Feb 10th Alta
Yesterday it was warm. Around 40 degrees. Groomers were soft and pretty fun, but most of the time there were a ton of people so you had to pick and choose when to open the throttle. Off-trail (Highboy) was pretty harsh. Well getting there was harsh, not necessarily High Rustler itself. The High T was bad as usual this year. It wasn’t frozen and you didn’t feel like you were going to slide for life all the way to the bottom of West Rustler, but it was dang rocky. Rode some old Volkl fat skis (white wizard exsplosivs) namely because they’re a little smaller than the Gotamas and in fact a lot more responsive then the haggered Gotamas I have mounted. I have a sparkly clean new pair but haven’t dared mount them up this season yet for obvious reasons.
Skied a handful of Groomers with Johnny B and Jesse. Johnny and I also paid the price twice on Highboy. When those guys left I had more of an itch so I went back and skied three more Highboy’s in a row solo. Last three runs I went into Windy Point and knocked some snow over the rocks. It was…ok. The best part about skiing yesterday was the workout. BUT Cottonwood Canyons’ snow report says 7 last night, 2-5 today and possible 7-11 tonight so we’re looking up.
February 12th, 2007 at 2:54 am
I applaud this site!
I’ll be traveling to LCC this March, and the change in weather will come none too soon for me. This is my 3rd trip to the Wasatch and this site is contributing to my addiction.
I’ve never braved High Rustler before but will make an attempt this year!
Any advice?
February 12th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Yo Kermit thanks for the comment. Where ya from? Hopefully our snowpack will be back to normal by the time you arrive. We all know how quick it can turn on in the Wasatch. As far as skiing High Rustler.. my advice is simple: Do It. It’s not like you’re climbing Everest
Seriously, though. My best advice is make sure you’re on fat skis. The wider under foot the better. Don’t worry about shaped/side cut skis. Just get fat, under foot (at least 95-100 width). If you don’t have them, RENT them. It’ll make your experience a better one. You owe it to yourself to have the right equipment if you’re in Little Cottonwood.