How many great powder days have you typically seen in a season? I am already beginning to lose count on how many unsullied powder days I’ve seen already this season, and we are not even through the end of January yet! The total snow pack for the Tahoe Region is already well above what we saw all of last year and we are not even half way into the season. Can you imagine if we see some of our regular springtime storms roll through with more major storms? We’ve been seeing perfect temperatures and tons of moisture, creating the snow that is just what the doctor ordered - a cure for the despondence some felt from our marginal snow pack we saw last season. I’ve been out testing the only way to put it “EPIC,” snow this season just about everyday, just so I can tell all of you about it (and trust me that is the only reason, jk). Whether you like to cut some fresh track through the trees or if you prefer the soft packed corduroy, we’ve got it all here for you.
Here is a little insider tip for some great groomed and trail skiing: If you are a groomed rider/skier, get here early and head straight for the Tahoe Zephyr with your grooming map (usually in that area we see the softest snow and most sunshine early). Pioneer is habitually groomed and a great warm up. I would ski/ride around that area until around 10:00 and head over to the Backside. I suggest Burnout or Challenger, remember to check your grooming map to see what was done that night, before proceeding down the hill. After that - its all up to you, I can’t give away all my secrets!
For those powder enthusiasts: Lookout Mountain is by far my favorite Powder skiing location at Northstar™ Resort. If you are one of the first in that area, check out Martis (for an open powder run) or if you prefer the trees, stay between Martis and Boca until it starts getting tracked out. It can get a little tight through that spot. If you think you are the first one in that area but see a snowboard track, don’t worry it is probably just me. Oh yeah, the Backside is always an excellent choice, I tend to see more people in that area earlier. If that powder starts wearing on your legs and you would prefer little shorter runs with nice steep slopes, almost everything off of East Ridge for the most part has great powder skiing. You can access that area by Comstock or Rendezvous, if it is a little busy because of the great conditions and blue skies, stay on Rendezvous, I generally see hardly anyone over there and little or no wait. Justin and I were in all three of these areas last week and put together a little powder safety video in case your interested.
A quick update from B.A. The Weather Man: We are looking at another storm system that is expected to move in Thursday and possibly dump 2 feet on the mountain by Friday afternoon. There is potential for another storm this Saturday, but right now it looks like the ridge will split and the moisture will move south. This storm could very well change and we could see even more snow, I’ll know more in a couple of days. Check back, have a forecast for you before the weekend.
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