Alaska Road Trip – Day 2
Most highways in Nevada don’t get much traffic, in fact, they make a joke out of the concept of over population (like, where are all the people to whine about?). You can stop anywhere on the roadside and it’s almost like being in a campground. Or actually, quieter.
Louie above Virginia Lakes, on what we think is called Black Mountain. Whatever, the skiing was actually quite good in spite of a local we spoke to in the parking lot who assured us enthusiastically that it would be terrible.
I’m starting this post at lunchtime, on the shoulder of highway 6. We’re a short drive from Bishop, CA, making sandwiches in the camper. I had second thoughts about hauling 2,000 lbs of RV up north, but have to admit it’s nice having a kitchen counter next to a fridge, and of course the mobile facilities.
Storm coming, get it while you can.
So, later, for another higher altitude night out we’ve driven up to Virginia Lakes (we didn’t end up in Bishop) on the Sierra east side. A storm is said to be coming, so we jumped on our skis at around 3:00 PM and got in a quick Sierra slush run above the lakes. If it’s not raining in the morning we might try to make a foray up Dunderberg Peak, which rises a few thousand vert above where we’ve parked. If it’s raining or wet-snowing, perhaps we’ll head north?
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Comments
7 Responses to “Alaska Road Trip – Day 2”
On the subject of hauling weight uphill. I am looking at purchasing some lightweight skis. Must be getting old. I haven’t delved into the lightweight side of things previously and was looking for some sage advice.
I am interested in the Trab Stelvio Freeride XL or a pair of Goode Carbons. The Trab’s look awesome and am heading that way primarily on that, shallow I know but they do have the cred as well. I am interested in your thoughts on durability, strength, torsional rigidity and the ability to hold a line in mixed conditions.
Have you tested either and what are your thoughts on Carbon?
cheers
David
Are you going to ski Mt Tom to your left?
gitsum….
Lou,
From the view shown (compared to cranial images in memory), looks indeed like Black Mountain.
David,
If light is your goal, you’re looking at two brands that definately should be considered. Trab is probably easier to find at a backcountry shop. Goode carbons always did well in our ski tests at Couloir, but never received anything approaching unanimous approval. Trabs on the otherhand did…but it was near unanimous disapproval.
The reality is, when you go for a lightweight ski, it simply will not perform as well in heavy snow conditions (the norm in my neck of the woods). Goode’s were consistently stiffer and better liked, but also took some getting used to. Either way you go, once you’ve logged 3-4 days you’ll have ’em dialed and (probably) be very happy with the package.
My fave in the Trab line is the Stelvio simply ‘cuz it’s wide enough for a lot of conditions, but not too wide (i.e. heavier).
Now you are getting close to my neck of the woods. There is a group of 30 or so local Tahoe folk who are down in Bishop right now. Looks like fun.
Did part of Dunderberg this morning, storm was coming and the snow was not that great so we headed down and got on the highway north. Our goal is to drive if the weather crumby, and ski if it’s good.
A group of five, myself included, had a blast skiing above Virginia Lakes on Saturday. From the picture you posted it looks like you may have been on South Peak (an unofficial name learned in the trailhead parking lot) between Mount Olson and Mount Black. Either way, there were great turns to be had!