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Where doesn't get rain?

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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
So I'm new here and have only rediscovered skiing 5 years ago as a major passion. In the past 5 years I've gotten really into it again and try to ski 20-30 days a season. I live near Philly and spend a lot of time at Elk Mountain, Killington, Sugarbush, Sunday River, and the like. I spend most of my time in the glades when conditions allow, and consider myself comfortable on blacks out west and most double black in the east.

I try to go out West at least once a year, preferably twice. I have friends in Utah, but the 3 times I went out there, it rained, and any snow we got was either grappel or super wet and heavy. I'm aware that's the nature of the beast on the east coast, but it really annoys me when I fly to a to a place with a 8000+ foot bases and have to deal with the same condition as a 2000ft base the East. I've been to Utah in early February for 8 days, where 5 of the days hit 40F and only one day stayed below 30F the whole day. 4 days in early January last year where the conditions were worse than the Poconos at the same time, and then 5 days in early March last year where we got 2 days of wintery mix up to the top of Brighton.

Is there somewhere I should be prioritizing above Utah for good conditions these days? I'm not sure if I've just been very unlucky, or if Utah's famed "best snow on earth" has become a casualty of global warming. I'm not trying to diss the SLC area, I love the mountains and the terrain, not to mention how incredibly beautiful it is, the insanely cheap airbnbs, and the underrated food options. I've put aside the money to travel to pretty much anywhere in the US or Canada that doesn't require over a day of travel from Philly (aka no Alaska or northern BC)

Where do people here think is the safest place to go snow-wise that has a decent chance of powder over a one week trip? I'm currently thinking interior BC (Kicking Horse, Revelstoke), Montana (Big Sky or Whitefish), or Grand Targhee. Any other suggestions?

**This thread was edited on Aug 21st 2018 at 11:54:16pm
Aug 21 2018 11:53PM
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vibecheck
Posts: 3112 - Karma: 15,174
I'm pretty positive that Grand Targhee and JHMR are awesome, but the latter is definitely pricier. But again great skiing, with great conditions.
Aug 22 2018 12:20AM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9774 - Karma: 72,206
Honestly it's probably luck of the draw. Global warming sucks. Disclaimer: I live in the midwest, so have to drive far or fly every time I want to ski somewhere decent.

Try following seasonal weather predictions as that can help guide you where you'll have a better chance of snow. Delay planning a specific location as close to your date as possible, flights and lodging permitting- this will give you a better idea of how places seasons are going. Once you've set your sights on a particular location, look at their historical snowfall and try to pick a week during their snowiest time of the year. If you have a opportunity and really want to hit a storm, have some cash set aside to book a last minute trip for a few days (not ideal, but can fill that powder void).

Can't comment on Revelstoke or places around it though haven't heard anything but good about it. Targhee is awesome!

https://unofficialnetworks.com/2018/05/23/noaa-is-calling-decent-chance-of-el-nino-this-upcoming-winter-so-who-will-get-the-snow/
Aug 22 2018 12:24AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
You could take a trip to Antartica. Yeah it might be more expensive, but if a storm rolls though it will snow. I guarantee the temp won't rise above freezing.

Mt. Baker in WA is a great pick if you just want snow. It's really wet snow. Nothing like BC or Utah.
"The ski area is home to the world's greatest recorded snowfall in one season, 1,140 inches (95.0 ft; 29.0 m), recorded during the 1998–99 season. Mt. Baker also enjoys the unofficially highest average annual snowfall of any resort in the world, with 641 inches (53.4 ft; 16.3 m)."

