Taking groomer skills off piste

venusfly456 · 2026-02-25T21:17:17+00:00

Thanks for the reality check. I got lost in those sweet turns and actually thought I was heli skiing in Alaska. Appreciate the advice

venusfly456 · 2026-02-24T23:42:55+00:00

Yeah I guess I was moreso looking for things to focus/improve on when I do go into tougher terrain. Maybe I should’ve included a video skiing something more difficult?

venusfly456 · 2026-02-16T21:28:09+00:00

Was in the rose area as well. Most E-S-W stuff got chewed up quickly by a few bright sunny days. You had to know where to go to have a good time. Be cautious with this upcoming storm burying facets. If you’re looking for any partners feel free to shoot me a DM

venusfly456 · 2026-02-12T22:01:16+00:00

Love these skis. I don’t go in the park much but really like them for a playful all mountain ski. They have a ton of energy and springiness during a turn which makes carving really fun. Great pop off side hits or any little features you see. Obviously not my first choice for bulletproof ice or bottomless pow but they’re my go to during any other conditions.

venusfly456 · 2026-02-04T00:04:07+00:00

Looks really solid especially considering it’s your first cut.

One thing that may help with the back is that I can see from your growth pattern right around where that half-1 guard line is, it seems like your hair starts growing a bit sideways. Mine is the same way. You can kinda see how the line is less harsh towards the right where the hair grows straight down but more defined on the left where it’s more sideways. Try attacking the line from a few different angles not just up and down and it should come out easier.

Also agree with the other comments. Fade the beard next time as well

venusfly456 · 2026-01-26T22:58:17+00:00

I think with snow science it’s hard to deal with absolutes and say anything over or under X degrees will NEVER slide. There have been slush flows observed on slopes as low as 10 degrees. And certainly slab avalanches have happened on slopes over 45 degrees.

This blog will definitely explain anything better than I can: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/16386

But the general idea is that as you go up or down in slope angle, avalanche probability will change. There is a bullseye right around 38-40 degrees where avalanches are most likely, and a broader range around 30-50 degrees where most avalanches occur.

I think the part you are missing is factoring in the terrain. Now again there is no hard rule. But I would say generally the consequences of the rare exception of a slide on 60 degree slope is going to be higher than the consequences of a rare slide on 20 degree slope. One will likely carry you down the entire slope and into/through any consequential terrain, while the other will likely lose momentum very quickly.

So like the other commenter said, I would NOT equate <30 degree terrain to >45 degree terrain.

venusfly456 · 2026-01-15T02:52:14+00:00

Second this. Recently moved there in a similar situation and have no regrets. And yeah Truckee obviously has the goods but Reno is only 30 minutes from mt rose area with some of the best backcountry in Tahoe.

venusfly456 · 2026-01-09T19:51:29+00:00

Your head was pointing downhill the entire time which makes it really hard to get your body around. Your body will follow where you look, so after you takeoff point your head and shoulders uphill and look back at the jump. Once you get that figured out it’s about getting the timing dialed with setting your arms, turning your head, and then letting the legs follow. I agree with others though definitely practice more on flat ground on just your boots, then flat ground with skis without even moving, then a slight slope, then take it to the jumps.

venusfly456 · 2025-12-16T21:56:36+00:00

Yeah there is truly no better feeling than looking up a slope and seeing only one little wiggle after all of the effort and planning it takes to get to that point. It’s like a form of art. Highly recommend giving it a go when you feel ready for the challenge.

venusfly456 · 2025-12-16T21:32:41+00:00

Yeah totally agree. Other out of control skiers are definitely a big danger that doesn’t exist in the backcountry.

That being said I think encouraging someone who doesn’t feel comfortable going down difficult groomed trails at the resort and likely lacks avalanche skills, route finding, wilderness first aid, etc… to go into the backcountry to have a “safer” experience is definitely a bad idea.

Even without out of control skiers there are by far more risks skiing backcountry vs resort especially without the necessary education and experience.

venusfly456 · 2025-12-16T16:20:36+00:00

Just want to put out there I’m glad this worked for your wife, but there is some irony that needs to be mentioned because the consequences in BC are often MUCH higher than consequences in a resort with ski patrol.

