Dave's Blog

Thanks for posting a blog on the dangers, and pleasures, of Bear Creek. It is another prime reason why Telluride is the best resort I've found.

Dave's reply: Hi CD, Thanks for your support.

Please do not produce a "trail map" for the Bear Creek area. Overview photos and write ups like this article are helpful of course, but there's just something about putting names on things... it gives people a false sense of security. Those routes are all pretty sketchy. I have been in a few avalanche incidents in that area over the past decade myself and have had friends have close calls/taken rides too! Without the right safety gear and training(avy, self-rescue, and first aid), it is suicidal to ski back there in any conditions! There are folks that will argue that it's their "personal freedom" to ski back there without any safety gear, partners, or a clue but that's like saying that it's also a "personal freedom" to drive a car with a beer buzz and not buckle the seatbelt! Reckless!!!

We have self-policed ourselves regarding safe backcountry etiquette with good success so far. Lately, we have seen a sharp rise in unprepared skiers back there. These folks are literally playing russian roulette. They are counting on everything going perfectly. If just ONE thing goes wrong (slide, weather, injury, cliffed-out, etc..) they are "rescue bait!" If you are going to promote this terrain, you should also provide provide education to the "ignorance-is-bliss" demographic.    

Dave's reply: Hi Will, The purpose of the blog was to educate people on how this area differs from the ski resort. Hopefully it was helpful in that regard. Thank you for your comments.

Wow. I gotta get out to T-Ride. :)

Dave's reply: "Unmatched in North America" :)

You can't educate people to the level needed here in a brief blog. This is about the dumbest thing I think you could have ever posted here Dave. (even more then you skiing the pow on 9 before you opened it to the public LOL) You can say 10 times it is dangerous, be prepared etc. but when you throw enticing pictures like that up someone is going to be dumb enough to say "looks sweet, let's go" without ever having read a word of caution.

Dave's reply: That's one way to look at it. You're entitled to your opinion - I view it differently. We can't/shouldn't "hide" Bear Creek. Education and information is good in my humble opinion.

Is it true you're trying to create a "buzz" around Telluride (e.g. opening Palmyra Peak, GH 6-10, now this backcountry blog, etc.) to promote the sale of Telluride Ski Resort? Is this why you've cut bonuses and other employee programs, to help improve the bottom-line? (On this note: how large is your bonus this season-end, Dave? ... is there any guilt, knowing that it comes on the back of the hardworking ski area employees?) Is the ski company for sale?

Also, rumor has it you and your family is outta here in May. Any truth to that?

Thanks for the blog...

Dave's reply: Hi Richard, The resort is not for sale, the family and I are not leaving, and I'm not taking a season-end bonus. The management team is reviewed at the end of our fiscal year. We replaced a season-end bonus program for our seasonal staff with a progressive season-long reward and recognition program that ties compensation to specific goals. I don't know what "other program cuts" you're even referring too. I don't know where the heck your information is coming from... I'm opening Palmyra, GH, etc. because I believe in it as a skier and resort CEO. No sense in swating at phantoms. I realize I'm making a lot of changes at Telluride but they are all in the spirit of making this place the best that it can be in the long-run. Some people may agree with or disagree with all the changes (and the pace may seem a little more rapid than what people are used to) but I will never be accused of sitting back and milking the cow. What you're seeing is simply how I approach operating a mountain resort. Telluride has a lot of potential and we're moving forward. Thank you.

How hard is the terrain in the area. I would love a nice black like bushy or plunge.

-MN

Dave's reply: It's expert only backcountry terrain with cliffs, rocks, waterfalls, creeks, and variable snow conditions in Bear Creek.

See Michael N's post-  perfect example of what I was talking about. People who have NO BUSINESS being in there already asking how hard the terrain is without asking about the avy danger...  like I said, dumb. Bear Creek has always been adjacent to the ski area, no one has been hiding a thing. Let people who are curious about it take the avy classes & lectures here instead of reading a few sentences in your blog. Oh and if you were smart, you wouldn't have had you and your crew wearing their telski uniforms or patrol in their's for this little "trip report" of yours.

Talk about portraying a false since of security!

