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Conditions were great this morning with the cold air that’s been in place. I expect them to stay that way through the weekend until the thaw on Monday. Grooming was great. Glades were open and ski like a luge. Good fun. See you all this weekend! 😍

Also, the place was empty. Just rode right onto the lift each time

The trip is just around the corner... to the largest and most beautiful skiing area in the... I won't say the "World", but certainly the largest skiing area I've ever seen. GSS would probably call it the largest Jerry skiing area, but like I care. Located south-west of Austria, and is accessible by direct flights to Milan, Munich or Zurich, all involving about 4 hours of driving after the flight. If I was flying from Russia I'd probably be able to land right in Verona via some dirt-cheap charter thereby cutting driving time in half. Even now I could still definitely make a connection and go to Venice, that would mean less driving, but more flying, so in the end nothing to gain. The area is insanely large. The map shows 12 zones, and each zone is like a separate ski resort with a map similar to e.g. the last picture - would require a high-res PDF to actually see anything. Most are connected through the Sellaronda ski circuit (second pic) comprised of 26km of piste and 13km of lifts. You just pick a direction (left or right), leave the gates in the morning and come back to the same spot only by the end of the day. Doing this is like following a crowd of lemmings: all boarding next lift, going down the next slope, boarding yet another lift with occasional stops at the restaurants and posted maps in case if one gets lost. It's best NOT to get lost because once the slopes are closed, your only hope is the bus, and you'd better live near bus stop as well. Sellaronda is nice to do once, but in general that's not how one would want to spend most of the days in Dolomiti. The best places to ski are actually leaf zones (see how they branch off the Sellaronda loop on third pic) as well as the highest peak on the south-east of the circuit - Marmolada, only 5900ft vertical drop. Takes three lifts to get to the top, and the views on the way down are beyond awesome. The leaf zones are much quieter and slower-paced than Sellaronda, no lines, no crowds, no insane determination to finish the loop in one day, just endless snow and views in peace. Last time we've been there we rented an apartment in Arabba - cheaper both to stay and eat, this time due to smaller numbers we picked a hotel in Alba with half board in walking distance from two lifts. One lift goes straight to Sellaronda, so it's easy to take a make a circular day trip, if so inclined, or just "connect" to nearby places of interests like Arabba or Marmolada. One can't ski down from Sellaronda back to Alba - the same lift has to be taken. On the other side of the road by the hotel is a lift going to one of the leaf zones - Ciampac with terrain ranging from 4300' to 7900'. The red cluster of trails going to another place Pozza Di Fassa don't feel like red at all. If my memory doesn't fail me, they're all pretty blue with the emphasis on pretty. To get back to Alba one would need to ski down from 6900' to 4500' under the lift on a black trail, and my memories of that exercise in the afternoon are far from fond. So here we stand, with passes paid for, skis reserved, hotel awaiting, ready to leave on the most ski-hostile airline ever, Emirates. While they do allow checking in multiple bags for free, for some reason they don't recognize that skis can sometimes be longer than 150cm. But nothing to complain about for $450 RT. And thanks to them I'll be on Stockli Laser AX for days to come.

I rode last night with the three matts, Main st was perfect and I like the way they groomed sidewinder, its fun to connect all the little airs.

Day 1: Ajax parked in town at the garage which is surprisingly cheap at $10 per day. Started today off easy riding groomers with my dad. I had been worried about the terrain at Ajax being too advanced for him, but it wasn't too bad and he said it was one of his best ski days ever. Also had a knee scare on Monday so wanted to be a little cautious today. In the morning we did a lot of blue runs off Ajax lift, ruthies lift, and FIS. After lunch my dad called it a day and me and my brother went to ride tougher terrain. We did a few runs off gents ridge lift (Walsh and hyrups). Walsh was probably my run of the day as the snow was surprisingly good for nothing new in days. After that hit a few diamonds and glades on the two ridges on either side of the resort. Not sure what exact runs but the ones on either side of the gondy, as well as diamonds near FIS lift. Snow was bumped up on these runs, but nothing crazy. Perfect blue bird skies, temps in mid 20s, and no wind. I thought I took a bunch of pics, but apparently only took like 4. Snowmass tomorrow and then cross country skiing to some restaurant in the woods. Could be 10 inches of snow falling all day Sunday. I was planning on highlands Sunday, but the fam wants to do snowmass Sunday and highlands Monday. No biggie as Jeff said he likes snowmass best for powder. First impression of Aspen town was its not as snobby as I had imagined, a lot of lap dogs though. The convenience of the airport is also clutch

Stopped for a couple runs on my way up to the poconos. Got there about noon, not too busy, but it was the biggest circus act i had seen in a while. Razors, Switch, and main were real nice. Couple icy patches on Sidewinder, which reminded me a little of Brighton. Cold. I need a heated helmet.

You're making my brain hurt.

