Need some X-country ski info

[Mac]

My wife and I are looking to test out some new cross country skis this coming weekend.
Seems from a couple posts that there is enough snow above the tram.
If anyone can confirm this and offer any advice we would greatly appreciate it.
We have never been to the mountain or up the tram so ANY info would be useful other than us pulling to the lot and taking the ride up the tram to the unexpected.

Thanks in advance!

[Cobyrne]

Hey,
Just went up this past weekend. Conditions were pretty good for cross country skiing. I didnt actually do any skiing, due to my friend not having skiis but was paying close attention. Every portion of the mountain above the tram will have sufficient snow for skiing. 6" to 2'. It was getting a little icy on top of the snow at some points, as it's been sitting there a good two weeks now, but it wasnt too bad, and I think more snow might fall soon. If it does, I would check back to make sure it's not too much, or just make sure your skis are of the touring or back country variety. I didn't see any trails that were groomed for x country skiing, and don't think any exist up there. If it snows before you get there and you do some back country skiing, be sure you bring a map and compass or gps. You will probably be one of the first people out there ln skis and the hiking trails may be covered up so it's pretty easy to get turned around out there. - colin

[Lermo]

Hey Colin,

Be careful up there when it's snowing. In late February 2011 an experienced X country skier found himself lost near Wellman Divide. He had gone out from the tram during a heavy snow storm, but all tracks were covered with snow by the time he was ready to head back. Long story short, he had to bivy in an emergency snow cave, and was out there for two nights. He had some pretty severe frostbite to deal with. Below is the arcticle on the incedent.

Make sure you have a good GPS, or better yet wait until the heavy storms pass. Just my 2 cents.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local ... 13578.html

Here is a more detailed report of the same event:

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside- ... izzard.ece

Thanks!

Larry

[fitness_57]

I was up there a week ago and there is a direct path to Tamarack Valley rather than Round Valley. Check with the ranger on how to find it when you pickup your permit. Tamarack will probably be better, it will be less trampled over than Round Valley which is more heavily visited.

[Carl F]

Although I haven't been up there, coverage looks dubious. You might check out the webcam if you haven't already.

http://www.pstramway.com/long-valley-cam.html

Doesn't look like "new" skis would be such a good idea, though maybe if you hiked a bit first...