Western Washington Gathering Anyone?

[dovski]

I have noticed a lot of folks from Western Washington on the site lately and was curious if folks would be interested in organizing a mini gathering(s) at some of the mountains in Western Washington - Crystal, Steven's Pass and Baker all could be fun, but could even do a mini Seattle Area gathering at Alpental on a POW day. Just a thought and curious as to who would be interested.

 

[pchewn]

I'd make that trip from Oregon......

 

[noncrazycanuck]

I'm not in Washington but would be interested subject to dates, location, duration and my available time

Baker is a day trip, Stevens can be done in a long day, Never skied Crystal and would like to but it's not a day trip.
all 3 have the same issues with available lodging as far as I know.

 

[Posaune]

Stevens or Baker are best for me. We had a mini-gathering at Alpental years ago among the Epic crowd, so another place might be nice.

There are a few rooms in Glacier for Baker and for Stevens, Skykomish (west side) has a few and Leavenworth (east) has lots. I have a VERY primitive cabin (no power) near Stevens that the adventurous might like to visit and stay at if coming from afar; I have a big bunk room.

 

[dovski]

We could approach this two ways:

1. Day trip for those in the Area
2. Weekend get together for those coming from afar

Crystal actually has several lodging options onsite but very limited après ski.

I will also toss out that I am at Alpental every almost every Saturday (except when I am skiing elsewhere) as my kids are in the Freeride program there, so always happy to ski with someone there. FYI mornings are typically the best conditions

 

[David Chaus]

I’d go, I can get to any of these.

Here’s an idea: if there’s early snow this season, we could meet in December before all the crowds start.

Or have a standing monthly gathering, pick a different area each time.

 

[Posaune]

December is bad for me because I have a Christmas tree farm and the weekends are $$$ time. Since we're talking weekends, I suggest Baker since you can actually park there and the crowds, while significant, don't compare to the places closer to the Seattle area. Stevens is a holy mess on weekends.

 

[David Chaus]

Agree that Stevens is a mess on weekends, mostly during the first 6 weeks of the year when multi-week ski lessons are happening. I arrive around 8-8:15am to ensure I have decent parking during the ski school season.

FWIW I currently have Mondays free, though I will likely switch to Wednesdays during the ski season. I sometimes keep a day a week where I keep a morning free to ski, then head to my office in Everett and see clients from 3pm to 7pm. My point is, I can be flexible.

 

[Tom Co.]

I am interested. I can go anywhere any time as I'm Retired. I would prefer not to do Stevens or Alpy on a weekend. Crystal or Baker for that. For an overnighter Mission is fun.

 

[dovski]

We should do Alpental on a Tuesday after a heavy Monday snowfall. As an FYI Alpental is closed on Monday

 

[David Chaus]

We should do Alpental on a Tuesday after a heavy Monday snowfall. As an FYI Alpental is closed on Monday

OK, who’s in charge of arranging for the heavy Monday snowfall?

 

[dovski]

OK, who’s in charge of arranging for the heavy Monday snowfall?

You do a snow dance Sunday night silly

 

[David Chaus]

You do a snow dance Sunday night silly

Of course!

Or I buy a new pair of SL/frontside skis.

 

[slowrider]

Those SL will slice right that wonderful Washington powder.

 

[dovski]

Of course!

Or I buy a new pair of SL/frontside skis.

Alpental is not really a frontside sort of hill. Steps and deeps plus gates for side country

 

[markojp]

Chances are I'll be pretty tied up on the hill, but I'll always vote for a nice social at Mission. Wanatchee has some nice eats as well.

 

[David Chaus]

Thinking about this more we could do a weekday, and then maybe a weekend (after Presidents Day).

If it’s Tuesday, it could be our own PNW version of the Colorado crew’s Tuesdays in the Snow (T.I.T.S). Or Wednesday In The Snow (W.I.T.S.)

If it’s Friday we could call it Fridays Under Cloudy Skies.

Or Saturdays: Saturdays Under Cloudy Skies.

 

[David Chaus]

Alpental is not really a frontside sort of hill. Steps and deeps plus gates for side country

I’m aware of that, I figured it’s like washing your car and then it rains. Or buying new powder skis and having a low snow year.

 

[Posaune]

Probably no Tuesdays In The Snow for me. It's the one day I can not ski anywhere but Baker, and even then it's a PITA. Wed. through Fri. is best for me. Who knows about weekends? It could go either way.
Alpental is a great place, but it's pretty low at the base and if we decide where we'll be far ahead of time it may end up raining. The 4000' base at Stevens would give the best chance of decent snow. Mission is also a nice idea.

 

[bushpilot]

Both.

I'd make that trip from Oregon......

Me too! I was planning on hitting up Snoqualamie and Crystal. It would be nice to wrap a gathering into it as well.