Gore Dec. 12, 2015

Uncharacteristically, I managed to roll out of bed around 5:50. Skis and bags were already in the car and the coffee maker was programmed Friday night so I was on the road by 6. Two pairs of skis on top of a Camry in Glens Falls was the only evidence that anyone else on the planet was thinking about skiing until I pulled into Gores parking lot at 9:30. My car showed the temp at 35 degrees at that point; gave me hope that snowmaking might have opened some more terrain. My hopes were unfounded. The trail report hadn't changed; one lift and eight trails that amounted to three ways to the bottom, one that required a walk.

My first run I took it easy, looking to scope out the snow and get my legs back. I skied Showcase first. Coverage was wall to wall mostly, a few narrower spots. Here and there a few rocks poked up through the thin cover and there were some dirt patches but it was all manageable. Was it the dreaded WROD? Not by my standards but there were some choke points.

After five or six runs, I turned down Sunway to Quicksilver. Sunway was in good shape but Quicksilver was more problematic. There were a lot of muddy or rocky spots that required precise maneuvering to thread your way through. I'm not complaining. I enjoyed the challenge and did my best to keep my speed up. Gore had some rails and jumps set up near the top of Quicksilver... Not my thing but some younger guys were putting them to use.

Conditions were spring like and sunny. The snow was already soft by the time I got on it. By lunch, temps had climbed to over 50 degrees and my car showed 61 as I drove away. Here and there I found some moguls and a few spots were the sioft stuff had collected in clumps but it could all be avoided if you wanted to. The mountain wasn't too crowded; it was mostly young guys and dedicated locals. There was a patroller posted at the top of Sunway, I guess to slow people down (didn't want his picture taken) but he wasn't needed. Everybody respected each other's space. I was surprised to see some beginners actually taking lessons on the limited terrain.

For me, it was perfect. Lines weren't long at any point in the day. I met some nice people on the lift and by afternoon was skiing right back on with no lines at all. Most of the day was fast laps on Showcase without stops. I lost track of how many runs I got in but I kept at it till my legs started to turn to jelly and I started crossing my tips around 2:30 or 3. Overall it was a great day and, for me, worth the seven hours of driving it took to make it happen.


Now the bad

Brownski wrote

Was it the dreaded WROD? Not by my standards

 classic report

Thanks for the report.  Nice info.

Petronio

"Seven hours of driving"?  

That looks horrible.  

I know a lot of people think a trip like this not worth it. First of all, the skiing was good. The first pictures were indicative of 85-90% of the open terrain, not so bad considering the weather. For me, its worth it. Maybe its not for everyone. The quantity/quality debate is unending but I figure its a false choice. I had a chance to ski and I took it.

man I am going up on the 28th they better get the guns going looks like a few windows of opportunity  for it in the next few weeks.

Hey he's Brownski, maybe he don't mind skiing a little brown snow.

I feel like I should respond to that but I need to check the sites posting guidelines first. I mean everybody knows "skiing a little brown" is meant literally right? That's not a euphemism  for something else. Ha ha

Brownski wrote

I know a lot of people think a trip like this not worth it. First of all, the skiing was good. The first pictures were indicative of 85-90% of the open terrain, not so bad considering the weather. For me, its worth it. Maybe its not for everyone. The quantity/quality debate is unending but I figure its a false choice. I had a chance to ski and I took it.

Not criticizing your choice, as it is just that, your choice. I'm going to keep grabbing High Peaks in search of my 46 as long as it stays like this!

It's all good fun. I'm just glad there's something open to ski on. If I'd stuck with my original plan for Saturday you would really think I'm nuts. I spent all week trying to justify driving to Smuggs Friday night, skiing one day, and then driving back.

Brownski wrote

For me, it was perfect...

Seriously.  When you're passionate about something, perfection can come on many different levels.  We had horrible conditions last year, but I can recall a lot of days that were "perfect for me."  When you're a fanatic, it's not just about perfect snow... there are lots of other components associated with the experience.  The last paragraph sums it up perfectly.  Great TR