TR Wolf Creek Dec. 8-16, 2024

[TNtoTaos]

I will be driving up there this Sunday to ski for three days. Going to start the season on the new Montero AW that I purchased to replace the Nela 80. I'm hoping for those sunny day forecasts to stick around ( they change pretty quickly) . Not a fan of flat light when getting used to new gear.

My DH of course, would prefer to have snow falling onto his bedsheets when he wakes up.

@badger If you remember, I got my Montero skis near the end of last season, and didn't get to use them much, but on this trip I started out using my Sheevas for the first couple of days, esp in the powder. Then I switched to the Monteros, and fell in love all over again! The more I ski them, the more I love them. they really like to fly! I can't wait to hear what you think of them -- sorry we won't get to meet up, as I'm leaving Monday AM for Taos with Rita and @marzNC for a couple of days.

 

[marzNC]

Are you doing two base layer tops, vest + jacket? Or a third layer in there too?

There is usually another layer between the two base layer shirts and the Marmot ski jacket.

I have three different weight vests. Often take a second one in the bootbag so that I have options. I have two different weight mid-layer jackets, but have only used the lighter weight one. Haven't used the down mid-layer jacket in years.

For an early season trip, I like to be able to experiment. At WCSA, we boot up in the Women's Restroom that doubles as a locker room that's below the cafeteria. Since we always eat lunch there, changing out is relatively straightforward. I also use a small backpack that can fit any of my vests, or a base layer shirt if it gets warm midday.

 

[marzNC]

Day 8, Dec. 15, was another cold day. Sunny with gusts of wind that meant the upper mountain lifts were stopping a bit.

I decided it was worth another lesson with Eric. It was the first 3-hour solo lesson I've had out west. We spent the first hour working on a fundamental movement on groomers. Summer Day is a good blue groomers off Treasure for that because hardly anyone goes there. Especially in comparison to the long greens off Raven. After a break at the Prospector Expresso Bar at the top of Treasure, we did some adventure skiing. Went past Glory Hole and went down Montezuma Bowl. Snow was thin on top.

What we worked on starting on Wednesday and first thing this morning helped when skiing bumps at speed. I can do that more effectively when following an instructor since I don't have to think about picking a line. At least most of the time when I'm keeping right behind the instructor and see their next turn.

While the snow up top was too wind buffed to be much fun, the snow below Orion's Belt was all good. The first run there ended with the Serendipity gully, which I've done during other trips but not lately. Feels a lot easier compared to the first time my crew found it in February 2021.

Looking towards Alberta Peak, near the start of Moon Hollow (ski terrain to the left)


Looking back at Prospector building at the top of the Treasure lift
A little uphill is needed, long enough that carrying skis is easier than herringbone or side stepping


View of main base and close parking from ski school building at Lynx, the covered magic carpet


View of Thumper bumps from top of Tumbler beginner lift
Taking Tumbler makes it much easier to get back to the Treasure lift and the main base than before

 

[Skac1919]

I have three different weight vests. Often take a second one in the bootbag so that I have options.

This is such a good idea. I have one vest and was taking a whole extra jacket or sweater layer with me, which got too bulky in the arms

 

[marzNC]

This is such a good idea. I have one vest and was taking a whole extra jacket or sweater layer with me, which got too bulky in the arms

I have a much larger collection of vests than ski jackets. One set gets used more for the outdoors and another set gets used in the house.

I only use a mid-layer jacket when it's really cold, meaning single digits. Usually bring one along that can also double as a "go to dinner" jacket if it turns out to be relatively warm. Especially if I'm staying in a town at a much lower altitude.

 

[marzNC]

Day 9, Dec. 16, was a short day for skiing. I skied solo for a bit, met up with @badger for a few groomer runs on the front side, then finished with assorted off-piste runs with Jason and Bill. We had a late lunch at the cafeteria and then headed down the road. Bill and Jason headed to Albuquerque (Jason flies out tomorrow). I headed to Taos to meet up again with @TNtoTaos and Rita.

It was fun to chat with @badger on a few lift rides. We'd crossed paths at WCSA before but hadn't skied together at all.

The adventure runs off Alberta were over in the Coyote Park Loop area and Tsunami again. I'd done Tsunami with Eric during the lesson on Sunday morning, so I knew the snow was still good in there.

The bump runs on the front side were pretty firm. The good news for the long run is that the existing snow has been well packed down by skiers all over the mountain. Should provide a good base for the rest of the season.

View on the front side around 9:30am on a Monday without fresh snow for a week


View of Alberta Peak (on the left)


Tranquility is a favorite groomer of the Treasure lift. The two skiers (see them about where the trees on the left start?) were a senior couple. The man clearly liked carving like a racer. The woman looked great but wasn't trying to go for super high edge angles.