Death Valley Skiing and Onion Valley

[Staley]

Just got back from a three night trip to Death Valley and then Onion Valley (outside Independence).

I brought my skis along hoping to ski both on the Death Valley sand dunes and also up on Kearsarge Pass. Kearsarge didn't have enough snow, but sand skiing was a success. The dunes weren't very big, but my old Atomic Pow Pluses handled the sand well.

Badwater Basin -- Lowest elevation in the US

The Dunes

Tentative first turn

At the bottom

Next up was Onion Valley. It's amazing right now with the fall colors.

Looking back towards Independence

Sunset over Gilbert Lake

Sunrise over Gilbert Lake

More sunrise

Final reflection shot

 

[Admin]

Gorgeous pix, Staley!

 

[TRam]

Good stuff, I would have loved to see some snow action from out there. Maybe in another month.

 

[Staley]

I really wanted to try it, but the ranger told me it was a no go. Plus, my backpack was already pushing 60lbs and the Atomic Pow Pluses with demo bindings and heavy touring boots would have probably added another 25.

 

[Admin]

my backpack was already pushing 60lbs

:shock:

What were you carrying, a cast iron dutch oven?

 

[Staley]

My own personal gear weighed very little, but I had a Coleman Stove, huge propane tank, bear canister, and 6-person car camping tent. Not the ideal camping equipment or equitable distribution, but thankfully I have a really big pack.

 

[EMSC]

What were you carrying, a cast iron dutch oven?

a Coleman Stove, huge propane tank

That sounds like a yes to me :lol: