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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 24, 2008 - 01:15am PT
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I get new cross country skis Dec 31st and wanna go skiing close to the Bay Area.
Lovers Leap (Pony Express Trail) and Wright's Lake seem like cool ideas for both skiing and climbing.
Am I'm wrong? Chains on Wright's Lake Road, is it passable with 4WD and chains?
Ideas? Probably an overnighter, my wife's b-day is the 3rd and Strawberry Lodge may be cool, so Lovers Leap? Phanton Spires?
Ideas? Maybe hit SLT with casinos and stuff but we got the little boy too, so that's out.....he's 7 months old, they prolly won't take him in.
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Dr. Rock
Ice climber
http://tinyurl.com/4oa5br
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Dec 24, 2008 - 01:51am PT
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Badger Pass, then rap down G Point.
Hey, you goin to Snoop Dog and Warren G at the Catalyst?
We be bumpin.
And crumpin.
Over...
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Maysho
climber
Truckee, CA
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Dec 24, 2008 - 11:51am PT
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After a bit of a clear spell, you could ski tour up to the backside of Big Chief, and enjoy some good sport climbing on the sunny west facing wall. Great descent down to the Truckee River when there is enough snow, but you have to deal with trespassing issues. Otherwise ski back the way you came.
Peter
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 24, 2008 - 12:05pm PT
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Thanks, Peter.
Rocky, yes I do know how to ski. Never made a tele-turn though. I used to be primarily a downhill skier. As I stated in another thread though, I used to jump on my Mom's xc skis and cruise around tracks in them when I was younger, occasionally going off track.
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Dec 24, 2008 - 12:11pm PT
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wow, yeah, ski into chief and then clip-surf. that would be really killer. easy access, too, a great outing for an early run on new skis-- nice level fire road through the trees then break out into the sun.
and then an easy escape to beers and pizza.
ok, i am jealous of all you truckee wankers. my buddy sold his cabin at soda springs, so it'll be awhile before i get back.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 24, 2008 - 12:15pm PT
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Same to you, Locker! And everybody else for that matter...
Truckee's starting to sound nice.
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Dec 24, 2008 - 02:11pm PT
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After a couple days of heat-and-stretch, my new Garmont excursions look a bit more like my feet.
My new skis are coming, probably about the same time Blue gets his.
The last time I did a Tele, I was wearing soccer shoes. The last time I went resort skiing, I wore leather double boots.
The plastic is gonna be weird. But I'm pretty psyched.
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Dec 24, 2008 - 02:24pm PT
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"Oh. . . klk. . . you're gonna go through PlastiTraumaDrama. . .
Do yourself a BIG FAVOR and the first day out (riding lifts) don't even TRY to get into the telemark position! Say to yourself, over and over again:
MAKE NICE LITTLE ALPINE TURNS"
Sounds like there'll be a learning curve. I learned pins and teles long before I learned alpine.
But no lifts for me-- miles in before I'll see turns, so I'm expecting a week or so just getting the boots/beds/blisters settled in.
Tx for the advice. I don't need skier's thumb to go with the gymnasts shoulder, climber's elbow and laborer's back.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 24, 2008 - 02:41pm PT
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eKat, what is an Alpine turn, is that similar to a 'stem-christie' type turn? I'm serious here, all this new lingo...
What is skate-skiing on xc skis?
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Dec 24, 2008 - 02:56pm PT
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Yeah, Blue, it's amazing how much the gear and gearees have changed in 15 years out of the sport. There were like three turns when I learned: christiana, wedeln, and tele. Only the really old guys did teles, because they were slow and loopy. That was the first turn I really learned, as a kid on wooden skis and borrowed low-cuts.
The last time I skiied, I guess around 1990 or so, teles had become hip again.
I guess I understood that "tele" now means something a bit different, but the reality didn't hit until I started looking seriously at gear the last couple of months.
We'll see how it goes-- I'd like to get some skate skis, but backcountry access is much easier than resort for me at the moment.
My Mom has a spitz-- maybe I can get in some joring.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 08:54pm PT
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I may be swinging by the Leap on New Years Eve, is it still open?
How Wright's Lake Road?
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cleo
Social climber
Berkeley, CA
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Dec 29, 2008 - 09:32pm PT
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whoa whoa - bluering is CROSS-COUNTRY skiing, on XC skis. Not tele skiing, and he doesn't have a tele turns.
So, no Tallac. Too steep.