Dave's reply: I had someone tell me the other day that some people (maybe by the user name of "stupid") want to keep Bear Creek as their own private playground. Could that possibly be true? Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Not at all Dave, sorry to disappoint you. I am just a local who actually cares about those who visit here and would hate to see another tempter victim like we did a few years ago. I lived here for several years before I ventured out into Bear Creek, I took the time and classes to make sure I was safe and knowledgeable about the terrain and snow conditions as to do my best not be victim myself or a danger to those I venture out there with. On any day I go out into the area there are dozens of folks around so I have no idea what "personal playground" you speak of. I would rather you open it up and make it safe for everyone then to taunt novices into the area.

Dave's reply: No worries, I'm not disappointed with you. The intent is to simply inform and educate. I've never been one to hold back on communication. This blog is representative of that :)

I've skied Bear Creek for years. I'd like nothing more than if the ski area would perform avalanche control work in that area. I realize it's not in your permit area but have you ever considered it? What would it take to make that happen so we could all enjoy this incredible area knowing that patrol has controlled it?

Dave's reply: Well, to begin with, in order to make that happen TSG would first have to propose to expand our permit area so that we could provide avalanche control and ski patrol coverage in that area. The Forest Service would have to accept our proposal and take it through a public comment process prior to making a decision to expand our permit area. Since we have not proposed anything, at this time the Forest Service has nothing to decide upon or even consider. I really don't have a feel for the public's opinion regard that idea.

I agree with and applaud your intent here, to educate people about the area and not "hide" the facts.

 Going out those gates is a personal choice  

There are other steps that the resort can take in addition to this blog, espeicaly in light of the possibility of a lift to the top of the Hillary Step

A few ideas/suggestions;

1.) work with the San Juan Outdoor School and the Avalanche information series to provide several public opportunities to learn about why this terrain is so dangerous. (they may be willing to dedicate one or more of the free series's meetings to this topic)

2.) post some pictures of the large avalanches that occur in those areas in addition to the pics of good skiing on bluebird days in relatively safe conditions (I would guess that patrol has some?  Other local resources may also be helpfull on this one)

3.) Maybe more signage wouldnt be a bad idea.  Especially since you have to exit the gate to access 6-10 (which are sweet by the way!)  Like you said below your picture of the Gold Hill ridge, the right (west) side is in-bounds and controlled while the left (east) side is not.  Something like "-> is in bounds, <- is not"  I'm sure you see my point here, I can only imagine that this would help cover the liability of the resort in case of an accident.

4.) provide links to backcountry educational resources that will help people become educated on backcountry travel and snow science on the TSG website.  

avalanche.state.co.us/.../Colorado

avalanche.state.co.us/.../Slide12.JPG

www.silvertonavalancheschool.com

www.tellurideadventures.com/winter_aved.htm

By showing a commitment to providing this info, you are acting in the best interests of the public and of the guests of TSG (not to mention getting involved in community service and continuing to do a great job as CEO).  

That is my opinion.

Dave's reply: Excellent suggestions. There is a great deal of education and communication that is possible. Thanks for the post and for your support.

Hey dave i have only been to telluride once but i am season pass holder back at Mt Hood Meadows just telling you we miss you there

Dave's reply: Hi CJ, Thanks for your nice post. Hopefully you'll have an opportunity to visit Telluride again sometime in the near future!

Now that Gold Hill 6-10 are open I think we need much more signage and a gate system that lets you through only if you have a Beacon.  The creek will tempt  tourists with zero backcountry experience and no Avalanche Safety Gear.  

Brewski

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, We'll look at some additional signage options for the future but I'm not aware of a gate that works the way you're describing. The purpose of the gate is to identify the point where the ski company's management ends and the backcountry begins.

There should be a patroller that checks your basic safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) before you are allowed to pass the upper gate. I know that this is a bit extreme, but other ski areas have done it with success. You obviously can't tell if they are professional avalanche forecasters, expert mountain rescuers/EMT's, or even smart but at least you can keep the "oblivious gapers" and "30-year-local-gearless-know-it-alls" out! It will only make it safer  for everyone back there.

Dave's reply: Hi Will, Interesting question but I'm not clear why the ski area should be obligated to staff a position to search peoples packs in order to utilize public lands.

Personally, I believe it is appropriate to have an access gate (which is part of our operating plan with the Forest Service) which clearly informs the public when they are exiting the ski area, keeping backcountry use of Forest Service lands in the context of personal responsibility, then provide community education opportunities about backcountry travel and avalanche hazards (which is already happening).