As is standard flying out of philly, they usually have no idea about the ski bag boot bag policy. Today was somewhat different, as the agent told me this only applies to skis, not snowboards. As you can imagine, I handled this very maturely. They refused to check my bags and I had to pay for an extra. By this time there was not enough time to get a supervisor. I paid it and immediately sent a firm but polite email to United. Props to them, by the time we landed in Denver I had received an apology and refund. Landed in Aspen after a 25 minute flight, got a Ford Explorer, and went to mawa's restaurant near the airport. Just go to the condo in snowmass. Not sure what mountains I'm doing when, but looking like highlands on Sunday. Also, I'm going to a restaurant in Saturday that requires cross country skiing. This will be my first time ever on skis

Love you too. 😍

with all this snow and open terrain, I might be back on the snowboard tomorrow to explore a bit.

My dad is now in, was able to get the day off work

Really neat video of the behind the scenes from Candide’s ski the world video. Check it out. New page sucka!

You shoukd find someone out there to tag along with for a few runs and show you around if they are willing.

I think Winter Park would be a good spot for Salty. Real nice groomers all over and he could ski bowl up top which gives him the opportunity to get above treeline, get great views but isn't anything too crazy.

Preliminary plan: ajax friday snowmass saturday highlands sunday snowmass monday potential morning session Tuesday would probably be snowmass

Nice suggestion! Just got back, place was great. Fish tacos were delicious. They now have my pic on the wall

Rummy (broken shoulder 2years ago, aching knee seems like forever).... Started when I was 30 and still love it!

Dom made it very clear the passenger would be allowed to work the radio. You and i both know how much fun that would be.

The YouTuber has it wrong. The song is actually called Exit and it's about not good things so your attempt at apologizing is a fail which means I'm still mad at you! BTW that was amazing live. My view of it when I saw it in Pittsburgh

Must need the healing hands of love.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never let your own indecisions make a decision for you. Good life strategy

The next time you’re having trouble making up your mind about something just think of Salty and pull the trigger

Definitely dumping here, but it isn’t snow.

If you aren't planning on going to Elk than take your shit to another pot, and wipe your ass already you're stinking up the joint. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think Ryan is driving me. He could probably pick you up too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Aside from Eaf most of the Russians I have known have been super cool.

Ok!

I'd think twice on that compact car. There are some things you shouldn't cheap out on.

I like how you used negate..high five on your first trip out west. Have you started thinking about where you want to ski? Did you book rental car and hotel?

Oh. Porn.

YOURE WELCOME AND ANYTIME

There's an old saying, when you own a ski house you have more friends than you ever realized.

Just the tip

That weiner slid right in there

I don’t know about PA barely being skiing. I sure felt like I was skiing when I was doing 7 laps an hour on razors Tuesday morning.

It's very cool, I've never gone but my sister went, it used to be advertised on the safety bar at snowmass with gwyns. Aspen is way less snobby than Vail, aspen is way more authentic too

Awesome. Thanks. I’m interested in the meals, but I’d like a TR and photos for the whole event. Than you and you’re welcome!

Thanks for the wishes. Partly having seen some evacs in the past, partly due to smaller group numbers, this time I'm leaving with some extra medical trip insurance. Btw, another extra that's needed on the road is this.

Thanks! Sometimes I read old threads way way before my time for the lolz. This place seems to be a lot calmer (less arguments, flaming etc) than it used to based on what I've read.

Correct. I can't wait to barely ski tomorrow

The drive from silverthorne to Keystone and from silverthorne to Copper are both pretty flat. I know you like mexican food. You can check this spot on on the way back from copper to silverthorne in Frisco. They gave me the VIP service. I ordered a cup of chicken tortilla soup and they gave me a bowl then they only charged me for a cup. http://www.friscohaciendareal.com/site/mobile?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.friscohaciendareal.com%2FMenu.html#2900

You'll be there in spirit SaltLick... updated roll call Rummy Rummy's ribs Mute Shadows Ridgeracer Toast Schif Phillycore Enjorales Antman? Root? Indiggio?

If you lost a lot of pictures from Colorado you’ll get a lot of likes...

I find this somewhat entertaining. Does Toast design hotel pancake makers?

I don't think you'll get flak for going west. I hope you have a great time.

Maybe your friends dad is a pimp!

Upper goat and upper Starr in bad conditions are tougher than anything I’ll ski in Jackson hole..the exposure always gets me on a few runs at JH

Just my 2 cents...Unless money is no object, cut the shit already and go to Vermont then do what Toast said book a CO trip for later this season or next. Worst case scenario you get 2 sweet ski trips out of it. And I thought I was indecisive...

