March 1, 2012, Hyak
3/1/12
WA Snoqualmie Pass
2342
3
After a wonderful Wednesday evening at Summit West for our last lesson of the season, a few of us crashed at the WAC cabin and got up early for some laps at Hyak. Charlie, Susan, and myself were joined by Mike and Michal, two students in the backcountry class who wanted to practice skinning before our overnight trip this weekend. We were very impressed at their pace, 30 minutes per lap on the straight-up-the-slope express lane skin track. Thanks to the dog-assisted skiers ahead of us who set the track!
Snow on the frontside groomer was about 8-10" of heavy powder. Under the lift we found it to be deeper and perhaps lighter, with just enough tracks & bumps to catch some air, with no consequences on the landing.
Started at 6:45, got back to the car at 9:15 after 3 laps (not bad for new skinners!), and at my desk in Kent by 10:45.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6944550881_f8a84c51ca_b.jpg" />
Snow on the frontside groomer was about 8-10" of heavy powder. Under the lift we found it to be deeper and perhaps lighter, with just enough tracks & bumps to catch some air, with no consequences on the landing.
Started at 6:45, got back to the car at 9:15 after 3 laps (not bad for new skinners!), and at my desk in Kent by 10:45.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6944550881_f8a84c51ca_b.jpg" />
Fantastic picture!
Thanks.
Thanks.
We followed everybody up a little later. Man, not a single switchback! That was a great up track, but "No Skintrack for Old Men" ;D
I've just recovered (this morning) from chasing the others on 4 laps of before work fun on Thursday morning. We had contemplated the Phantom, but given 15" of new on the telemetry, we considered the Stump or Hyak. Hyak won out given safety and potential for max vertical before work in great snow. It was so good, we elected a fourth lap before retreating despite the waning hour. Did one run down the backside. Not as steep as the front, but no one else had done it yet. There were so many people out, I had to confirm the lifts really weren't working!
A photo of three of us carving powder down the backside!
A photo of three of us carving powder down the backside!
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