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Where is Winter? | UNITED STATES, WYOMING | 11/24/2008, by HotChocolate
With an early October blizzard in the Tetons, we busted the locks on the ski gear trunk almost 2 months ago. Since then, however, Jackson Hole and many other Western ski resorts have been warmer than Chewbaca in Tahiti. Where did winter go?
Thanksgiving tends to be a landmark holiday for winter lovers. Throughout this week, I guarantee you'll hear nostalgic stories:
"Remember when we skied Thanksgiving bowl on Thanksgiving day?"
"Yeah, What year was that?"
"I don't know, but it was booby-deep!"
This conversation will lead to one about the season that you skied on Halloween. Then that conversation will lead to one about the year that the Tram didn't open until January 15th...
Will this year be so dry? Although the season has been uncharacteristically lacking in snow, it's notable that 50 US ski resorts are already spinning their lifts. Mammoth, Breckenridge, Alta and other lucky destinations will be full of happy Thanksgiving skiers this week, giving thanks for plentiful snow. Click Here for a full list of open ski resorts.
What about the resort near you? Click Here for a list of projected opening dates. Good luck sorting through the lies! Jackson Hole is reporting a 24 inch base, which is absolutely in no way possible. It snowed about 2 inches in the last couple days, and that snow fell on top of 1 run of man made snow. My advice is to check the webcams before you go...
How about Backcountry Skiing conditions? In general, the Alpine Touring season is off to a very slow start. You may be able to find some turns at high elevations, but most trips are contrived at best.
However, if you didn't lose all your money in the stock market and have time to trot across the globe, Europe is off to an amazing start to winter! In an unusual twist on weather patterns, some resorts in Switzerland are reporting a 100 inch base- with more snow on the way! I'll let you know if I find any good flight deals...
Is it snowing where you are? Have you been backcountry skiing lately? We want to hear about it! Please share in the comments below...
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Chris wrote on 11/24/08 at 08:48:21 am pst:
It's possible to ski within 10 minutes of Crested Butte right now! Gotta give thanks for what you've got, right?
Canada Rules wrote on 11/24/08 at 09:05:17 am pst:
Whistler are scheduled to open in the next few days, but it the meantime you can earn your turns by skinning up the resort.
Hot Chocolate wrote on 11/24/08 at 1:57:02 pm pst:
If you want to go to Chamonix, contact Gary at vitamin_ski@yahoo.com. He'll show you all around the backcountry, cook delicious food and make your vacation memorable! Read all about him in an upcoming interview here on Skiing the Backcountry.com...
Mackie Images wrote on 12/02/08 at 1:20:01 pm pst:
Things are getting a bit rough (no pun intended) here in the NW as well. Early snow had us all predicting Mt Rainier turns before Halloween (although that's not saying much as it's a year-round ski area.) Although we did manage a good tour up there a week and half ago - http://mackieimages.com/photoblog/2008/11/28/first -tracks-day-one-on-mt-rainier/ we're all getting a bit desperate. North Cascades HWY isn't even closed yet! But wait...the LONG term forecast is looking very much like winter, with the possibility of snow here in Seattle. Prrray harder!
travo wrote on 12/02/08 at 5:29:56 pm pst:
its a snowing out. don't be a snow snob, touring has been great at togwatee pass, and high in the tetons
powderjunky wrote on 12/02/08 at 8:03:50 pm pst:
Good to hear togwotee is skiing well! I just got back to the hole from a month long road trip and was super shocked at how dry and bare everything is for December. I think "great" for this time of year might be a little optimistic. Besides its easy to get spoiled after last season :)