Some good spots in Tahoe:
--> Freel Peak: Now, I am NOT recommending skiing the actual peak, but the approach is about 4 miles of flatish terrain on a closed road that might even be groomed for skiing (it was when I was there, or maybe snowmobiles, but we didn't see any) and it ends with a nice view of Freel (which is where the AT/tele folks start to skin up for turns down).
http://www.thebackcountry.net/guidebook_detail.php?ID=53
--> Hope Valley (Hwy 88 near Kirkwood, flat) or Luther Pass Meadow (Hwy 89 between SLT and 88) The meadow on Luther Pass is also near Waterhouse, if you get bored, ski up Waterhouse Peak (it would be challenging on XC w/ no tele turn :))
--> Eagle Creek ... Climbing (ice, that is), you can ski up Eagle Creek (near Meyers, W side of lake) a couple miles to the ice cliffs... dunno if there is ice or not. But it is doable on XC skis, a bit rugged.
--> Deep Creek? Pulloff on west side of 89 halfway between Truckee and Squaw Valley. Ski up "road", starts off a bit steep, but flattens out, sort of, and you can climb up to a ridge for a nice view at the end on skinny skis. Seem to recall last time that it was also "groomed", which makes me wonder if snowmobiles go up there too (didn't see any though).
Here are some spots, mostly more telemark/AT oriented, but some (most?) have areas nearby appropriate for those skinny XC skis: you don't HAVE to go up a big hill. And/or pick up Marcus Libkind's guidebook(s).
http://www.thebackcountry.net/guidebook_sport.php
p.s. are you skiing with the 7-month old strapped to your back? if you, you might want to stick to the FLAT areas until you get the hang of it. In which case, Hope Valley (hwy 88), or Badger Pass (Yosemite) are good options. Sorry, I don't know about Wright's Pass road or the Leap, but closed roads might be very good options, if there is snow.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 09:55pm PT
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cleo, the boy is staying home with mom. I'm either going solo or not going at all. I may come up New Years Eve and it's hard to find partners for a trip like that.
New Years on skis and in a cold tent/car. Sweet!
Wanna climb/ski?????
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 10:06pm PT
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Oh yeah, Cleo, thanks fot the input. Good ideas!
None of my buds are willing to to go for the New Year and my wife is basically telling me I'm gonna die if I go solo....so, I may go, I dunno. Be nice if someone was going also....
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 10:09pm PT
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SS, your help is appreciated too.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 10:11pm PT
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If ya wanna do the Pie shop or LL or something I'm there, SS.
...maybe
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 10:18pm PT
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So you wanna hook up and go to Hope Valley? I may be down with that. It's gotta be xc skis though, that's the purpose of the trip.
The wife still thinks I'm gonna die so I'm working this out.
What are accomodations like there? Sleep in car? Cold tent?
EDIT: oh yeah 5.5 climbs would be cool, nothing's too easy really.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Dec 29, 2008 - 10:22pm PT
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Not everyone hates you TR.
Sometimes you get a little whack and we call you on it, but then most everyone here gets a little whack and we call them on it. I get a little whack at times and people call me on it. Karl is one of my best friends and he has told me to chill.
Don't take that kind of stuff personal. Learn to differentiate between the folks who are just being mean and the folks who have your best interest at heart.
It sucks when someone who you like and want to trust lies to you. I'm sorry that happened.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 10:27pm PT
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STFU, John, you fag!
hehe, see, I love John, and call him all kinds of silly names. John's a good guy..met him once, that's all it took.
Let go skiing, beeatch!
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Dec 29, 2008 - 10:37pm PT
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Yep, he took one look and ran out of the building crying. I do that to some people.
I hope your ski trip works out Blue. Even a day trip can be fun.
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cleo
Social climber
Berkeley, CA
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Dec 29, 2008 - 11:05pm PT
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Blue, you're not going to die going solo, especially if you stay out of avalanche terrain, and go places that lots of people go. I think all those places I've mentioned (and t*r of Hope Valley) are pretty safe and well-traveled - Eagle Creek is prob'y the least traveled and you may pass a slide path there, so least recommended for "solo". And, if she's really worried, you can ski the groomed trails at Kirkwood.
