whole place, especially the lodge is family oriented and has a very good feel to it. The food is decent and even the bar prices are very reasonable. The mountain has 1404' of vertical and encompasses over 170 SKIABLE acres. Yes, read again, this is skiable acres. Do not be confused by ski areas that list total acres as this would incorporate areas that can be out of bounds or off limits. Belleayre's uphill lift capacity is just about 11,000 people/hour and rarely do they have long liftline waits. The best part of skiing Belleayre is that all the 'fuhgeddaboudit' gumba johnies make their way to Hunter on the weekends leaving Belleayre a better place to be even if the terrain is not as steep or wild. There are better restaraunts in the area (within 25 minutes) and a decent selection of hotels nearby as well. With a lift price of ONLY $48 for a weekend holiday and $39 for non-holiday midweek, you really can't go wrong with Belleayre for an intermediately skier. Check it out. I'll put my money on the pass line. You will like it!

If you have a few days, I would suggest going more north to a truely memorable mountain. Grilled...'s previous post really nails the stats for the mountain, but stats don't say it all. Hunter has possibly the best snowmaking system in the US and they do a great job of covering most of their runs. They have a self-billed title of "Snowmaking capitol of the world." They have decent groomers and the West Side (expert terrain) is rather steep and littered with bumps. Here is where things get a little blurred. Hunter is an oversized skier factory. Everything about their operation is all about getting as many people on the hill as they can. Unfortunately, the ski experience suffers because of it. The runs themselves all have the same generic feel to them. The snow is quickly rubbed off the hill with the sheer volume of skiers/riders they facilitate. WIth little exception, there really is no reason to ride anything but their Snowlite Express Quad and that just simply gets boring. Don't get me wrong, I ski there a few times a year, but NEVER on a weekend. The place is mobbed with 'city-folk' and they are spewed all over the hill like landmines on North Korea's southern border. It is a true adventure in skiing. For those that use skier etiquette by calling out 'on your right' and 'on your left,' you will have no voice left after just one day. Should you still want to give it a go, do yourself a few favors. Either buy your lift tickets online for a discount (http://shop.huntermtn.com/eski_tickets.html) or stop by a Potter Brothers Ski Shop (http://www.potterbrothers.com/catalog/) and purchase vouchers to be redeemed on the mountain as this can save a bundle. Also, the cafeteria offerings are hardly worth the price. I don't mind spending money on decent food, but what they try to call food for the price is an outrage. Although this is true for most mountains, Hunter epitomizes this. This is also compounded by the fact that there aren't any great eateries in the area either. Should you be able to take a couple of days and don't mind extra drive time, I would definately suggest going further north. Should you care not for the extra drive time, then Hunter is decent mountain that is relatively close for what it has to offer. Good Luck and happy skiing!