June 15, 2004, Nisqually Cruiser
6/15/04
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2310
1
Perfect corn snow on "the mountain". I call this the "Cruiser" because you can carve big GS turns at speed and still descend down to the Nisqually. This is a great trip for that intermediate skier/boarder who wants to "do the Nisqually" but looks at the Chute and says "no way". The winds were blowing briskly from the NE all day and provided a cooling effect on the snow surface, plus it was very pleasant skinning. Took the standard route to Pebble Creek, then did a climbing traverse to 8400'. The start area is a large football wide ramp that heads southerly and has a pleasant pitch. The first few turns were an indication that today was going to be a perfect corn day. With over 90 days of skiing this season, this was as good as it gets for corn. The route continues southerly until you start descending into the Pebble Creek drainage and then make a right turn and head north. The slope steepens a bit but is not intimidating. As you descend towards the bottom, you'll prabably hear the creek beneath you and near 6800' you'll see the creek below cascading over some rocks. Time to head skier-right onto the open slopes and enter the "land of mush". As you near the basin floor, you head skiers-left and look for the climbers boot trail to Glacier Vista. The return from Glacier Vista is slow,sticky and a waste of vertical. I saw quite a few skiers today and they seemed to be doing the standard Muir route and return. This is a great alternative to the standard Muir route and you'll probably have it to yourself. Zap