Hey Dave, i was thinking about a question on Easter, what ever happened to that double pay on holidays that you promised each of us in person at orientation in November? Correct me if im wrong but i think you took it away on Christmas, of all holidays. Your rewards and recognition does not make up for a lost bonus no matter how you spin it. Aren't we as Telluride Resort Employees a catalyst to that "unmatched in North America" mountain experience? I predict there will be high number of returning employees though, because many like me are now to poor to get home and have to stay till the next winter.  

Regards  

Dave's reply: Ben, While I appreciate and will defend your right to express opinion, my opinion differs.

I never offered at orientation double pay on Christmas, and TSG has not paid that rate in 35 years. Our rewards program (the best funded incentive program in the ski industry) is designed to recognize people who focus their energy on specific goals that were developed last fall with the participation of hundreds of staff members. I do believe our staff is integral to providing exceptional service and value them very much. Out of 800 staff members, there is bound to be a few who can't get their heads around being a part of a resort that is focused on  being "Unmatched in North America". There is no spin here. The reality is that Telluride Ski Resort is a rising star. We are going through a very progressive culture change which focuses on the things that will propel Telluride Ski Resort far beyond the average Colorado ski resort, from the perspective of our guests and employees.  Thank you.

Hello Dave,

I wrote before about the idea of signage at the top of the Hillary Step.  I believe my comment was posted on the Gold Hill 6-10 blog.  

Will Huckett, stupid, and San Miguel SAR member all have made extremely important points about traveling in Bear Creek.  There is another point that must again be made: The danger of "somebody skiing in on top of you".  This is not something that you as a  skier can control.  You must be confident in the other skiers around you to also obey proper backcountry protocol.  Without the proper signage (and if anyone can come up with a better way to try drilling into peoples heads that there-may-be-someone-on-the-slope-below-you-just-out-of-view other than signage please, let it be known) and with access to the backcountry gate being so easy there are bound to be more incidents of people unknowingly cutting slopes above others.  This may seem a innocent thing to do at the time, but under the right snow-pack-circumstances it could release an avalanche on top of another group.  PEOPLE MUST NOT ONLY KNOW THE RESPONSIBILITY THEY TAKE UPON THEMSELVES WHEN EXITING THE SKI RESORT INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY, BUT MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER BACKCOUNTRY TRAVELERS!  There is etiquitte that must be followed and construed to those who will now be able to easily see and be drawn into the beauty of Bear Creek.

I feel that TSG should take advantage of the 'good will' that would be created by educating its customers of the dangers and dangers to others imposed by skiing Bear Creek.  TSG should not just brag about it's lift-accessed backcountry without contributing to it's safety!  There is a degree of responsiblity that exists for the ski area.

Dave's reply: Very interesting post C. Very interesting. You've made profound points. I'm going to give that some thought. Thank you.

Hi

I have skied alot of this terrain in past years with experienced locals and it really is awesome.

Dave has explained its backcountry terrain for the educated, experienced snowrider who is prepared with the proper equipment (backpack, shovel, avalanche beacon, probe, climbing skins, ski mountaineering equipment, extra clothing, food, water, cell phone, etc.).

Suggestion.

Im not sure if it is offered by the Telluride Ski Resort/School.

Guided Back Country Tours from these Open Gates for those customers who want to experience something more adventurous? Maybe a revenue oportunity for TelSki?

Im not referring to Helitrax

Stanton

Netherlands

Dave's reply: Hi Stanton, Always good to hear from our friends on the other side of the globe. Thanks for staying connected.

Regarding guided trips into the backcountry, we've actually been talking about that quite a bit and are in the process of trying to figure our the process. We'd like to be able to offer something like that. More to come on that through the summer. Stay tuned.

So Dave, I noticed on a couple of your blogs that you mentioned how folks should not disrespect TSG employees.  On other blogs you have talked about how hard the employees have been working this year to get terrain open.  Yet you have cut bonuses for all employees.  Isn't that completely disrespectful to all of these hard working folks?  You also talk about how much you care about the community.  Well, you have negatively impacted 700+ members of this community without a second thought.  Pretty big impact for a guy who has been here 6 months.  Were bonuses cut for the executives also?  And please don't tell me about your incentive program, which i'm pretty sure adds up to about 6 burgers at Gorrono.  I talked to one lift op on a 15" powder day who hadn't been able ski one run and it was 2 in the afternoon.   Low wage, no bonus, no powder turns-- no respect.

Dave's reply: If you're going to speak with disrespect, you could at least have the honor of identifying yourself. That is so rude.

