re: 2021-2022 Ski Thread

Breckenridge is a great spot for kids , too.

Last review of Palisades/Squaw Valley below. Probably my favorite mountain all weekend, had a blast everywhere around Tahoe.

Started Sunday by driving from near Heavenly to Squaw Valley. Took the south route along the lake, supposedly this road is closed quite often during winter as they will only plow when the forecast looks dry. Cool, windy road along the lake and drove through an area that were part of the fires


From there you keep driving and pass the Alpine Meadows mountain before getting to the main event. Pulling up to this mountain was spectacular for the first time


Posting a trail map here, some of the lift names changed when they got politically correct by changing their name to Palisades from Squaw Valley


The mountain is huge and from the parking lot, it was easiest to get on the Far East lift. Made my way to Wa She Shu/Squaw One to get up pretty far on the mountain.



Lapped this area then went up even further on the mountain via Headwall. The snow was awesome as the sun had been hitting it for a good chunk of the morning already. Skied the front of Headwall Face


Then went to the back by North Bowl. Here's the view at the top of the lift facing the Palisades.



Here's a view towards the Sun Bowl and the lake


Was pretty fun going down and looking back up


So then I saw a fun region from the Headwall lift and wanted to make my way over


Found the right passageway and also a super steep section


Made it down and got this looking up


Got some lunch and wandered around a bit. I can see why they hosted the Olympics here


In the afternoon, decided to hit up the area around KT-22. This lift was also very intense with steep terrain. Did the G.S. Bowl, Dead-Tree, Tamara's, and then some trees over by Red Dog Ridge


After 3 days of skiing and some tough runs here, decided to call it quits around 2pm. On my way out, I skied past a kid's downhill contest. They were doing intense moguls, jumps, and flips, major props to those kids.


Overall, the mountain is excellent during a good snow pack. Similar to Heavenly, I didn't have time to explore the entire mountain. Would love to have hit the backside, the tram, and the funitel. People were friendly at Squaw (both workers and locals) and were interested to hear about Crystal/Stevens Pass. Awesome trip, would highly recommend to anyone on the Ikon Pass

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I was told that cell coverage on the slopes at Snowmass is spotty at best, non-existent in areas. They recommended we get walkie talkies to communicate.

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Maybe there are a few spots but I didn't have any issues on T-Mobile.

Somehow, havent been skiing yet this year.

Until today... your boy is going to enjoy some bluebird conditions at Copper.

Perfect day at Copper. Little cloud cover, north wind picked up by afternoon (saw some awesome horizontal vorticity in the clouds due to friction at the low end making a vertical wind speed difference... i suppose this is more a me thing).

Snow conditions were solid. Packed powder mostly but still enough powder where those turns were still reasonably soft.

Oh and it was a light crowd. Wish I was a better skier, because those black runs and back bowls were empty. Still had runs to myself practically off of Timberline Express.

IMO, Steamboat is ideal for a first trip. I believe there are direct flights from Houston and DFW into Hayden.

I learned to ski with my family years and years ago at steamboat.
I went back years later and learned to snowboard there.
It's the only place I've been twice.

Great family mountain.

Just finished jackson hole.
Snow was epic Friday, Saturday, and ok Sunday.
They opened some stashes on Tuesday, and you had to really look to find some powder on Wednesday. So, I just made a ton of park laps on Wednesday.

Tram was busted for electrical issues for half the trip, but no covid bullshite and there was hardly ever a lift line.
Overall, a really great trip. It's a bit steeper than alot of other mountains, but plenty of trees, and plenty of options for moguls and groomers.
Too early in the season for most park features. Definitely worth a trip for those looking to grow or test themselves.

Might upload some pics and vids after I get the gopro downloaded this weekend.

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Any recommendations for 1st time family ski trip? Just looking for easy skiing, great views, snow!! (From Texas, so not much experience)

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Steamboat is great, another option in CO is Copper Mountain. The mountain has a great layout, really good for new skiers and there is plenty to do in the area.