Powder Mountain adds 1000 sidecountry acres

[rsmith]

Admin probably already linked to this in the News, but if so I didn't see it.

PM has added an additional 1000 acres/3000 ft vertical sidecountry, accessed by what looks like a combination of short snowcat ride + a hike up James Peak + a return van. This area used to be out-of-bounds (and private property so I believe backcountry skiers were not allowed).

I would imagine with the return logistics you wouldn't be able to get in more than 5 runs, but they would presumably be high quality. 15,000 vertical for $280 seems like a pretty good deal. 1000 acres isn't much for snowcat terrain, but with the easy SLC access you can time storms much more effectively than with traditional long-term snowcat/heli trips.

I'm not sure what the exposure is or the steepness - I would be curious if any has tried it out yet...

http://www.skiutah.com/winter/blog/powder-mountain-s-sidecountry-don-t
http://www.powdermountain.com/blog/new-mountain-adventure-tour/

 

[Admin]

Admin probably already linked to this in the News, but if so I didn't see it.

I haven't published it yet. Been too damned busy covering the Olympics, and now this *^&%&^% flu.

It's not that big a news, really. Wolf Creek Canyon has been part of Powder Mountain's land holdings for as long as I've been going there. About the biggest news is that it'll now be controlled, which has been the biggest concern of mine in the past. I've skied it. It's steepish but it's a long runout along a roadbed to get back to the access road right by the gate at the bottom. Many times, as was the case when I last skied it in Feb. 2007 you run out of snow before you reach the road:
http://www.firsttracksonline.com/boards ... f=3&t=2846

The last Photobucket video clip linked therein is shot in Wolf Creek Canyon.

 

[kingslug]

Powder Mt could be the most amazing place...but it just doesn't have everything..I don't know...right. The fact that its always empty must mean..that others feel the same. Not that I haven't had a hell of a time there...

 

[Tony Crocker]

but it just doesn't have everything..I don't know...right

Powder Mt. is not that steep, the exposures are all over the map, "brochure" snowfall is massively overstated and the elevation is ~1,500 feet lower than the Cottonwoods. The best terrain tends to be the sidecountry vs. direct from the lifts. Kudos to their providing creative access to that sidecountry.

Nonetheless Powder Mt. is a unique operation, and I would advice Utah visitors to stay alert to the weather/conditions trends that would lead to a memorable experience there. But I would not advance commit to a lot of days there. Best to make the last minute call.

 

[Powderqueen]

but it just doesn't have everything..I don't know...right

Powder mt. is not that steep, the exposures are all over the map, "brochure" snowfall is massively overstated and the elevation is ~1,500 feet lower than the Cottonwoods. The best terrain tends to be the sidecountry vs. direct from the lifts. Kudos to their providing creative access to that sidecountry.

Nonetheless Powder Mt. is a unique operation, and I would advice Utah visitors to stay alert to the weather/conditions trends that would lead to a memorable experience there. But I would not advance commit to a lot of days there. Best to make the last minute call.

I've loved Powmow and we seem to hit it pretty good each time. Early Feb is probably a good time for it. Even in a low snow year, Powmow delivered the fresh snow on massive acreage.