NMSKI

I guess there's a beer thread, but oh well, gotta say that I've been loving the Oskar Blues beers all around. Ten Fidy and G'Knight are the 2 best in my opinion, and they come in cans for easy bring along to the slopes, camping, etc. I get 'em at whole foods. I'll bring some if I'm at blue this weekend.

We were expecting crowds to be worse than they were. No lift lines whatsoever in the morning, and 5-6 people waits at the worst later on.

Came up to Sno for a quick overnight getaway with the wife while my in-laws watched the kids. Got in to the area on Saturday afternoon and got checked into the hotel - upgraded to a room with a fireplace and jacuzzi (didn't know they had that at the Hampton inn). Figured we'd check out the ski lodge so we headed up to the mountain and had some beers and appetizers at the Sno Grill and made some new friends, had a great time there, good band and beer selection. Turned out that there was a torchlight parade and fireworks display while we were there, which was pretty cool. My wife had never seen anything like the torchlight parade, so this was one of the highlights for her. Had some dinner at the place near the hotel which was nothing fancy, but really tasty and CHEAP. $40 for 2 appetizers, 2 dinners, and 3 drinks. Can't find that in Philly. Sunday was the day on the slopes, and I took turns teaching my wife to ski and lapping the lower mountain terrain. For anyone that has not checked out Sno yet, there is some awesome steep terrain here. I skied white lightning 4 or 5 times, and hands down this is my favorite run in PA. Overall, the snow conditions were good not great, but as good as you can hope for with the winter we have been having. Considering the wet snow/rain that fell on Saturday afternoon, the place was in nice shape on Sunday. Every single person we encountered was so friendly, from the lifties, to ski patrol, to the waitstaff and bartenders in the grill. We will definitely be coming back, maybe will bring the kids next time.

Good stuff, glad you had a good time! Looking forward to the pics.

I'm usually satisfied with blue because 1) with the exception of true glade skiing, there is good terrain variety, 2) you can lap the shit out of the mountain because the lifts are fast (singles line of course). I'll usually do 20-25k vert in a half day easy.

My wife and I will be up there on Sunday. Been hearing good things, so figured its about time I check it out.

You sure its good for the rest of this year too? If so = no brainer!

Was thinking the same thing. Good way to bring in some cash if they are hurting. I'm seriously considering getting a pass for next year, would only have to get out 11 times to make it work.

Just saw that next years season passes are on sale for $499. Anyone know from past experience how long before the price goes up?

Awesome. Appreciate it.

Hmmm tempting. Where in CO? I'll be mainly in northern NM and southern CO, but if I get a wild hair up my ass I might be down for a little more driving.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll probably try to demo some skis when I'm out west in March. Only thing that sucks is that I might love something on soft snow that blows in PA conditions. This has got me thinking I'll need to suck it up and get a ski that I use only on icy groomers (PA), and something I can ski powder, crud, etc. with when I need that. Liking the gear reviews thread for ideas of what I want to try.

Sick, make sure to get some pics!

Anybody know where I can demo some skis? Is it generally limited to demo days at various mountains, or can I demo skis any time at certain places? Info much appreciated. As my skiing improves, I'm starting to hate my current skis. Plus they are nearing the end in terms of wear and tear.

100% open as of yesterday, including hike-to terrain. Looking good. http://www.skitaos.org/webcams

Anything not ungroomed was rock solid. The sun was shining off the ice on elevator and risk it was prety thin cover didn't feel like destroying my skis or hurting myself. Challenge glade which is usually one of my favorites was too solid as well. They do a great job grooming over there, but mother nature has been a real bitch this last week. Worked on technique on the groomers and bounced at around 2.

Here is a link to an old trail map with these marked. http://www.onthesnow.com/pennsylvania/jack-frost/trailmap.html I'll be up there tomorrow as well, green jacket black pants gray helmet.

Family stuff tomorrow, Jack Frost on Sunday.

1/2 day today?

Been sick this week but if I stop being a little btch I will probably head up to Frost. Have fun everybody.

Definitely Snowbowl you are thinking of. The Hopi Tribe sued the resort to prevent snowmaking as well. I guess this has recently been settled/dropped.

Snowbowl goes off after a storm from what I've heard, but I've only been there in weak snow years and it sucked. Apparently there is awesome side/backcountry there, but again, the snow is needed.

Some fresh snow would make me very happy.

Saw on twitter that JF will be 100% open tomorrow. Think I might head up there this weekend.

Hell yeah. I've been trying to get in the kind of shape I need to be in for the hour-plus long hike at 12K feet. Need a couple more storms before the chutes and main street open though. Should be good by March but you never know.