We replaced a seaonal employee season-end bonus program with a reward and recognition program that connected performance to compensation. Some employees have earned more compensation on this program this year and some have earned less. Our old program was largely based on whether a person made it to the last day or not. That was not a progressive program. There are several employees and departments who are very pleased with the new program.

I feel insulted by stupid. He is telling me I am not informed when I ask a simple question, that is one thing he never mentioned. Think before you act. Keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: I think you asked a very resonable question Michael. "Stupid" seems worked up for some reason. Thanks for posting :)

Hi Dave,

What, no April challenge for Telluride?

New snow fall record at MHM 640" and counting!!!

The terrain at Telluride makes me want to ski bum again. Got any room in your garage for me to put a sleeping bag down for a winter ;)? I'm a hard worker and loyal.

Anyone even thinking of venturing outside the ropes needs to read Snow Sense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler.

Dave's reply: Hey Mike, Wow - seems like I've been blogging with you for years :) Thanks for staying in touch.

I'll have to get a copy of that book!

Guided options are a good and safe idea. Please do not employ ski schoolers for that job like what happened to the Maygirl hike-to groups in the past. They are the worst folks for that kind of job honestly. I went on a "tour" with them last year... The "guide" had only been out there once before, didn't even know the best way to carry his ski on the hike, and had to ask me the name of the route that they were heading into. It was embarrassing to even be there with them!!

Ski schoolers should stay under the lifts on groomers. Seriously, I was a schooler for six years. I know!

Dave's reply: Hi Will, I'm sure some might disagree with that! It's done differently at different resorts. We're doing the research at this time.

Dave,

The dangers of avalanches coming down on top of you are very possible, if not probable, in our tricky and dangerous snowpack.  Combining the San Juan snowpack with an advertised and easily accessed backcountry could be very dangerous.  Try talking to our own Ski Patrol about avalanches coming down from above.  We have nearly lost some dear friends to this very occurance.  People must understand.

Dave's reply: As it is, backcountry terrain is public land. There are hazards that exist out there. It's a personal choice to accept those risks when traveling in the backcountry.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing the photos and info about Bear Creek.  My two cents...like Stanton, above, I love the idea, if feasible, of the ski company offering guided tours into this area.  If it happens, count me in!  I have seen a lot of great changes on the mountain this winter...keep up the great work...I'll definitely be back next season.  

Dave's reply: Thanks for the input and support Doug. See you next winter!

Dave

Maybe they should have a backcountry register at the exit gate to Bear Cr. and other backcountry gates where out-of-bounders sign-out or in acknowledging they have the proper gear and experience to handle Bear Cr. along w/personal info incase of problems (they don't come out, ect.).  The forest requires all climbers to register their party at TL before climbing Hood--nothing wrong w/good communication and documentation.

Dave's reply: Hi SDS, Sorry about the lost email earlier! Good to hear from you again.

Regarding a registration, it has it's limitations as it's voluntary with a open gate policy but could have a good application for those who want to log in anyway. The difference at TL is the Forest Service's desire to track volume in the Mt. Hood wilderness, according to the "limits of acceptable change" as prescribed by the forest plan. Bear Creek is not a designated wilderness. Anyway, it seems if someone want's to register at patrol headquarters, they can do that now by stopping in - just in case.

Dave

When is the last day of operation?

Dave's reply: This Sunday, April 6. By the way, I checked and the patrol exchange with other resorts is based on full time status.

hi dave! thanks for all the great shots of bear creek and the wonderful descriptions of all the runs. were coming im from chicago tomorrow to ski telluride for the last few days. can we purchase the proper backcountry gear at local ski shops? such as beakons, probes, shovels and walkie talkies. i would love to take my whole group in there and "rip it up" thanks, see ya soon.

Dave's reply: Hi Louie, That's for choosing Telluride for your vacation. The snow and conditions are great this spring. Several shops sell backcountry gear in Telluride. But, it skiing in the backcountry requires more than new gear - it requires knowledge and experience. We currently do not offer backcountry guide services and are looking at this for next season.

Do you really think that a weekend bike race is more harmful to the environment than putting a lift in San Joaquin bowl?  