Sorry, I'm in Vermont until Jan 4th, where it is RAINING, so no skiing for me. :( (instead, I've become the mad-poster on ST)
Hope Valley = very pretty, and there are lots of other places nearby... Luther Pass Meadow, approach to Round Top Peak, meadows around Red Lake Peak, etc. etc. etc. I've never been to the Yurt, sounds cool. Otherwise, look for lodging in Markleeville if you can... its closer, super mellow, good price, has a HOT SPRINGS for $5 in town (open til 7pm, I think this year), and all the lodging is across the street from the Bar/restaurant (decent food). Or, camp. Maybe your wife and baby could come hang out there too - 'tis quiet, but pretty.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508
http://www.tollstation.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wolf-creek-restaurant-and-bar-markleeville
Or, if this place is open, ya'll get a kitchen:
http://www.carsonriverresort.com/cabins.html
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 29, 2008 - 11:26pm PT
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Geez, cleo, you're an angel, thanks for the beta!
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10b4me
Ice climber
the sads
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Dec 30, 2008 - 12:21am PT
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I agree about Hope Valley being a good place, also the area just up the road at Carson Pass
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orange crush
Boulder climber
ca
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Dec 30, 2008 - 01:41am PT
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Wrights lake should be fine unless we get another biggie
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Dec 30, 2008 - 01:19pm PT
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Those pictures of Hope Valley depict an ideal spot to get it all figured out and have some fun.
Did anybody answer the skate skiing question?
Cross-country skiing (XC) = classic = diagonal stride (practiced in groomed tracks or just out in the woods).
Originally all bindings were "three pin" = 75 mm Nordic norm.
The telemark turn was an ancient way of getting skis to turn well in ungroomed crud, (almost making 2 skis become one, so lots of stability in the turn, and no lifting them up out of the snow like in the parallel turn) and requires getting down so low that you need to have heel lift, so it works quite well with a three pin/75 mm Nordic norm (or BCNNN) platform out in the sticks. Many people just parallel turn on their three pin gear anyway...
Skate skiing (as independent activity) was essentially invented during a race by (Bill Koch?) as an adaption of the marathon stride, which is a technique where you have one ski going forward in the track, and another out to the side actually skating for propulsion.
Due to whatever conditions were prevailing at the time, it was found faster to just get both skis out of the track and skate side to side. Now well groomed Nordic areas all have a flat section next to the tracks for skating.
Most downhill skiers know how to skate and to alternately glide on a flat ski. More or less the same thing; it can take quite a while to learn it and get it down if you don't have prior experience.
Diagonal stride at its least sophisticated is much like walking, so learning to cross-country ski as an absolute beginner, using the diagonal stride, is much easier than learning to skate ski. True classic technique in the tracks for racing actually has very nuanced techniques as well, to be competitive, but just learning and adapting that basic stride can be fairly natural.
Kick and glide, kick and glide...
Way way old school, from the old country, known as "ski running".
A skate ski looks much like a classic ski, but it is in fact more rigid and there is never any intent to use the cambered area of the base as a wax pocket for kick (sticky) wax.
When most people speak of skate and classic, they are talking about two different skis with two different corresponding techniques, both practiced on groomed "Nordic" resort terrain.
Classic skis have hard wax on tips and tails for glide and kick wax in the wax pocket for propulsion. (Sometimes fish scales, or a waxless base in lieu of kick wax, in the wax pocket)
Skate skis are waxed tip to tail whith hard glide wax.
The bindings for these two groomed Nordic area pursuits are most typically of the NNN-style variety. Very narrow, with a little bar at the toe contact.
Bindings for cross-country skiing, using the diagonal stride in an ungroomed environment can be anything from three pin 75 mm Nordic norm, to cabled 75 mm Nordic norm, to NNN, or BCNNN.
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Jaybro
Social climber
wuz real!
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Dec 30, 2008 - 01:27pm PT
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When I first started skate skiing (circa 1983, on nordic norm's) I likened it to the move you sometimes use to get over flat sections by the lifts in alping gear.
It's effecient though. esp with modern gear. I used to skate a bunch at Royal Gorge (if you don't mind spending $ for a day pass, Blue, you might look into it, a short drive from the bay area)I could do 50k skate ski runs in 1.5 hrs less time than my ave trailrun marathon time (2:25 vs ~4hrs)
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atchafalaya
climber
Babylon
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Dec 30, 2008 - 01:54pm PT
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Blue, check out Clair Tappaan Lodge on Donner Summit. Cheap, food included, groomed ski trails for xc/skate out the back door, and rentals of skate, xc, and snowshoes. You can head up to the backside of Boreal and Donner ski ranch on groomers and possibly poach some turns. They normally dont check tickets. Or cross the street and xc Norden Lake to Sugarbowl....
http://www.ctl.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/ctl/moreabout.asp
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