The Chili Run Ice Capades 01.31.09

Icy and fast, but fun was the verdict from the 12 skiers who attended the Chili Run. Blue skies and temps in the 20's and 30's made for some good views and pleasant weather. Three skiers skied into the shelter early to get the fire going and start the chili. As each skier arrived at the shelter, they added their can of chili to the pot. Then all enjoyed the hot lunch before heading down the icy snowmobile road. Snowplowing was possible, but a few skiers elected to walk down "Suicide Hill".

Mt Ashland 01.28.09

It was an icy day on the mountain, but undeterred, these skiers from GPNSC and SONC climbed up the groomed access road to the top of Mt Ashland. Another group practiced technique on the lower portion of the road. Skies were clear, the sun was warm and the views were spectacular.

The peak was windy and cold, so after taking a few snapshots, they slid down to a protected south side spot for lunch. The ride down was exhilarating and the freshly groomed road provided all the speed you wanted, but enough good grip and control for turns so you could maintain a safe speed.

Burton Butte Ski 01.21.09

Starting at 11:15 AM was a good call for these skiers who went up Burton Butte in the southern Oregon Cascades. The weather was mild and the snow pack softened up in the open areas and on the forest roads. The photographer really got these 5 to laugh.

Lollipop, Fish Lake 01.17.09

These GPNSC skiers enjoyed a sunny day up at Fish Lake. While the snow conditions in the shade were icy, everyone took their time, stayed in control and appreciated the gentle but quick downhill glides.

Pitt View Trail 01.14.09

(01.14.09 photo by J. Goodman)

While the valleys were shrouded in fog, these southern Oregon skiers headed to the mountains for their doses of Vitamin D. This picture was taken on the Pitt View Trail. Mt McLoughlin, in the background, was formally known as Mt Pitt. While there were some icy areas directly under big trees, these were easily avoided by going off trail. All the snow in areas with about 12 feet of space between trees was great, an inch of granular snow over a firm base. They skied to the Summit Shelter and then skied down Pitt View to the Lower Petunia Trail. What fun.

Burton Flat Ski 01.10.09

This happy new GPNSC skier was caught enjoying a sunny day at about 5500 feet in the Southern Oregon Cascades. With a group of about 20, she was on her way back on a tour of about eight miles. While the day started out with temps in the high teens and an inch of new snow, by 2 PM, when this picture was taken, it was in the mid forties, but the glide back was great.

Summit Ski 01.03.09

Skiers prepare to head for Summit Shelter via the
Canal and McLoughlin Trails

14 skiers took the Canal-McLoughlin route and 8 skiers skied Petunia; meeting for lunch at Summit Shelter. Another group of eight gathered for lessons at the Petunia plantation area. Bright sunshine, a firm base with 2 inches of new powder and temperatures reaching 24 degrees made for a wonderful day in the Cascades.