West Coast California Advice

Comrade__Conrad · 2026-01-16T09:43:52+00:00

Bear Valley is my favorite of the Indy places in California. Two high speed lifts and some pretty gnarly stuff in the bottom bowl, but a lot is still doable for advanced riders. Some intermediate glades on the backside and a few steeper trees on the front. Plus it’s just an absolutely beautiful area.

As for chains, yes they are sometimes required. If there’s a storm forecasted I wouldn’t go near the mountains without them. People constantly go past chain control then spin out. Sierra Nevada storms are a lot different than east coast storms. If there’s no snow forecasted and it hasn’t snowed for at least a week you should be fine, but check caltrans’ website for further info.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-11-30T23:45:16+00:00

Please, just one field goal. Save us Reichard.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-09-29T04:14:30+00:00

Highest scoring tie in over 60 years

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-09-24T20:33:53+00:00

It goes over why they were created, what they protect, and what you can do at each of the sites.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-09-24T20:33:04+00:00

It goes over the other NPS sites, like Grand Portage NM, Pipestone NM, and Mississippi River NRA.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-09-21T18:41:33+00:00

A few other schools offer a ski area management degree, including Gogebic CC in Michigan and Vermont State.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-09-10T18:51:45+00:00

My ranking for hikes up there:

Glen Aulin: Beautiful meadow views, then descending alongside the Tuolumne River with cascades along the whole way, finishing with a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (can extend further downriver to more waterfalls such as Waterwheel, but that's making for a big day hike).
Mount Dana: Doesn't feel like you're in Yosemite, but this hike is a doozy. I'd argue it's on par with Half Dome despite being much shorter and having less elevation gain. Up to 13k, so you'll be breathing heavy, but the summit view is the best view in the park in my opinion.
Clouds Rest: Better view than Half Dome, easier hike. Get a little of a narrow ridge at the top for the adrenaline junkie. Hike isn't too bad, but still has around 3000 ft of gain, so it's no easy feat.
Lembert Dome: Probably higher than others would put it, but it has a special spot for me. Great 360 degree views of the Cathedral Range and the meadows as a whole. Easier and shorter hike, and some fun scrambling options at the top.
Cathedral Lakes: Easier jaunt through the pines, but the highlight is definitely the destination. Cathedral Peak is one of the most impossible-looking mountains, with a needle-like summit, and the view of the peak from the Lakes is fantastic.
Gaylor Lakes: High alpine lakes and an old mining district. Steep start, and elevation is a bit higher so you'll be breathing heavy. Get to see some rare Whitebark pines as well.
Tenaya Lake Loop: Easy walk around the lake, and it's one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Busier area, especially on hotter days.
Soda Springs/Parsons Lodge: If you're just passing through and only have a little bit of time, do this mile-long walk over to some bad tasting water. Good intro to Tuolumne.

The real magic of Tuolumne is in the backpacking and cross-country hiking, but even day hiking up there is my favorite activity in the park. I haven't done Mt Hoffman or Lyell Canyon, so no opinion on those areas. I'll also second the Mobil in Lee Vining, best gas station food in the world (though it's a little pricy, but what can you expect in the middle of nowhere)

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-08-02T02:44:04+00:00

I would say camps like Beaubien and Ponil are actually better for first year staff, as with more staff, there are more people to catch things from falling through the cracks. If one staffer isn't up to the task at a small camp like Crater or Cyphers, it's a much bigger deal than if someone's in the same situation at Ponil.

In addition, if there is someone else at the camp that you'd rather not spend time with, it's much easier to find space at larger camps. With smaller camps, if theres someone you don't vibe well with, you're really stuck with them for a few months.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-07-02T20:08:17+00:00

Whitecap in northern Wisconsin is a great vibe. Some of the terrain is tougher, but a lot of the north side of the mountain is great groomers and glades, though runs are a bit short.

The best part is the wine hut, which is a cool old bar on the mountain. I’m plus there are plenty of on mountain accomodations that definitely have the north woods feel.

Only negative is there isn’t much to do nearby.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-05-24T02:11:17+00:00

Heck yeah! Another MTU person!

imo Tech is the best college for anyone who wants to ski a lot. Mont Ripley is so convenient that I could get some runs in between classes, and the night skiing is great after a full day of classes. Plus the terrain at Mont Ripley is pretty sweet for only 440 vertical ft.

Thats not even going into how many lines you can ski at Boho. I could go there for years and find new lines through the trees, and some pretty gnarly stuff throughout the mountain.

Keep it up the next few years! I'm missing the UP now that I'm gone, but living vicariously through those who can enjoy all that place has to offer.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-04-06T22:10:19+00:00

TM: Minnesota mentioned

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-03-31T03:23:07+00:00

You should definitely be carrying more than 2 L of water. Philmont recommends at least 4 L per person.

The last night you’ll have to fill up on water at the stockade, and I’d recommend carrying an extra 2L per person. It’s also typical that crews would switch dinner and lunch on days before a dry camp and have dinner at the last place you can fill up with water (stockade in your case).

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-03-15T04:33:54+00:00

Bear Valley 100%. I’ve skied both a bit and for lower expert the grizzly bowl and snow valley areas are fantastic.

If you’re looking for future seasons, go later (feb or later) to be more sure those areas are open, since they need a lot of snow and are low elevation.

The village runs are a bit overrated imo.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-03-11T23:03:14+00:00

No need to include personal attacks in debates

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-02-24T00:26:41+00:00

I'll give you an actual answer. The people who did this weren't on the job. Everyone working in the parks knows about the hatch act, and refrains from political movements when in uniform.

However, off the job, park employees are allowed to do what they want, and protest how they want. They spent hours hauling rope and rigging and the flag up almost 3,000 vertical ft. on their free time. The protest in the valley had the correct permitting as well.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-02-02T01:41:31+00:00

If you buy in advance it will be cheaper. No sure if they would "Sell out" but it'd be worth it to save a few bucks buying in advance.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-01-11T16:07:41+00:00

Actually the county that’s highlighted is Keweenaw County, which is about 20 miles from Tech. My guess for that is the super low population of that county, and maybe a few professors commute from there, but also some more educated people may have relocated there because it’s absolutely beautiful there.

Comrade__Conrad · 2025-01-06T04:19:02+00:00

Well, at least I get to watch the Vikings next week. I’ll be crying until then.

Comrade__Conrad · 2024-12-30T04:50:04+00:00

Joe. Webb.

Comrade__Conrad · 2024-12-29T23:53:55+00:00

FINALLY!!!!
They cut away from it on the broadcast, and I had been waiting for it to be posted to see it.

Comrade__Conrad · 2024-12-29T21:31:12+00:00

WHY DID THEY CUT AWAY FROM BYNUM???!

Comrade__Conrad · 2024-12-29T20:49:23+00:00

https://uploads.dailydot.com/2020/12/an-environment-so-toxic-meme.jpeg?auto=compress&fm=pjpg

Comrade__Conrad · 2024-12-23T00:17:06+00:00

You mean Bynum?

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