It really depends on the year too. El nina / el nino season, how early it starts snowing and such
Aug 22 2018 1:17PM
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tahoearmada20
Posts: 971 - Karma: 352
it rains pretty much everywhere... go north and get high if you want the least likelihood of clear pow
Aug 22 2018 5:36PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6794 - Karma: 23,543
If you are real OP then just book your flight through SW so you can reschedule at no cost when it rains at your first choice. It's not going to be raining at all the ski areas at the same time and you can get a pretty dang good forecast 2-3 days out. SW will give you a full credit up to 10 minutes before your flight.
Aug 22 2018 5:42PM
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matt_720
Posts: 345 - Karma: 515
Go to the desert

**This post was edited on Aug 24th 2018 at 11:09:22am
Aug 22 2018 11:18PM
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fishin4trout
Posts: 5 - Karma: 60
Big Sky is typically a safe bet for good conditions and the advanced/intermediate terrain is definitely better than JHMR. Expert terrain is pretty great too if you’re feeling it.
Aug 23 2018 3:18AM
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Rparr
Posts: 5354 - Karma: 42,184
I think the place you're looking for would be Chile. They don't even have roofs on their houses in some parts because it never rains.
Aug 23 2018 9:17AM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4607 - Karma: 15,946
Two things:
OP I'd look at interior BC, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana

When did people start using JHMR, are they reading copy? J Hole, rhymes with a-hole.
Aug 23 2018 3:04PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3597 - Karma: 3,897
Not that I remember much of last winter but sounds like conditions are bit blow out of proportion for Utah. I’d say you might have one rain event a year that pushes over 9,000k. But usually followed by snow. So that keeps cottonwoods half and half and Vail Fail over at PCMR is a water park.
Aug 23 2018 3:09PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 36697 - Karma: 110,712
SkiBum.Not that I remember much of last winter but sounds like conditions are bit blow out of proportion for Utah. I’d say you might have one rain event a year that pushes over 9,000k. But usually followed by snow. So that keeps cottonwoods half and half and Vail Fail over at PCMR is a water park.


This. Just load up on gor-tex and stay high. Shitty weather like that usually scares crowds away so you'll be having creamy turns way up high all to yourself.
Aug 23 2018 4:46PM
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smartyiak
Posts: 14 - Karma: 33
If the winter weather pattern the "experts" are pushing comes to fruition: book your trip to Taos...or Telluride.
Aug 24 2018 11:07AM
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matt_720
Posts: 345 - Karma: 515
Seriously Revelstoke and Kh are really good would totally reccomend them
Aug 24 2018 11:10AM
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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
DeebieSkeebiesThis. Just load up on gor-tex and stay high. Shitty weather like that usually scares crowds away so you'll be having creamy turns way up high all to yourself.


To be fair, One of the days I mentioned was March 20something, and the good parts were great. The bottom of Brighton was alternating between wintery mix and straight rain, but the top 500ft of Snake Creek was heavy and creamy. It was a far cry from powder, but there is something really cool about thick, heavy snow that doesn't have a bottom and can turn on a dime. It slowed me down so much that I could bomb down terrain that would usually require caution. Snake Creek Bowl and Hard Coin were incredible at the top, but once the trail leveled out and the rain kicked it it was a long, soaking wet trek back to the lift.

I'm aware I somewhat sensationalized my bad experiences in Utah, it was just frustrating to deal with east coast conditions. I'm heading back in mid December and am hopeful that lady luck will finally smile upon me.
Aug 29 2018 11:39PM
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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I have an Ikon base pass for this year, and other than a mandatory Utah trip from roughly December 16-22, my plan is to wait and see who gets snow. I figure with the December Utah trip my main goal is to see friends, and expect to use the trip to get my legs under me more than anything else. Deer Valley has enough snow making and Brighton/Alta/Snowbird have enough elevation that it would take a true disaster for there not to be some rippable groomers. Beyond that, I'll be keeping my eye on Big Sky, Banff/Revy/KH, and Jackson/Targhee for late Jan/ early Feb, and Squaw, Taos, and Mammoth for late Feb/ early to mid March. I don't know if i'll have the flexibility to do a true storm chase, but should be able to wait until a week or two out so I could at least confirm a solid base and decent chance for low pressure. Thanks again for all the advice!!!
Aug 30 2018 12:03AM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,800
You sound like the typical whiny, tourist cunt. I bet you've tried to get a refund on a day pass because it was raining. 8,000 ft. bases? hahaha how fucking stupid are you? Would you even know how to ski in 6" of powder?