Dave's reply: Unlimited trails built incorrectly over the landscape on a unmanaged basis without any planning or analysis are more harmful in the long run. We will go to great lengths including helicopter contruction to minimize the environmental impact of the contruction of the San Joaquin lift. Also, that lift went through an extensive environmental impact statement. I'm in favor of mountain biking but have agreed with the Forest Service that we need to develop a real plan. I met with the bike alliance that afternoon and intend to meet next week to discuss it. The real problem that we need to figure out is the freestyle/downhill "gravity" courses - that is where the push-back occured. Thank you.

Dave

Louie from the windy city sounds scary to me--thanks for the caution in your reply--all the equipment in the world won't save you in avy country if your head isn't screwed on straight and you have backcountry snow knowledge!!  Some of your earlier posters were voicing concerns for newbies like Louie and his group.

That's another reason to have a sign-in book at the gates--so you can notify guys like Louies' next of kin in a timely manner!!

Dave's reply: Interesting thoughts and post sds :)

Did you see Matts' latest blog on opening Heather sooner??  Pretty impressive risks the MHM patrollers take trying to get and keep that canyon open--I'm sure your pros take simular chances--the skiing public generally doesn't have a clue!!

Dave's reply: I just read it tonight. It was well done. I agree, in a big snow year like they had this year, most people don't understand the risks that crew are dealing with in Heather and Clark.  

Louie, if you want to see what bear creek is all about, you don't need to go buy backcountry gear. Just go down to town park and walk around in the deep snow and have someone kick some snow off the pavillion roof onto you. This is basically what it's like if you don't know exactly where you're going. The intitial runs are easy enough for a strong skier/boarder but then you have a bunch of way different ways out with sucker tracks going off some pretty technical terrain with big drops available everywhere. Seriously, getting cliffed out sucks, I couldn't imagine having a group of rookies trying to figure out where the last guy went. Rip it up on the ski area and you'll thank me later.

Also, Dave, how does your new bonus system work for those quiet, low key individuals who have to compete with the ass kisser types who only "perform" when someone who will give them something comes into the room?

Dave's reply: Nice handle,,, not.

Anyway, Admittedly, we can refine our reward and recognition program and are focused on doing so with the help of our staff as we continually improve. The alternative of using the prior basis which had little weight on attitude or performance is not an reasonable option. I'm excited about the opportunity to offer substantial incentives for staff members who want to join us in our quest to improve our resort for the benefit of our visitors and locals. It's not easy work but that's not a reason to average back to the minimum requirements.

Had my first Adaptive ski lesson on a bi-ski with Ryan and the great folks at TASP  last week and was that ever fun. I hadn't felt so out of control and exhilerated since the 1960's. The knowledge I was well tethered to Ryan and wouldn't kill myself was reassuring. It almost makes me hope my daughter will return to Telluride and be a guest services worker again so I can come visit again and sit-ski again. The ride Ryan gave me down the mountain at the end of the lesson was amazing...I'd never gone that fast outside of an automobile and my daughter on her snowboard could hardly keep up with us. Thanks for having such a good adaptive sports program.

Dave's reply: Hi Katy, Wow - that is so awesome! TASP is a wonderful program. Thanks for posting your comments.

Is there ways we can ski at Tride even though your closed?

Dave's reply: We highly discourage it because of the work that is taking place with machines, the fact we are plowing out summer roads, no patrol services, etc.

"It's expert only backcountry terrain with cliffs, rocks, waterfalls, creeks, and variable snow conditions in Bear Creek. " - dave's reply

my opinion: i believe this blue sky, perfect powder day, great photos, great lines, great people skiing, was a very very bad thing to do on your blog. some 212 (new yorker/wall streeter w/ an ego) is going to see this. not read in between the lines you present and find himself causing an avalanche and taking out the people below him. you talk about the people policing themselves almost in a darwinism way (survival of the fittest/smartest). you can't always be safe when the person above you chose not to be) the quote above sounds really intriguing. rocks and creeks and waterfalls, oh my! someone reading, not from here IS going to think this is all really cool, make a selfish decision and take out someone below. just my opinion. thanks for reading.

Dave's reply: Thanks for sharing your opinion Kevin. Avalanches are part of the risks of skiing in the backcountry. Our backcountry access gate is the point where people assume the risks associated with backcountry skiing.

for the SAR member who continues to use his/her title in blogs, use your name and stop speaking for the group of members around you. you may not have the opinion of your peers and therefor shouldn't speak for them. simple, put your name. this has happened a few times now.

Dave's reply: Actually, I think everyone posting should use their real name. I use mine. If it's worth saying, isn't it worth taking responsibility for the statement?

