Belleayre Conditions

[Low Angle Life]

At this point I’m looking forward to going to Belle (never been) just to check out this Cathedral Brook.

What is so remote/special about it? Are we talking about the blue square on the map, or can you dive into the woods via the Cathedral Glen hiking trail or something?

Oh, and that was me, about you spoiled NY skiers! In fairness to me....I didn’t say anyone who doesn’t want to wait in 15 minute lift lines is spoiled. I don’t want to wait in 15 minute lift lines, and I am spoiled. What I really said is that anyone who can’t/won’t wait in an occasional 15 minute lift line, especially on a holiday weekend, is definitely spoiled.

Nothing so special about the Cathedral Brook Trail beyond it being 100% natural snow, that can either make it very much so worth the traverse or a total waste of your time depending on conditions. The woods on the other hand are a different story. I would not recommend venturing into the side country with out proper maps and BC gear, if you don't know your way, and even if you do there is a strong chance you will end up out of the ski area boundary and a ways from the parking lot and lifts.

 

[JTG]

It's steepish and ungroomed with blown down trees and other natural obstacles. But Belleayre is almost completely groomed. So Cathedral Brook stands out as extraordinary.

That’s the kind of terrain I’d definitely check out. Been meaning to get to Belle, just to try the place.

Gotta say, looking at Google Maps, the gully that the Cathedral Glen hiking trail follows looks like it has the potential to be a fun ski, proper equipment and knowledge noted, or are such things frowned upon?

 

[Harvey]

The woods on the other hand are a different story. I would not recommend venturing into the side country with out proper maps and BC gear, if you don't know your way, and even if you do there is a strong chance you will end up out of the ski area boundary and a ways from the parking lot and lifts.

Yep.

 

[Ripitz]

What is so remote/special about it?

The Hirschland lean-to is a cool spot for lunch or burning incense

 

[Q*bert Jones IV]

I burn something else.

 

[Low Angle Life]

I was too cold from the hike up to even consider a proper safety meeting

 

[Ripitz]

Nothing so special about the Cathedral Brook Trail beyond it being 100% natural snow, that can either make it very much so worth the traverse or a total waste of your time depending on conditions. The woods on the other hand are a different story. I would not recommend venturing into the side country with out proper maps and BC gear, if you don't know your way, and even if you do there is a strong chance you will end up out of the ski area boundary and a ways from the parking lot and lifts.

Besides it’s bushy, thwacky and full of terrain traps. The snow deteriorates lower down and there are stream crossings. It’s also a known habitat for snow snakes and banjo playing inbred locals.

 

[Kingslug]

Just do the winisook glade several times and pretend your in a deeper woods.

 

[JTG]

I burn something else.

I suppose it’s a good thing my son had no idea what I was talking about when I asked if they still called it a safety meeting. I know what you are thinking and....no, he’s not that good at playing stupid.

 

[JTG]

It’s also a known habitat for snow snakes and banjo playing inbred locals.

Snakes.....why did it have to be snakes?! As to the other part, I guess I’ll fill one of my flasks with moonshine?