Gearing up for first western trip, what do I need?

[snoseek]

Sounds like my (new) home state of Utah. :roll:

Agree on taking steps to be ready for the altitude.

I did three winters there in the 90's, loved the skiing...had a bit of a hard time with state itself. Little bit older now and for some reason don't seem to care as much. I know some day I'll be back for good

 

[Smellytele]

Sounds like my (new) home state of Utah. :roll:

Agree on taking steps to be ready for the altitude.

The thing with altitude sickness is that no matter how healthy you are it can still strike you. Some people are more susceptible to it than others. Also it can happen to you one time and not another.

 

[snoseek]

The thing with altitude sickness is that no matter how healthy you are it can still strike you. Some people are more susceptible to it than others. Also it can happen to you one time and not another.

There's a pill, can't remember the name, that is supposed to help with the first day or two. I have personally had a bit of a hard times going from see level to anything above say 8k, drinking anything other than water during those times was out of the question, my dad the dame thing...genetics maybe?Edit-Diamox, that's the pill

 

[thetrailboss]

I did three winters there in the 90's, loved the skiing...had a bit of a hard time with state itself. Little bit older now and for some reason don't seem to care as much. I know some day I'll be back for good

SLC and PC are pretty chill places. Outside of those areas it gets interesting........

 

[Smellytele]

There's a pill, can't remember the name, that is supposed to help with the first day or two. I have personally had a bit of a hard times going from see level to anything above say 8k, drinking anything other than water during those times was out of the question, my dad the dame thing...genetics maybe?Edit-Diamox, that's the pill

I have been lucky and haven't had an issue. I have been up to about 14400 on Rainier and close to it other places in France and have been fine. Not that the next time won't affect me.

 

[4aprice]

Can confirm, was staying near the border last week and drove over three times and on all occasions the police were just waiting on I70, police state I tell ya. If I were to bring weed into Utah I would use my ski poles.

Would love to hear the details of their MO. (without getting you in trouble) Did they stop you?

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[snoseek]

Would love to hear the details of their MO. (without getting you in trouble) Did they stop you?

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

I wasn't carrying, just daytrippin over to moab. My friend is a grower in Colorado and I have a bottomless jar here in California so there's no need to even bring it into Utah. On daytrips it's just not worth it, I can wait till supper. They usually sit about five or so miles past the border, two of them. They also patrol the salt flats coming over on I-80 heavily. Meanwhile US 50 crossing from Nevada is wide open for whatever....

 

[radskier]

I've been making a yearly trip out west since 2002. The one tip I would give is rent your ski there. Where a good pair of mid mountain skis should be fine, I've had better experiences when selecting a ski based on the local conditions. Last year we traveled United and they allowed ski boot as an exception piece of luggage. The money I saved on baggage fees I got a get pair of demo skies. Half way through the week when that conditions changed we swapped out for different pair no charge.

 

[Bene288]

I've been making a yearly trip out west since 2002. The one tip I would give is rent your ski there. Where a good pair of mid mountain skis should be fine, I've had better experiences when selecting a ski based on the local conditions. Last year we traveled United and they allowed ski boot as an exception piece of luggage. The money I saved on baggage fees I got a get pair of demo skies. Half way through the week when that conditions changed we swapped out for different pair no charge.

We're flying southwest, so skis and baggage are included in the ticket price. I'm going to bring them anyway and rent/demo if the conditions warrant. I have a wider pair of skis (95mm) and am hopefully getting a smaller midfat to add to my arsenal. I figure I might as well take them if it won't cost extra baggage.

 

[spring_mountain_high]

We're flying southwest, so skis and baggage are included in the ticket price. I'm going to bring them anyway and rent/demo if the conditions warrant. I have a wider pair of skis (95mm) and am hopefully getting a smaller midfat to add to my arsenal. I figure I might as well take them if it won't cost extra baggage.

for me it's as much about the schlep as it is the money

 

[abc]

We're flying southwest, so skis and baggage are included in the ticket price. I'm going to bring them anyway and rent/demo if the conditions warrant. I have a wider pair of skis (95mm) and am hopefully getting a smaller midfat to add to my arsenal. I figure I might as well take them if it won't cost extra baggage.

Yeah, bring your own. Whatever people say about demo skis, nothing beats your own gear that you know exactly how it'll ride in different conditions. You can still rent/demo when the mood (or condition) strikes.

I always bring my skis. Even with bag fee, the boot bag tags along the ski as one piece of luggage together so it doesn't actually cost extra. That's just my first bag (which I simply can't do without, I haven't found a way to go for a 1 week ski trip with carry-on only). Only thing is, my boot isn't in the boot bag, it's in my carry-on. The boot bag is my "suitcase" where all the extras stuff doesn't fit into the carry-on go in.

 

[JDMRoma]

I've been making a yearly trip out west since 2002. The one tip I would give is rent your ski there. Where a good pair of mid mountain skis should be fine, I've had better experiences when selecting a ski based on the local conditions. Last year we traveled United and they allowed ski boot as an exception piece of luggage. The money I saved on baggage fees I got a get pair of demo skies. Half way through the week when that conditions changed we swapped out for different pair no charge.

Im flying United this year too, decided to rent Demo's as well......got a decent price and reserved some fatties for Christmas week.....not worth the hassle to take my own ski's ....taking my boots though !

 

[ScottySkis]

If you have the money rent or demo skis in SLC all mountain east coast skis are no were as much fun as wide powder wide wide skis and I hope it dumps out there for you. Also sometimes Airplanes will leave your skis and everyone on the plane behind because of weight and not tell you to you land FYI happen to me I was planning on going my free park city afternoon ticket with flying in the morning I never use Delta since.

 

[CoolMike]

Does PCMR still offer a free lift ticket with a boarding pass on the day you fly in? Can anyone find a link for this?

 

[dmc]

It's called "Quick Start" - can't find anything current..

 

[SKI-3PO]

No more Quick Start this year. But Alta/Snowbird is offering a half price ticket on day of arrival, M-F only.

 

[snowmonster]

Beacon, probe and shovel.=) But, seriously, I think everybody has chimed in regarding what you should pack and not pack. I have packing skis and gear and lugging boots around down to a science almost. One thing I'll add: hydration. Altitude and the thinner air have a way of making you tired and thirsty. If you have a pack with a camelback reservoir, bring it. Or else, just bring a water bottle and stick it in your back pack and bring it with you while skiing. Western resorts are huge and you may be traversing or hiking as you hit stashes and lines. Bring water -- and a granola bar!

 

[DoublePlanker]

Sunblock is a must. Chapstack is good. If you don't have powder skis, then just demo some while you are out there. It makes a huge difference when skiing western powder.

 

[Bene288]

I've been told by other people to bring a camel back. My Dakine helipack has a spot for the bladder so I will definitely look into that. I'll definitely rent powder skis if they get a dump.

 

[dmc]

Bottle of water will suffice... I don't use Camelbacks.. Unless I'm mountain biking..

i think it's good to stop - rest - and drink water..