Sure looks like your getting alot of snow now, should have stayed open longer but I know you have that contract with the forest service but... 30 inches of snow since close... thats gotta be hard to miss

Dave's reply: Hi Sam, Our Forest Service Special Use Permit and operating plan doesn't limit our closing date. Like all resorts, we choose the date based on when people generally stop skiing.

They say there are no stupid questions, but there are inquisitive idiots.  I'll prove the latter and disprove the former.  Dave, why don't you keep the resort open longer when the snow is good?

Dave's reply: Like all resorts, we look at how the holidays fall, Easter, etc. and try to determine when most people stop skiing and move on to warm weather sports. It's typical that most ski areas close before they run out of snow.

Dave-

You are kidding, right? You think that if the ski area was open right now, no one would be there. I can remember being out there skiing near tax day one year (maybe '99 or '00 - had to file an extension of course).

I think with all the great changes to the ski area you could easily persuade a lot of people to dust off the golf clubs and scuba gear a week or 2 later.

Most people stop skiing when the chairs stop turning.  Give it a shot Dave. Just file that extension and keep the chairs turning. They will come.

Dave's reply: Hi Craig, It has to do with several factors including when Easter falls, spring breaks, summer construction (our summer roads are being plowed open because the gondola needs to replace the haul rope, etc. It's actually not easy to get people to come in April. As a result, most ski areas close with plenty of snow on the ground (except those near big cities). Have a great summer and we'll see you next season!

Hi Dave,

Rather than go from 100% open to 100% closed, why not follow the pattern of opening up the ski resort in stages?  The Gondola plus 4, 5, and 6 would still leave a good chunk of terrain open.

Teluride was amogst the earliest of the US ski resorts to close despite being one of the highest, and hence more snow sure.

If Telluride had a winding down period of, say, two weeks, it would still enable maintenance work to begin (Chairs 8 and 9 for example) whilst maintaining much needed revenue-generating income for Telski and the local hotels, restuarants and business.  Also the locals would be less grumpy!  Should be good for everyone...

Love the Blog: keep up the good work.  Huge strides forward this year (apart from the loss of Skiers Union - should have struck a deal with Seth).

Telluride needs you.

Steve

Dave's reply: Hi Steve, thanks for your ideas. We couldn't have stayed open if we wanted to this year because we plowed open the summer access roads to allow the gondola maintenance staff to start work on replacing the haul ropes. They needed the road open because of the timing of the work - which we supported.  Thanks for your support. I'm already looking forward to next ski season!

Dave

When did your ski area close?  You don't have a May challenge like they have at MHM?  Ski season at your area is about 4 months long? (Dec., Jan., Feb., and March and a week or so in April??)  Are those 4 months producing the bulk of revenues to sustain the resort thru the year--do you have a strong summer program??

Dave's reply: Hi SDS, We closed on April 6th, right before a 2 foot snowstorm hit :( 

We also have a good summer running restaurants and a golf course / club. Lots of weddings too.

Have a great summer!

Hi Dave,

Is there a way to keep getting the wind and snowfall info from gold hill? It stopped on the 10th and it sure would be nice if we knew temp and snowfall amounts at that elevation for touring purposes elsewhere. I didn't know if it's telski transmitting that info or not.

Thanks,

Steve

By the way, how about next year if we get another big snow late in the season we open for the weekend or even thursday through sunday like silverton. If you marketed it and the weather cooperated, I think it could be profitable in many ways and extend our season just a little. Screw the beach, I want to ride powder until it's really gone for the season. It's like I was making sweet love to the ski season and right in the middle of it my mother walks in and stops the lifts. I wasn't quite finished yet, you know?

Dave's reply: Hi Steve, Great analogy!

I tracked down Criag Sturbenz, who gave me the following reply to your question regarding our weather reporting:

Hello,

Hey dave,

  It really sucks that the forest agreement with telluride makes them close early when you still have a bunch of snow.

Those webcams still show a bunch of pow at the top of 12 and even snow still down on 4.

I just don't understand why you guys haven't tried to even open a single lift with all the snow left and have some jibs and jumps or something.

The amount of people that would go would be insane.

If there was something like a summer pass for after regular closing on april 6th there could probably be enough profits for running one lift for an extra month or however long until the snow melts.

but thats my opinion.

do you think anything like this would ever happen?

Dave's reply: Hi Alexander, It's not a Forest Service issue at all - it's purely up to the ski area. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Thanks for your input.

Oh yeah!  I think Foster has the best idea!   Yeah, Dave .. . . something like just keeping open 9 would be phenomenal!  I hope that's something you can work out.  Hiking's nice, but a couple lift serviced runs (even if just on the weekend) would be out of sight!  Do it Dave!

Dave's reply: Thanks for the input Michael.

@Dave: Keep up the good work. That's a fab trip report and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

@Stupid: Are you suggesting that people are unaware that there is this thing called the "backcountry" and that we should hide it from those who are unaware? Do you also think that magazines like "Backcountry" and "Couloir," and blogs like Wildsnow should shutter the windows for fear that they may lure uneducated skiers into the backcountry?

I write a humble little blog with trip reports and pretty pictures. Are you seriously suggesting that I'm to blame if someone follows my tracks and gets hurt?

You remind me of a guy who accosted me recently on Castle Peak in north Tahoe and demanded to see my avy gear and recite my backcountry credentials. I told him to take a hike too.

Dave's reply: Hi Matthew, You and I are on the same page. It's all about personal responsibility. Our society is too full of people who think others are suppose to protect them from life's realities.

Yea Dave, I think opening nine would be the coolest thing, almost Lunar Cup like. Silverton closes next weekend, if we could open for at least the next two weekends, you could brag that we're open later, like A basin. If you do it, since it's corning up so late, how about opening later in the morning and staying open later to get the best sun for the day, say 10 or even 11 till 5 or 6 pm?

Thanks for considering it,

Steve

Dave's reply: Hi Steve, I talked with about 10 managers internally about this in the last two days. I think we could have pulled it off with one problem: How do we get people down at the end of the day? We plowed the snow off the summer road on Telluride Trails so the Town of MV can splice the new rope on the gondola and it's a muddy mess. Chair 8 only can download one out of every 4 chairs so it would only download a little over 100 people per hour. So, if we have 500 people up on Chair 9 (which I think is conservative) it would take 5 hours to download everyone down which obviously wouldn't work. So, we bagged the idea for this year. I think in future years if we have deep spring snow like we've seen the last few springs, it would be feasible to run Chairs 8 and 9 on weekends post season for awhile.

Dave,

Yeah!  Keep 8 (for access) and 9 open post regular-season!  As a season passholder, I wouldn't even mind paying a little extra for April turns. I think that, with the proper promotion, you could make some money or at least break even.  Think of the good publicity - - I'll think of the sweet turns!  Good job last season.

Gary

Dave's reply: Hi Gary, See my reply to Steve above.

Ditto what Gary said Dave!!

We are season passholders and would pay extra for a few more turns in april!

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, please see my reply to Steve above for more detail. Thanks!

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Dave's reply: Are you advertising on my blog? =)

Dave,

I really like your post on your blog about skiing bear creek, you are dead right, we should not hide this area, and it is amazing terrain. You mention several times in your blog saying that bear creek is not bombed or controlled, I for one, saw bomb holes and slide crowns on top of San Joaquin coulour, relevation bowl, temptation bowl, and nellies bowl, and more. I was happy seeing these areas bombed, as they are serious hanging snow above most of the runouts to bear creek. I think that there should be much effort put into the ski resort to expand terrain, if marketing is done properley, money could be put in to ski patroll to controll areas like palmyra peak, bear creek to make these areas safe to ski all winter long.

Avalanche education is so important when traveling in the backcountry I find the best way to get information on what is going on in specific areas is an online forum where people can discuss current conditions and snow pack. This would be an excellent way for local and expert travelling skiiers alike to communicate and can only help in making backcountry skiing more safe in out volitile snowpack.  www.cbavalanchecenter.org is a great website whith a great Backcountry observations section.

I know this has been discussed on this blog at some point, I must have missed it, I want to know your opinion on glading some areas on this ski area..noteably many areas on chair nine, eight, and too skiiers left of rockpile. There is some great terrain which is unskiiable most of the year. Glading is a good for many reasons other than the skiing. I for one would be on the glading crew and I am sure there are no shortage of people willing to work.

Again thank you for the blog, your work here with telluride and expanding the area was great this season (helped by the snowpack).

Dave's reply: Hi Dave C, thanks for your input on AC. Regarding glading, yes, I'm in favor. We've just been so focused lately on the new lift. It's on the list though. Thanks for your support.