Oh if skiing is truly a deep passion of yours, you wouldn't only go 20 days a year, you fucking jerry.
Aug 31 2018 1:01PM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9774 - Karma: 72,206
skiermanYou sound like the typical whiny, tourist cunt. I bet you've tried to get a refund on a day pass because it was raining. 8,000 ft. bases? hahaha how fucking stupid are you? Would you even know how to ski in 6" of powder?

Oh if skiing is truly a deep passion of yours, you wouldn't only go 20 days a year, you fucking jerry.



You sound like a typical internet troll. The fat slob with greasy pizza face who sits in his basement eating cheetos all day long. You're not even good at trolling or even remotely funny to someone with the driest sense of humor. Just kind of a dick. Do YOU even know what skiing is? You sir are the King Jerry of trolling and probably skiing too. Fuck your name probably is Jerry ya Jerry.


Aug 31 2018 1:08PM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,800
IsitWinterYet17You're not even good at trolling





Awww is that why you spent the time responding to me? If I'm a terrible "troll" then what does that make you, someone who just wasted 10 minutes responding to one of my "terrible" posts? Are you just a fucking idiot like this Philly D-bag who is so passionate about skiing that he only goes 2 weeks out of the year and has zero fucking clue what the base elevation is of any resort in Utah? You gapers and The Bunch fanboys are the downfall of skiing.
Aug 31 2018 1:29PM
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eheath
Posts: 61110 - Karma: 118,334
DustoOnCrustThanks for all the great advice everyone! I have an Ikon base pass for this year, and other than a mandatory Utah trip from roughly December 16-22, my plan is to wait and see who gets snow. I figure with the December Utah trip my main goal is to see friends, and expect to use the trip to get my legs under me more than anything else. Deer Valley has enough snow making and Brighton/Alta/Snowbird have enough elevation that it would take a true disaster for there not to be some rippable groomers. Beyond that, I'll be keeping my eye on Big Sky, Banff/Revy/KH, and Jackson/Targhee for late Jan/ early Feb, and Squaw, Taos, and Mammoth for late Feb/ early to mid March. I don't know if i'll have the flexibility to do a true storm chase, but should be able to wait until a week or two out so I could at least confirm a solid base and decent chance for low pressure. Thanks again for all the advice!!!


Yeah I would definitely keep your expectations low for mid december. Some years its unreal, most years resorts are only open with a few groomers.
Aug 31 2018 1:53PM
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Avifarer
Posts: 5926 - Karma: 598
sunshine village, it might rain 3 or 4 days in may. but at that point you have been skiing since late october so not much to complain about.
Aug 31 2018 3:34PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3597 - Karma: 3,897
DustoOnCrustTo be fair, One of the days I mentioned was March 20something, and the good parts were great. The bottom of Brighton was alternating between wintery mix and straight rain, but the top 500ft of Snake Creek was heavy and creamy. It was a far cry from powder, but there is something really cool about thick, heavy snow that doesn't have a bottom and can turn on a dime. It slowed me down so much that I could bomb down terrain that would usually require caution. Snake Creek Bowl and Hard Coin were incredible at the top, but once the trail leveled out and the rain kicked it it was a long, soaking wet trek back to the lift.

I'm aware I somewhat sensationalized my bad experiences in Utah, it was just frustrating to deal with east coast conditions. I'm heading back in mid December and am hopeful that lady luck will finally smile upon me.


Hope you like minimal coverage, snowmaking and crowds. 10 trails 10,000 people. Being body armor.
Sep 4 2018 4:37PM
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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
SkiBum.Hope you like minimal coverage, snowmaking and crowds. 10 trails 10,000 people. Being body armor.


