OT: who wants to do some REAL boarding/sking.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Sounds like a sweet trip if you make it happen. One thing to note, after having met a bunch of people working at heli outfits in Canada, is to make sure you have a good group in your chopper. They have to gear the runs to the lowest common denominator and you don't wanna blow that kinda cash unless you're getting the best runs of your life. Also, do some research on what kind of terrain they're willing to take you on (basically how anal are they about keeping things mellow vs. letting you push your limits).

I kind of have to second the sled idea though. I'm gonna keep my sled for next year and see how it does around the NW but I've not only had fun sledding pow this winter, but have gotten a bunch of amazing snowboard shuttling in as well (as in over 3500ft of vertical per run with multiple runs per day). It can also potentially make snowkiting in the NW more realistic. Anyway, others can probably chime in on sledding in the Portland area but for the same $6k you can have a sled that'll last some time.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 29, 11 1:33 am

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 29, 11 1:40 am

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

finally a moderately interesting thread

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 801 Posts Opinionated

Has anyone ever been cat skiing at Mt Bailey?

http://www.catskimtbailey.com/home

It looks like an affordable option that could be really great if the conditions were right.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Ohhh Ya ! Should be an awesome time ! If you can do it do it .
I was considering heli or snow cat and decided on the snow cat .
I had an awesome four days of chest deep powder . We put down ten runs a day and it was enough . We were all soaked from sweat and snow . No problem as the boot dryers are waiting .The lodge and the food were excellent . Five Star for sure in my opinion . I was at Revelstoke B.C.
My reason for choosing the cat was that I was informed that if there is a snow day or excessive wind they of course don't fly so your day is wasted as there are commitments to others . Using a cat , they still go out in bad weather , they just stick closer to the trees for visibility.
I had my name on the standby list and got like near %50 discount too .
Oh yes when I was looking into this I noticed that there were deals of $650 for a day with the chopper . Be aware of the vertical offered with this low price as you will use up the amount given by lunch time and of course your hooked and want more . So you will buy extra vertical at $100+ per run and get about 3 or 4 more so now your day is over the thousand dollar mark. Still jumping out of a chopper onto a mountain top and rippin it ,hmmmmm like I said if you can do it ' Very Happy

' Have fun
JackZ

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Mt. Bailey sounds like a great plan. It's also local.

I agree Jumping out of the chopper is the greatest feeling in the world, but with that kinda dough, I'd need a 2nd mortgage. I'm lucky to make it out of town for one week a year, so meadows to me -- is not a bad thing. If you can time it right, it's a fine hill. Also I did pick up "skins" or AT gear this year, finally. It took me about 5 years to collect all the crap associated with it because that too-- was frikin' expensive. However, you'll need more than just "skins" to earn your turns though.

Incidently, last time out B/C was my most expensive day on the hill in 20 seasons.
Landed at the ER with a mangled wrist.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Genek is right, pick your group carefully you don't want to be heli-skiing green runs because you have a lousy rider in your group.

CMH in Canada is amazing and they have a licenced area the size of Switzerland and you can stay up in an alpine lodge instead of some hotel by the highway, way nicer and worth saving for.

Warren Miller said something like "You should go heli now or you'll just be one year older when you finally do"

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 29, 11 9:39 am

The snowcat idea does sound seductive for sure. Maybe I'll look into that. I heard revelstoke was money for sure. Has anyone ever skied Bailey? I think I remember hearing mixed reviews

The crew at daddies board shop used to heli every year in Valdez. They said you typically get one heli day out of three.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

that was a bit bony sorry bout the wrist Jeff...

Bailey can be awesome - just watch the snow/rain level and watch out for snowmobiles - sorry bout that leg Blowhard

St Helens was 4k feet of knee deep on Saturday - just some bouts of whiteout and flying blind up top (was contemplating digging a snow cave and drinking my own urine) - pathfinder Bruce took one for the team and hit the Buick sized boulder - no harm just some busted ski poles...

so recap - OR/WA back country + some snow kiting Idaho Thumb's Up

don't be the lowest common denominator

and ping Pacific High he did the Valdez Trip but i think the trip was double with an extended visit to the Great ABC

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

G'man
You mean "Do be the lowest common denominator". In other words you want everybody in the group to be equal to or better than you.

I went once with a group that were all great but one guy had fallen out of shape and we had to punt him 1/2 way thru the week, not fun but hey it's big money and he was cool about it.

jdk · Since 21 Dec 2005 333 Posts Obsessed

$.02

get the boat
moorage in HR
MTB in the morn, dangle sess at Rufus in the afternoon

beefcake · Since 11 Jul 2007 140 Posts Stoked

What about Crystal Mtn, IMHO some of the best in bounds terrain in the NW, not too mention their backcountry. Exposed ridglines, cliff drops, etc. It's all about timing and not going on weekends. 2 for 1 Shell lift ticket on Mon-Wed is pretty sick deal right now. Just got to hit it right.

If your getting board ride switch all day.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

monkeyboy... if you pay my way I will come shred with you!!!! If you really want some fun we should get some splitboards and go on a trip.. I have all the other gear, and the experience, and I am down.. It will also get you in shape!

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Get a sled and never want to ride a Resort again.