1/30/19 Well, this one’s in the top ten of the epic books, at least for mine, so grab a beverage and read on... The day started with a first-track run outta the condo and down Tempest to get a pass for the day down in the White Cap Lodge. After getting situated, I made my way out to the White Cap quad lift at about 8:40, as the lifts during the week don’t start running until 9. I was clearly in the first 4 for first chair, but some Masshole rolled right up past me to the front. Another guy said I was here first, but I didn’t really care saying there’s enough snow for everyone. 5 minutes later, Masshole says his friends just showed up and bolted for them and I could have his spot. Gee thanks! Rode up the lift and chatted with the others, making some smalltalk and the boarder next to me turned out to have a house on the mountain, so obviously knew it well. At the top of the lift I asked her if she minded if I skied with her to which she answered, Sure! Whoah! We made our way down to the Barker Mountain lift and she said she asked “You’re from PA? You ski perder pretty well!” The rest of the day was a blur, as we only slid groomers to an entrance to whatever the next woods she knew would be good, and good they were!! Many of the woods were untouched and with the overnight 10-12” plus the 4-6”, some were thigh-deep powder. Incredible! We hit the woods on every peak in the mountain and then made our way back to where we started at White Cap. Terry said she had to get to work, but was contemplating a hike up to the top of the closed White Cap peak. I told her I’d do it, if she was into it, so we bolted back for the Barker Mountain life. After a ride up Barker and a catwalk over towards White Cap, we started the hike up to the White Cap peak. God I’m outta shape! How did I get myself into chasing around a 25 year old?!?! Sucking wind and fighting to catch my breath at the top of White Cap, SP had the runs closed but that wouldn’t stop us at this point. We agreed that White Heat would be crappy, as the wind had started cranking up and we could see the snow being blown overtop of it. With Shock Wave being on the leeward side, all that snow should deposit on it. After taking some obligatory tourist pics at the peak, we let loose down Shock Wave and it was just as we expected. There were only a few tracks on it from the adventurous and provided us with at least 20” of firm, floaty perder. We stopped at the intersection of White Heat to take in the blissful silence of a spectacular run. After making our way down to White Cap, I offered my personal guide a beer at her favorite watering hole, only to find it wasn’t open today. We made our way back up the White Cap quad and offered her a beer at the Barker lodge where the wife was waiting, but she declined. I thanked her again and wished her a happy life and then departed. This my slider friends is what it’s all about!! A local who probably thought I was some old creep trying to pick up some young woman, but it all went the totally other way! I couldn’t thank her enough for letting me tag along and told her often, that if I was holding her up, just say goodbye and I’d be fine, but she kept going on with me and showing me more and more of the mountain. That, to me, this is what this is all about. New friendships borne on a mountain between those who just like to slide on frozen water together and share the experience. After we departed, I met he wife at the Barker lodge for a beer. A nice place but a bit too loud. We made our way down to the Mountain View which has a great view of the mountain, but is lacking in the apres ski motif. It’s a bit too hoity-toity for us and so we left. After changing, we went back to the Matterhorn and had some delicious beers along with a Hawaiian pizza. Now I’m back in the condo, sipping a Funky Bow, So Folkin’ Hoppy IPA while writing up this post. Like I said, an epic day I’ll never forget!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1/28/19 Woke up before o’dark thrifty to make breakfast here before heading out to Sugarloaf. Repacked all the ski shit in the car about 5:15am in a whopping 10 degrees out and left for the loaf. The night sky up here is incredibly clear. So many stars can be seen that we could never see down in PA due to all the light pollution. Let Waze take me the fastest route which again turned into a drive through who-knows-where. We drove, and drove, and drove. I thought driving to Jay was bad from Stowe, but that ride has NOTHING on this one. Holy O’Fuck is this place out there!! I don’t think they believe in plowing at all up here, as all the roads are snow covered, packed powder covered with a sprinkling of sand. Glad I decided to go up today, as the wife was white-knuckled the entire ride even without any snow falling! Rolled into the day skier lot around 8:00am, a big later than I wanted, but was ok with it as the lot was right next to the lodge. Sugarloaf is one of those mountains that you have to go to the ticket office to get an old-fashioned ticket using the Ikon pass, as they don’t have RFID readers. Having never been here before, I had no idea where to go, so I asked the ticket guy. He said he prefers skiing off the King Pine lift in the morning, since the sun lights up those slopes first thing. To get to that I’d have to take the Whiffletree lift and make my way over. When I got out, everyone was going to the Superquad, so I changed my plan to follow suit. Ride up the Super with some regulars who agreed with the ticket guy, so I was able to make my way back across Spillway to Haul Back to the lift. I came up to find it still closed since SP hadn’t finished their pass. He suggested I run down to Whiffletree and by the time I got back they should be open. Headed down a dreaded cat track which was littered with moose tracks, so I kept my eyes peeled. Getting back to King Pine, I lapped the runs out there, only one of which they left ungroomed with 4-6” of fresh, everything else they groomed within an inch of its life. Got bored of that area and headed back down to the lodge to warm up, since the winds were picking up and it felt like the temps were dropping. After some coffee/hot chocolate, I decided to see what the other side was like. Took the Super back up and ride with some Canadians who only ski once a year. Made my way down to the Timberline lift to take me up to the summit. It was brutal cold and the winds were howling. I wouldn’t be coming back up here. Luckily not many people had ventured up, as there were a few slopes with untouched perder. After taking a few pics, I found the fresh I saw from the lift and had it all to myself. From there I made a few more laps around and decided to hit the bar, as the winds had blown everything soft down to the base. Met up with the wife and we hit The Widowmaker bar for a beer and then to Hunker Down for another before departing back to Sunday River. Back in Sunday River we headed to the Matterhorn for some more beers and homemade brick-oven pizza in a tre-cool, ski-decked motif. I think our waitress is relayed to SallyCat, as she has a very similar personality/humor/delivery. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk