Whiteface Summit Grading

[Greg]

What's the runout back to the lifts like? What's the hike from the top of the lift to the slides like?

 

[kcyanks1]

What's the runout back to the lifts like? What's the hike from the top of the lift to the slides like?

I've only done them once -- in the great winter of 2001 -- and I think it took me about 20-30 minutes to get to the top of Slide 1. The runout at the bottom wasn't anything to speak of. I think, but could be wrong, that depending on the snow fall they might open the slides up from different parts, to perhaps in 2001 they were opened from higher up (and hence requiring more of a hike).

 

[Tin Woodsman]

amazing, that stuff to the right side of the main slide looks awsome, never knew there was that much terrian in that slides area

Wow. That IS big. One can see how WF could rock in a good snow year. While the Slides look nice and all, I spy, with my own eye, some very interesting opportunities for mischief elswhere in the picture. How about that narrow little power line looking thing skier's left of the summit quad liftline? And how about those north-facing trees from said liftline down into the bowl where the Slides are? Need we mention the hike-to potential elsewhere from the Summit cone?

Given that the Slides are "officially" open for no more than a week or two out of the year, one has to imagine that there are all manner of schemes to enjoy that upper mountain terrin besides just the ridiculously wide Skyward, Cloudspin, and Parron's Run.

 

[St. Jerry]

It is really amazing you you all get worked up over some trail that is open for 3 days every 10 years. Go ski in Utah for a week and then "The Slides" really won't seem like such a big deal to get so worked up over.

 

[Greg]

It is really amazing you you all get worked up over some trail that is open for 3 days every 10 years. Go ski in Utah for a week and then "The Slides" really won't seem like such a big deal to get so worked up over.

Why the anti-Whiteface crusade? :roll:

 

[St. Jerry]

The real question is why the Pro-Whiteface crusade?

 

[Greg]

The real question is why the Pro-Whiteface crusade?

Your point?

 

[Npage148]

cps27 is a real ass-hat. I wouldnt mind if he never posted again. Those Slides look rocking, I might have to get to whiteface this year if the snow is good. Its wierd living less than 3 hours from it and never being there

 

[John84]

Would Whiteface ever put a lift to the top of the slides or is it just not worth the investment considering how infrequently they're open?

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Would Whiteface ever put a lift to the top of the slides or is it just not worth the investment considering how infrequently they're open?

Not only that but if you saw the terrain it would have to go up and over you would see how tough it would be. To ski off the top you need a ton of snow because it is so rocky.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

cps27 is a real ass-hat. I wouldnt mind if he never posted again. Those Slides look rocking, I might have to get to whiteface this year if the snow is good. Its wierd living less than 3 hours from it and never being there

I kinda like it when he posts his anti-WF stuff. I like a little verbal sparring, plus it seems alot more people here are interested in trying WF, which I like.

 

[awf170]

It is really amazing you you all get worked up over some trail that is open for 3 days every 10 years. Go ski in Utah for a week and then "The Slides" really won't seem like such a big deal to get so worked up over.

did you ever think to yourself that flying to utah might cost a tad bit more than driving to whiteface :roll: whats with the dissing of whiteface, do you like to create conflict :-?

 

[takeahike46er]

Would Whiteface ever put a lift to the top of the slides or is it just not worth the investment considering how infrequently they're open?

There are a number of reasons.

1) The restrictions in the Adirondacks, particularly on Whiteface (a high peak) are very tight. There would be so much opposition to any lift above the current lift served terrain. Any future lifts are going to be to the right (as viewed from the base) of the slides.

2) The slides are bedrock, smooth and clean, like most of the slides in the High Peaks. Smooth, steep surfaces don't hold snow as well as surfaces with vegetation or rocks. As a result, they aren't ripe until late in the season-- March/April. Not worth a dedicated lift.

3) It would make it too easy for skiers with inadequate abilities to enter them when open.

4) They would get skied off quicker.

5) The terrain is prone to landslides. A lift in the cirque might not be a good idea.

 

[takeahike46er]

...one has to imagine that there are all manner of schemes to enjoy that upper mountain terrin besides just the ridiculously wide Skyward, Cloudspin, and Parron's Run.

The snowfields are a perfect example of terrain possibilities for the summit. The potential for amazing runs are there.

 

[Mark D]

Check out this cool shot of "Whiteface Powder"

http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/projects/meteorobot/Updates/120898/blue_ice_scene.jpg

ha it looks like my resort down hear in pa when its cold enouft to freeze that is. but i would love to see how some of you guys handle the ice thats down hear.

 

[freeheelwilly]

Man this thread gets me goin'! The "possibilities" from the summit chair are there (even without the slides) and involve, as was mentioned, the snowfields between Sky and Cloudspin. But don't be so quick to discount Cloudspin. Although it's wide, it's got turns, some kooky pitchs and double fall lines and little powder stashes all over the place. When Cloud is open, I'm a happy guy and usually do laps on it till my legs quiver.

As far as the shot under the summit chair, it's often really good but it's OB unfortunately. People poach it though. 1600' feet of vertical off that summit chair alone!

If this grading they did gets the summit open earlier that would be fantastic.

Edited to add: cps: you're livin' in a bygone world dude. I've skied all over the NE. You got your good days and you got your bad days everywhere. As far as the reference to Utah, WTF? The NE ain't Utah - did you just discover this geographical fact?

 

[JimG.]

I kinda like it when he posts his anti-WF stuff. I like a little verbal sparring, plus it seems alot more people here are interested in trying WF, which I like.

I'm certainly gonna check it out this season, at least for a 3 day weekend with my family.

Who cares what other folks think, the pics I see indicate it's a kick-ass place to ski.

 

[Npage148]

Does anyone know of a cool little inn or B+B place up in lake placid area. Id like to go there for a few days in janurary with my girlfriend. Hopefully something in the town, so we can enjoy the bars and what not

 

[freeheelwilly]

Does anyone know of a cool little inn or B+B place up in lake placid area. Id like to go there for a few days in janurary with my girlfriend. Hopefully something in the town, so we can enjoy the bars and what not

I can't personally recommend any cool little inns or B&Bs but check out this site:

http://lakeplacid.com/flash/wheretostay/z-search.htm

Hope it's helpful. When the time draws near remind me and I can recommend some good drinking/eating spots. If I posted them now, it probably wouldn't do ya' much good. LP's a cool little mountain village.

Edited to add:

You might want check this out - sounds like a great deal:

Olympic Challenge Package
Lake Placid, NY




$213.00 per person
Package includes 3 days/3 nights in a Cozy room at the Historic Northwoods Inn of Lake Placid. Also included are 6 Lift Tickets to Whiteface Mountain, Complimentary Cross Country Skiing, Admission to the Verizon Sports Complex, Admission to the Olympic Complex, Complimentary Skating on the Olympic Oval and a $10.00 Coupon for the Bobsled Run.

Available: Dec 15, 2005 - Apr 19, 2006
Restrictions: Not available during Dec. 25th, 2005 to Jan. 3rd, 2006. Based on Double Occupancy and Avaialability. Not available during Holiday Weekdays and Holiday Weekends.

Reserve Your Challenge Package Today!!! Call (518) 523-1818!!!

Northwoods Inn of Lake Placid
2520 Main Street,
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-1818

Northwoods is right in the thick of LP too. I've eaten/drank and been to "functions" there. Very nice. And that price/package is excellent - it includes your tix at WF and those are $60 each.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Edited to add: cps: you're livin' in a bygone world dude. I've skied all over the NE. You got your good days and you got your bad days everywhere. As far as the reference to Utah, WTF? The NE ain't Utah - did you just discover this geographical fact?

Real good to see you here Willy. From what I've been able to put together from CPR's conflicting posts over the past couple of months he has been to WF 2 or 3 times with years in between each visit. For some reason he enjoys being the forums hitman on Whiteface. I don't think he has a clue.