TR: Camelback Uphill - Feb 22, 2020

skiincy · February 22, 2020

I decided to dust off my touring skis and head up to Camelback this morning. I packed the car with skis and my dog, Birmy, and we were off to go find some snow.

When I got to Camelback, I was unsure of the uphill policy. I called during the week and I was told I needed to buy a lift ticket (turns out, I don’t think you do). After walking around with Birms and letting him roll in the snow, ski patrol told me that I could skin up Laurel Glade to Birches and didn’t mention anything about the lift ticket. I was told that the uphill route changes depending on the time of the day based on crowds and to check-in with ski patrol before you go up.

I put Birms in the car and I went up for my first lap. It was about 1 mile and 675 vertical feet. It was a sweaty mile, so I went to check on the dog and decided to leave my jacket in the car for the next lap.

It was my first time touring in over a year, so still need to get faster and fitter for spring mountains but it took about 30 minutes while telling the beginners they need to put down the lever before stepping down and helping a few little shredders up.

Wish I had a GoPro though – not for the gnarly views or conditions but when I got to the top, I was breathing heavy and had my airpods in. I was near the top of Birches and saw a man frantically waving at me. I pulled out an airpod and asked him if he was okay. He goes, “Are you okay? Do you know you’re going the wrong way?!”

Overall, solid workout and would definitely do it again.