Gorge 15km

westonontoast , Saturday 16th November, 2024 9:15AM

Took an early season cruise up 15km at the Gorge. The road both up and down was an easy drive with 4x4 and good tires. Around 60-70 cm of snow at pull out elevation, that was dense and moist but rapidly improved by 1700m. Travel below the first significant bench requires lots of meandering to avoid holes and open creeks. Lots of evidence of large tree bombs and resulting small soft slabs whilst ascending at lower elevations. We stuck to open lines on our descent as there are still A LOT of smaller trees poking out. A very surface wind effect at higher elevations but otherwise excellent snow quality. Lower elevations require more cautious skiing due to a ton of hazards that require more coverage.