Ski Resorts Panicking About Cold Weather

[JTG]

....he's just opinionated and passionate about the sport..

I love what Sno brings to the table. I’d say many of his opinions have matured over time, and like a fine wine (and occasional whine?) will only get better.

However, when opinion and passion beget zealous insanity one has to question some of the aforementioned gains, IMHO.

I’ve skied many a subzero day at WF and elsewhere, the kinds of days where your car wasn’t starting lest you had an engine block heater. Skiers know cold. But there is cold, and there is COLD.

Nobody should be riding a lift at nearly 3,000 feet of elevation with temps of -20 and wind chills to -70. Nobody. It’s reminiscent of idiots who climb the Presidentials in such weather and end up dead. It takes very little to go wrong for such extreme conditions to turn “tragically” deadly (because of somebody’s stupidity). Maybe someday Sno will realize that, rather than clamoring to put himself on beyond-frigid lifts with the ghost of Darwin. Maybe?

That said, I don’t recall other closures for cold this winter. There is a time and a place for such things, and today and tomorrow seem like a reasonable and prudent time to do so.

 

[Warp daddy]

I love what Sno brings to the table. I’d say many of his opinions have matured over time, and like a fine wine (and occasional whine?) will only get better.

However, when opinion and passion beget zealous insanity one has to question some of the aforementioned gains, IMHO.

I’ve skied many a subzero day at WF and elsewhere, the kinds of days where your car wasn’t starting lest you had an engine block heater. Skiers know cold. But there is cold, and there is COLD.

Nobody should be riding a lift at nearly 3,000 feet of elevation with temps of -20 and wind chills to -70. Nobody. It’s reminiscent of idiots who climb the Presidentials in such weather and end up dead. It takes very little to go wrong for such extreme conditions to turn “tragically” deadly (because of somebody’s stupidity). Maybe someday Sno will realize that, rather than clamoring to put himself on beyond-frigid lifts with the ghost of Darwin. Maybe?

That said, I don’t recall other closures for cold this winter. There is a time and a place for such things, and today and tomorrow seem like a reasonable and prudent time to do so.

Indeed !

 

[raisingarizona]

I wonder if the mega pass popularity has changed ski areas outlook on trying to stay open during dangerous conditions. With more people committing to early purchases is there less of a need to be open to sell day tickets? Sure there are smaller area that aren't connected to big pass conglomerates but it only takes a few ski resort industry leaders to set a new precedent.

 

[rfreeman]

It's true that some lifts won't be able to open, but widespread wholesale closures announced days in advance are another disturbing trend that's spreading like a virus. In my opinion it's really no different than closing a resort due to snow.

I'd definitely rather they announce it days in advance than once I have arrived at the mountain.

The more notice the better. Inusually book lodging I can cancel up to the day before. I'd like to be able to get out of that too.

And change plans to go somewhere warmer, closer and open if I am really bent on skiing.

 

[JTG]

I wonder if the mega pass popularity has changed ski areas outlook on trying to stay open during dangerous conditions. With more people committing to early purchases is there less of a need to be open to sell day tickets? Sure there are smaller area that aren't connected to big pass conglomerates but it only takes a few ski resort industry leaders to set a new precedent.

I’d say that would be a fair question if mountains curtailed operations every time the thermometer went sub-zero. However, that’s not /hasn’t been happening. Ain’t many buying day tickets either on a day like today, whether all lifts are open or not, I don’t think.

 

[raisingarizona]

The rippin skinner at Song Wednesday said he was a Clarksonite. Just had on his Dad’s lightweight Asics shell for an outer layer.
When I talked to him he was under the snowgun at the top probably trying to cool off. I had on 4-5 layers counting the winter coat.
It was in the teens and a little breezy at the top.

Getting sweaty in todays and tomorrows conditions is not optimal.

I've been focussing on not getting to that point during my tours this season. I'm also setting or trying to influence the setter to make the most painless and easy going skin tracks as possible. It's a lot like building a climbing trail for mountain bikes. You gotta eye up those rounded corners with natural platforms instead of forcing a butt clenching hearing boned switch back move on steep cross slops. It's crazy how much energy we can save by working smart and not hard.

 

[raisingarizona]

I’d say that would be a fair question if mountains curtailed operations every time the thermometer went sub-zero. However, that’s not /hasn’t been happening. Ain’t many buying day tickets either on a day like today, whether all lifts are open or not, I don’t think.

But it probably does make it easier to pull the plug imo. There's no gain in being opened other than reliability and dedication to Sno and his 4 Buddys that feel the same way.

Where have you been JTG? Any trips planned for the season?

 

[sig]

i have frostbite from chasing 15 inches at gore. lapped the sagamore glades a few too many times that day. the lift ride was just brutal. got a respite from the wind in the glades. Sno i value your opinion, but ripping groomers in this weather is just plain stupid. the frostbite was on my thumb. it is sensitive in the elements and a challenge to deal with today. not one of my smarter moments.

 

[JTG]

Where have you been JTG? Any trips planned for the season?

So far just putting the season pass to use at WF. Had to pull the plug on a trip to Big Sky last weekend. Kind of bummed about that….but probably better to save that for later this month or March when I’d have a better shot at the Big Couloir and North Summit Area. Currently looking for the right forecast and mileage ticket availability to align to get an Ikon trip on the books!

 

[tirolski]

Saw folks riding the HPQ at Gore on the tippy top webcam and it’s -7F in North Creek just now.
Tain’t for me but the snow looks good.
Supposed to go to -23F there tonight.
Lab had a pipe blow last night at the bottom.
Gonna make some more soup and just chiliax.