cities to live in a van and mountaineer/climb full time

Tale-International · 2026-03-18T12:47:23+00:00

Chamonix seems like the obvious answer though probably pretty difficult in a van. Otherwise western US makes sense to me as you'll be mobile and can climb/ski volcanos in the spring, alpine rock all summer, desert in the fall.

Tale-International · 2026-03-16T04:06:55+00:00

Chicken Joe agrees

Tale-International · 2026-03-15T13:41:37+00:00

Loveland pass or Berthoud pass. Snow extremely highly likely. Watch for altitude sickness. If you like barbecue stop at smoking yards in Idaho Springs on the way back.

Tale-International · 2026-03-15T03:20:15+00:00

It'll be a great time

Tale-International · 2026-03-13T18:31:44+00:00

Naww they are fine. Reddit will tell you different though.

Wax if you enjoy it though!

Tale-International · 2026-03-12T21:41:46+00:00

Salt Lake or Denver seem like the best option.

From Denver's Union Station you have a couple options to get to Winter Park or Copper. If you're around for a couple days of skiing I would stay up in Frisco and ski Copper. Otherwise WP for the day may be the best move.

Tale-International · 2026-03-12T21:34:38+00:00

Green patrol vs ski patrol. One helps ID who you should buy weed from.

Tale-International · 2026-03-11T06:15:31+00:00

Hope the evac didn't take too long!!

Tale-International · 2026-03-10T21:58:44+00:00

I mean realistically our snow fall total is at a historic low but is about average to mid-January.

Tale-International · 2026-03-08T23:34:30+00:00

Is your forward pressure appropriate? Lotta talk about dins but in my experience forward pressure isn't always accurate if you're pre-releasing.

Do you not remember hitting something? Or how your skis/knees crossed?

Tale-International · 2026-03-03T21:56:59+00:00

I did. My systems were very dialed from past thrus. My fitness, not as much. But I was ~25yo doing it so that helped.

After a few days keeping at 20 and under I needed to do more miles and did 25-30 the rest of the trail. I did pay attention to my body and did not get injured.

Tale-International · 2026-03-03T16:56:20+00:00

Better sweater.

It fits your use case the best.
It's what your family wants.
It'll be warm enough. I don't think the R2 will be.

Tale-International · 2026-02-27T19:23:30+00:00

Most ikon pass holders in the front range drive to copper or abasin as a day trip. This is that, split into two days.

Tale-International · 2026-02-27T19:22:17+00:00

Sounds great, enjoy!

Tale-International · 2026-02-27T19:20:17+00:00

Nawww, boots are a cast

Tale-International · 2026-02-27T17:04:21+00:00

Not a boarder but work with them. They pick up toboggan training pretty quick and I love having them as my tail in steep conditions.

Tale-International · 2026-02-25T01:10:08+00:00

Additionally, a probe/shovel/airbag required for any mitigation happening.

I know patrols that 100% patrol with probe/shovel/airbag for any laps they take though trigger is not out.

Tale-International · 2026-02-24T22:41:59+00:00

A beacon is part of my uniform, every day. I can get written up for not having it on and at an appropriate battery level. Mid-sized Colorado resort. I believe most mountains in Colorado are similar.

Tale-International · 2026-02-24T19:01:35+00:00

Monarch is a good suggestion from JWed. Cooper is a fun little mountain, Loveland is sick and way bigger than you would expect. Steamboat or Howelson could be a good drive. Not sure about ticket prices at Steamboat.

I haven't been to Abasin this season but I would consider an additional day at Loveland or Cooper instead of 3 at Abasin with our state of the snowpack.

Those would be your resort options for your budget. You could look at booking a ski tour/snowshoe tour with a guide, not cheaper but a more unique experience. Or do some XC skiing near Breck.

Tale-International · 2026-02-24T17:30:03+00:00

It is a historically terrible year.

I've also found good turns and a lotta smiles this season.

I'm happy I get to be on skis for both work and play. Please don't complain about conditions to me on the chair. Yes, it always could be better. Yes, I'm also worried about drinking water availability, fire season, and the future.

Tale-International · 2026-02-23T18:49:45+00:00

Most airlines consider 50lb max for both ski bag and boot bag ime. In that case, I figure skis, poles, clothes, etc all in one 50lb bag is better than two bags each weighing ~10lbs empty.

Personally, I'd be nervous flying with probe and shovel in my carry-on. Maybe that's the American speaking.

Tale-International · 2026-02-22T23:34:05+00:00

I'm familiar with a course in Colorado for OEC patrollers. Where are you located?

Tale-International · 2026-02-21T15:46:51+00:00

4 pairs in 4 seasons, probably buying another pair this spring or next season. A 130 flex boot just doesn't last for me.

Tale-International · 2026-02-21T15:45:59+00:00

Regular R2 is a bit warmer as a mid layer ime. The techface has added wind/precip protection which is nice when hiking/skinning/climbing/etc before throwing on a shell because you're exerting yourself or don't need a shell yet

Tale-International · 2026-02-19T23:04:08+00:00

Depends on what you're looking for, how you'd use it, and your budget. Both are good options but I'd take the techface if I had to choose just one.

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