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San Gabriel Trifecta

Submitted by dklove on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 5:28pm.

User Demographics

Age: 
33
Gender: 
Male
Ability: 
Advanced
Email: 
clay@qlm.cc

Trip Specifics

Resort: 
Mount Baldy
Start Date: 
25 Feb 2009
Duration in days: 
1
Hours: 
Day
Equipment: 
Alpine
Overall rating: 
6
Primary snow surface: 
Granular
Secondary snow surfaces: 
Icy
I loved: 
the exposure, views, zero lift lines, laughing at the hick kids running the lifts, hitting the trees after the snow lossened up
I hated: 
ice, lack of coverage
Lift/trails closed: 
a good chunk of the mountain was showing
Liftline waits: 
0
Quality of moguls: 
um not this day for me, thanks!
Jumps/Rails: 
nope

This is likely my last winter in SoCal, and being a long time Angeleno from the Northeast (highland park, eagle rock, etc) I have been staring at, hiking in, and loving the San Gabriels since I got here. However, being a starving musician means no skiing (cause lift tickets costs money yo) so I stuck to the surfboard for years. Now gainfully employed and a proud owner of a pair of skis, I decided to give it my all this year and hit every mountain in our beloved peaks.

Generally I will say that SoCal skiing is a very specialized activity. You do have to chase the conditions to get the best out of it, but even amongst three very different days, I had an absolute blast on Baldy, Waterman and the dreaded Mt. High even. With regards to Baldy and Waterman, I will say that unless you are up there right after a dump (which I was able to at Waterman - very special and fun)you really do have to hunt for the remaining snow spots, be diligent about timing the sun and snow melt and be ready for adventure. This I think only adds to the unique nature of SoCal skiing, and makes it even more rewarding for those who stay on top of conditions to score it when it is sweet. In that way, skiing here is very much like surfing, get it while its good. Good times all around for sure, great vibe on the lifts, love seeing people on Baldy and Waterman on SKIS. Ski you all later!!!!

Ski resort

Submitted by amoscark on Tue, 12/22/2009 - 10:58pm.

There are so many choices in SoCal skiing it will be hard to decide what to leave out. However, if you prefer one of the tropical vacation snow spots, consider to visit ski resort which gives you wide range of activities so that all members of your family can have a lot of fun.

** advertising link removed by admin **

Re: So Cal Skiing

Submitted by ski vita on Sat, 03/07/2009 - 7:28am.

Great review and comment re: skiing in So Cal. I totally agree that the skier/boarder that has the best time is constantly searching for it. Skiing and boarding is ike surfing in several ways, and searching for a good spot based on conditions and trying out new places is the key. Look at the surfers in a line-up that sit there just waiting and watching and then consider the guy that is paddling around and often going to the inside to catch waves, or getting out of the water and going down the road. I think that are are two main types of attitudes toward winter activities in So Cal: There are people that just go to a place without a plan and if they don't have a great time, then their attitude is that the place sucks, the people suck, the conditions suck--everything sucks. And then there are the people that really enjoy winter activities and are happy that we even have snow in So Cal. I am one of these people and I appreciate each area for what it is. I follow the weather and the storms, I look at the resort websites and other websites for info, I talk to people about ski areas while sharing a lift ride, while having a beer at the lodge or in the parking lot. I go to outdoor stores and ski shops, I go to Ski Dazzle every year for my free tickets and deals and info on ski areas--I constantly seek info. I visit the areas off season to hike and mtn. bike. Each area is unique and wouldn't be there if there weren't interested people enjoying it. Enjoy these areas in So Cal while you can. The warming weather and the global economy might not allow for all of them to exist much longer.

Re: So Cal Skiing

Submitted by sqpal2000 on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 11:19pm.

"You do have to chase the conditions to get the best out of it...". This is so true. I was out of work this winter and took full advantage of chasing conditions. Just wish there were more dumps but those days I did get up to Baldy were epic. This article pretty much sums it up for me...
http://www.theskichannel.com/skinews/No-Beginners-Mt-Baldy-LAs-Hidden-Gem-Resort
Those who so appreciate this gem all seem to feel the same way. Here's to next season.

you speak the truth

Submitted by johnny2bad on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 1:40pm.

For sure -- if you want to find the sweet stuff, you must be willing to search and work and keep doing both. It pays off. There is nothing like the sensation of descending through thousands of feet of virgin powder in the backcountry. I've leaned that if I want the best runs, I've got to wear my board on my back. Google Earth is my new toy for scoping new spots.

Anyone here hike the baldy bowls and stay at the ski hut? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

ski hut

Submitted by highway2 on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 7:52pm.

ive been intrigued on the mt baldy ski hut. wat can you use it for

I believe you can spend the

Submitted by spope on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 9:23pm.

I believe you can spend the night there on the weekends if you arrange it with the park service.

cool cool

Submitted by highway2 on Mon, 03/09/2009 - 7:52pm.

cool cool

ski hut

Submitted by johnny2bad on Tue, 03/10/2009 - 3:04pm.

More info here:
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/lodges/sanantonioskihut.html

And an account of a trip, and some nice photos here:
http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~mark/outdoors/skiing/baldybowl/alclare.jpg

I will likely hike up to check out the ski hut this spring, possibly with some gear. I plan to get back in shape for a mid-winter climb next season, and a proper descent.

I've heard the Baldy Bowl compared to Tuckerman's Ravine on Mt Washington in New Hampshire, a place I skied some time ago in my teens. Both are strenuous climbs, and both mountains take lives routinely. It will not be easy in mid-winter.

what kind of music do you

Submitted by spope on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 8:03pm.

what kind of music do you play?

used to play!

Submitted by dklove on Sat, 03/07/2009 - 6:18pm.

haha - was a bass player in a band for almost eight years - started out playing punk/reggae and ended up pop rock with horns - 5 records and some good times - spent a couple years playing the colorado resort circuit scoring snow up there while playing shows - amen on the global warming call - ski while you can in the place it shouldn't be possible !

love the SoCal mountain experience - the steep, rough terrain and wide tree berths make for good times on the snow.

still play the geetar to melt the mind, ya know. man wasn't built to sit down and push buttons all day.

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