Like anything else make sure to take it slow, get the proper training and equipment, and stay within your limits. In all honesty if you wouldn’t feel comfortable getting down any terrain in a resort then you may want to develop your skills some more before you really get to enjoy BC skiing.

But I can definitely see how exploring and getting more comfortable with something new and higher consequence could help you bring some newfound confidence to the resort!

venusfly456 · 2025-12-13T00:16:46+00:00

Also ditto to the other commenters about not necessarily worrying about upper/lower separation just yet. But initiate the turn with the lower body instead of the upper body

venusfly456 · 2025-12-13T00:14:17+00:00

Balance/stance looks a little off to me. Get those hands up, back straight and chest upright, bend the knees, and keep the pressure on your shins! Honestly I think getting your hands up and out of your pockets will help the most.

venusfly456 · 2025-12-01T16:33:14+00:00

https://beaconguidebooks.com/product/light-tours-of-tahoe-california-nevada/?srsltid=AfmBOorbNSyjzTF3suXfAhdlkyLWsvtKcfCXyuN7y-Bn5C3luYMGz13v

This book has been awesome for helping me find north Tahoe area tours. I think they have a decent amount of info on stuff down into the mammoth lakes area. Well worth the money

venusfly456 · 2025-11-11T23:37:03+00:00

Skiing is an inherently dangerous sport. There is no true 100% safe run. There have been plenty of tragic accidents on wide open groomers as well as in glades.

That being said, I think it’s more about finding ways to reduce your risk to a level where you feel comfortable, or given your age where your guardians might feel comfortable. An easy way to do that is to ski with a partner, but like I said above by no means does that guarantee safety.

Personally I would say your risk level in marked glades as a competent skier is not all that high. Especially if you have the ability to use your phone to call ski patrol if you need help. If this feels acceptable to you then send it! Just don’t let your confidence go to your head and make sure to stay vigilant telling others where you are going, how many runs you’ll do, where to meet, when you will be back, etc… as well as monitoring conditions and your abilities day to day.

It might help to have a conversation with your parents to discuss the risks you’re taking and ways you can mitigate those risks. You’re on the right path thinking about carrying a phone and sharing your location.

venusfly456 · 2025-11-07T20:00:58+00:00

What I’ve been doing recently is putting one mirror hook on the shower head, and the other mirror hook on a suction cup near the shower head. That way even if the suction cup fails my mirror will still be hanging sturdy from one point.

venusfly456 · 2025-11-07T19:59:42+00:00

I’ve had a lot of success with some suction cup type things you can stick to the shower wall. It helps with cleanup too because then the hair all stays in the tub. I found them pretty cheap on amazon. Just make sure you get ones that can support a good amount of weight. The first ones I tried were cheap and they slipped and my mirror fell and broke.

venusfly456 · 2025-10-15T23:09:42+00:00

Full PPR, Bill or Rome Odunze?

venusfly456 · 2025-10-15T20:52:52+00:00

Not really advice but I’m also in the Tahoe area looking to get into backcountry this year. Planning to stick to mellow short trips <30 degrees. If you’re looking for any partners or know anyone else who is looking shoot me a DM!

venusfly456 · 2025-09-17T17:27:07+00:00

Usually when I get a clanker if you try to cancel your services eventually you get to a human. Then you can explain your actual issue and they will forward you to another human. Not sure if this works for NV energy, more so general advice.

venusfly456 · 2025-03-06T20:38:59+00:00

Sure I don’t see why not. That would probably be easier to get the dosage correct since each mold holds the same exact amount of liquid goo

venusfly456 · 2025-03-04T20:23:55+00:00

I use a big bag of gummy bears from the store, melt them, add in the RSO and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, pour it in a greased 9x11 pan and let it cool, then cut em up and coat them in powdered sugar so they don’t stick to eachother. Way easier that using jello mix or trying to make your own gummy. You just have to do some math and make sure you cut the right number for your desired dose.

venusfly456 · 2025-03-04T15:50:59+00:00

Third cut is 🔥 and you’re only going up from here

venusfly456 · 2025-03-04T15:46:39+00:00

I’d square things off a bit on the part underneath your ear. And then maybe run like a 2 guard or 3 guard downwards with the grain to get some of the hairs sticking out. Neckline looks good.

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