MRVexpat

Thanks. Yeah I've heard of Temple before when browsing NELSAP and have always been curious. Just not sure of how skiable that place is after 8-12" of what I assume would be medium density pow. The beauty of Watatic is that the local crews keep it very well manicured. Really only need 6" and some fat planks to have a good time there.

Mt. Watatic in Ashby looking like a decent bet for a jack out of all of this. Ratios should be real solid there with 1200-1800' elevation. Thinking about going for a ski tour Sunday afternoon or Monday AM. Only question is plowing/road conditions. @ineedsnow, this is your hood? Any insight into plowing frequency? I have winter tires and 4WD which helps, but would want to ensure at least a pass or two of that area by Sunday PM.

Agreed

Bummer about those powerlines though.

Can't ask much more from late November. Was able to perfectly time the opening of Heavens Gate at Sugarbush yesterday.

bush rocked. 1'

Its Maine's MRG (they do allow snowboarding though). Lots of glading efforts going on there so when it snows the trees are a go. Great vibe and very impressive terrain for a smaller hill and there is an adjacent GBA glade for uphill enthusiasts.

Tough to accomplish both without some compromise one way or another but based on my experience the Rustler is a better all arounder than either the Brahma, Enforcer or Mantra. As far as length, 180cm would probably be ideal here. These guys are out of Stowe and put out really solid reviews. Wonder if PF knows them?

104 Free? Amazingly versatile ski. Shouldn't be as quick and maneuverable as it is for all of that power and stability.

I suppose this all depends on your goals. Do you want something to compliment what you already have in the Brahma (a stable and energetic carving/all mtn ski for sure) to unlock another side of your ski game OR do you want something similar to the Brahma that excels at many of the same things but in slightly different ways? Many people who opt to start to build a quiver go for the former. Another thing to consider is that a stiff ski 188cm long does preclude you from excelling at off piste or bump skiing to a degree, or at least makes it much more difficult to up your game if you're not already an expert. Having skied all three skis on your list, the Enforcers 94 and Mantra M6 will do well to accomplish the things your Brahmas are already good at with perhaps even more power and stability, just in a slightly wider package. Going for the Rustler 9 or even the 10 will allow you to experience a completely different side of the sport with their increased maneuverability and performance in slightly softer snow while still maintaining plenty of power and edge grip as long as things aren't too firm. Again, this is if your goal is to truly try a different type of ski and build a quiver that will allow you to enjoy a wider range of conditions. I would also strongly consider sizing down if going the Rustler route. While their increased tip and tail rocker mean you will have less effective edge, a shorter and wider ski with more rocker could be a game changer in trees/bumps/tighter terrain.

This is the worst weather imaginable for outdoor activities. Happy for everyone who counts having a sweaty sack as one of their hobbies.

The benefit of having your dad retire is you now have a private amateur ski photographer at your service. Got up to the Loaf this weekend! Still a bunch of snow up there. Sunday had decent conditions despite the mixed weather event/re-freeze. Just got to zoom around the mountain. Place is unlike anywhere in the east.

Quite a bit under. I think Bolton is around 300" and Stowe/Smuggs average a bit more. Very poor start but last 4-6 weeks have been great.

Hey I was also there! Wish I knew the mountain a bit better (2nd time there, first in about ten years and actually the day Nemo was touching down, and with full coverage) but I was about the 10th skier down red line and then had a great run in the wardrobe trees. I thought the snow was on the heavy side of medium density and a touch wind affected but that made it all the more surfy! Overall four great runs before the power cut out.

Heading there this weekend. Hoping temps can stay at or below freezing....at least at elevation.

Where's Berg? His area appears to be snowing decently per radar echoes.

8" at the summit of Lincoln Peak already this AM. Over performer en route for the C/N Greens?

Heading there today and first ski day Sat. Hoping I timed it right with a few days for the pack to settle. Another 2-3' on the way...

Enjoy the snow! Should be epic. Was lucky enough to ski Japan this year but even that didn't beat 2 feet at Alta last year. The terrain in LCC is unmatched.

Absolute psychopaths. Impressive though for sure, lol.

Japan is a magical place. Did 11 days of skiing on the northern island of Hokkaido followed by 3 days in Tokyo. The people, food and snowfall were all incredible. Will 1000% be going back in hopefully the not too distant future.

Just got back from Japan. Skiing and food is ruined for me forever. Pics coming soon...

Thank you for the report! I too have only skied the north side of the valley (south facing stuff on the other side of the ridge from Steeple). Good to hear there appear to be options aplenty!

Alta update: 368"

Nothing quite on that level but there are some fun cliff bands in the woods skier's right of the triple. Not as much to explore as MRG but as I'm sure you saw, doesn't take much snow to make things "in".