I assumed that the out of town crowds wouldn't really start coming until Christmas, especially if there isn't any substantial natural snowfall. Wasn't last year a historically bad early season for Utah? most years I go somewhere in the East during that time-frame, and usually fairly light crowds

**This post was edited on Sep 4th 2018 at 7:27:24pm
Sep 4 2018 6:55PM
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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
eheathYeah I would definitely keep your expectations low for mid december. Some years its unreal, most years resorts are only open with a few groomers.


I'm not banking on great conditions for that specific trip. The trip is more to see friends and get my legs under me on more vertical and cooler terrain the usual east coast options. Since I have the Ikon pass, a free place to stay, and found pretty cheap flights, it'll end up being cheaper than an equal length trip to pretty much anywhere in the Northeast. That said, I am hopeful it will be a better December than last year, but would be alight if it was just fairly crusty groomers.
Sep 4 2018 7:22PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3597 - Karma: 3,897
DustoOnCrustI assumed that the out of town crowds wouldn't really start coming until Christmas, especially if there isn't any substantial natural snowfall. Wasn't last year a historically bad early season for Utah? most years I go somewhere in the East during that time-frame, and usually fairly light crowds

**This post was edited on Sep 4th 2018 at 7:27:24pm


I don’t remember how the season started last year. But overall it was a bit below average
Sep 5 2018 10:14AM
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lloyd_braun
Posts: 64 - Karma: 488
our base is 7900ft. it rains once or twice a winter in the last couple decades. if you come to Colorado between jan-march you should avoid rain
Sep 5 2018 11:30AM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5414 - Karma: 11,608
DustoOnCrustIs there somewhere I should be prioritizing above Utah for good conditions these days? I'm not sure if I've just been very unlucky, or if Utah's famed "best snow on earth" has become a casualty of global warming.
**This thread was edited on Aug 21st 2018 at 11:54:16pm


The sad truth is that winters in the wasatch have gotten shittier and shittier over time. If it snows this winter I’ll be pumped but I’m not getting my hopes up. If you want reliable snow you gotta go to Canada.
Sep 5 2018 1:07PM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,800
SkibumsmithIf you want reliable snow you gotta go to Canada.


Hahaha, yeah man, Canada is completely isolated from global climate change. You're so fucking stupid.
Sep 5 2018 2:26PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5414 - Karma: 11,608
skiermanHahaha, yeah man, Canada is completely isolated from global climate change. You're so fucking stupid.


God I love you.
Sep 5 2018 6:44PM
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dan4060
Posts: 1458 - Karma: 847
IsitWinterYet17Honestly it's probably luck of the draw. Global warming sucks. Disclaimer: I live in the midwest, so have to drive far or fly every time I want to ski somewhere decent.

Try following seasonal weather predictions as that can help guide you where you'll have a better chance of snow. Delay planning a specific location as close to your date as possible, flights and lodging permitting- this will give you a better idea of how places seasons are going. Once you've set your sights on a particular location, look at their historical snowfall and try to pick a week during their snowiest time of the year. If you have a opportunity and really want to hit a storm, have some cash set aside to book a last minute trip for a few days (not ideal, but can fill that powder void).

Can't comment on Revelstoke or places around it though haven't heard anything but good about it. Targhee is awesome!

https://unofficialnetworks.com/2018/05/23/noaa-is-calling-decent-chance-of-el-nino-this-upcoming-winter-so-who-will-get-the-snow/


This is all good advice. Unfortunately when you book a ski trip you are at the mercy of the weather. Utah is one of the best places you can go, but if you pick the wrong week you are screwed and there is nothing you can do about it. Utah's snow is still great, but you can get rain anywhere. I would not avoid going to Utah again, you just have had bad luck. It rains less in Utah than it does in the Sierra in general, but it can go either way. I would say the places you have mentioned are great, but you can get screwed there too.

I ski Mammoth 2-3 weekends a month, and it gets rain from time to time. Not as much as Tahoe, but it does happen. You have just run into bad luck. I don't travel much other than to Mammoth for two reasons. One is that I have to spend 400 a month on a ski lease to go to Mammoth as much as I do which limits my travel budget, the other is that I don't like to risk getting bad conditions where I'm going and having it go off in Mammoth. If I did not need to get a ski lease I would travel a whole lot more, particularly with the Ikon pass. But that is the problem with traveling, you are rolling the dice.

If you can, it makes sense to plan travel as late as possible. Unfortunately, that does not always work, and coming from Philly you have a long way to travel to get out west. From California it would be easy to jump on a flight last minute to Salt Lake, if I wanted to do that, and find lodging in SLC and do a storm strike weekend, I have plenty of friends who have done that. If you are planning a 5 day trip and need to get off of work that is tough.

FWIW the last time I went to Utah we got bombed on. It was a 3 day trip in late February a few years ago and I was there for one of Gordy Pfeiffer's (TGR film legend from back in the day, look him up) clinics. We got at least thigh deep pow everyday, it pretty much snowed the whole time I was there. That's the problem with booking trips in advance, you just never know. But don't let a couple of bad trips to Utah color your opinion of the place. Snowbird/Alta/Solitude/Brighton all get tons of snow and have great terrain. Utah has some of the best skiing in the U.S.
Sep 5 2018 7:35PM
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Colingarnes
Posts: 610 - Karma: 2,644
skiermanHahaha, yeah man, Canada is completely isolated from global climate change. You're so fucking stupid.

You are so on the spectrum dude.
Sep 5 2018 8:40PM
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DustoOnCrust
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
Its amazing how combative some people have gotten here. Apparently asking advice on rain/ snow quality really strikes a nerve with some folks.
Sep 10 2018 5:15PM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,800
DustoOnCrustIts amazing how combative some people have gotten here. Apparently asking advice on rain/ snow quality really strikes a nerve with some folks.


"Member Since: August 2018"

You just joined the site last month, you fucking idiot. You have no clue what you're talking about.
Sep 10 2018 5:29PM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,328
gnarclancyI'm pretty positive that Grand Targhee and JHMR are awesome, but the latter is definitely pricier. But again great skiing, with great conditions.

It's not the ghee if you can see.

I don't have a good rhyme for Jackson but the inbounds sucks now with the traffic it gets. The whole place is moguls before the lifts even open. Side-country is the best skiing in the world though.
Sep 11 2018 9:38AM
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vibecheck
Posts: 3112 - Karma: 15,174
QuaffIt's not the ghee if you can see.

I don't have a good rhyme for Jackson but the inbounds sucks now with the traffic it gets. The whole place is moguls before the lifts even open. Side-country is the best skiing in the world though.


You must've been skiing with the unwashed masses because that is false, sweetie.
Sep 11 2018 10:06AM
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iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,940
Marianas trench
Sep 11 2018 11:47AM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,328
gnarclancyYou must've been skiing with the unwashed masses because that is false, sweetie.

I've skied Jackson more than you. They let 5 or 6 early trams go up and delay the first public tram for "avalanche control" while ski patrol takes extra laps and tracks the shit out of rendezvous bowl/cirque/ and the hobacks. The locals realize that and that's why the young kids don't even bother with inbounds anymore. Even Rock springs gets tracked too quick. The dark side and no name are some of the best skiing in the U.S. Now where was I wrong? I'm not just speculating.
Sep 12 2018 1:12PM
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Peteza_Rollz
Posts: 129 - Karma: 1,071
skierman"Member Since: August 2018"

You just joined the site last month, you fucking idiot. You have no clue what you're talking about.


Jesus christ shut the fuck up
Sep 12 2018 7:01PM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,800
Peteza_RollzJesus christ shut the fuck up


I think that every time I listen to a Mac Miller song.
Sep 12 2018 7:03PM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5955 - Karma: 3,452
Kicking Horse gets rain a handful of times a year, Lake Louise as well.
Sep 13 2018 12:35AM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,174
Iraq
Sep 13 2018 5:30PM
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