jdang307

Probably going to board two days, Friday and Saturday. Not sure where we're staying yet.

Thinking of two resorts. I really want to go to Baker ... but it's a trek from Seattle right? 3 hours? Might be a bit much on my short trip.

Stevens for sure. I've been wanting to hit that for a while, seeing it in all of the Boardinsiders video.

Would anyone recommend Alpental/Snowqualmie? It looked to be very close to Seattle.

Also, is there any gnarly/good terrain that is safe for an inbounder like me? I may only be with my wife so I won't have any buddies around in case something happens. Something avy controlled but still adventurous would be ideal. But if not, that's fine as well.

wrathfuldeity

imo, baker is not that much further than stevens, especially if you got someone to share the driving. just start early and take your time going back...in reality you could leave seattle between 5:30-6 am and be back in seattle at 7 pm if you blasted both ways....but take you time and have dinner in the ham. but 2 days at baker in a cheap hotel in bham is easy

__________________

NWBoarder

Alpental sounds like it will be right up your alley. Unless of course Baker is going off, in which case, forget everywhere else and go to Baker. If there isn't fresh snow, don't go to Alpental though. It's not nearly as fun when there's no new snow. Snoqualmie isn't bad, but it's the lowest hill in the state elevation wise. In other words, check the weather before you go. It's very possible to get stuck riding in the rain. Stevens is legit, and has great inbounds terrain, especially if it's a pow day. Crystal Mountain is another good option out here that has lot's of fun terrain to ride. Most important thing to remember though is, no matter where you end up out here, you're bound to have fun.

__________________
Oh yeah!? Well, my mom says I'm cool!

wrathfuldeity

yup, check the weather, pay attention to the temps and snowfall in the past 24-48 hours and the forecast.

__________________

Triple8Sol

If you can only do 1 mtn, make it Baker. It's only 1 additional hr on the road each way from Seattle vs. Stevens/Crystal. For a single trip during your vacation, it'll be worth it. For the 2nd day, either of the other 2 aforementioned mtns would be great, just depends on which mtn gets the snow while you're here.

__________________
14 NeverSummer Proto HD . 13 Never Summer Cobra . 12 Gnu Rider's Choice C2PTX
14 Now Drive . 13 Now IPO
13 NB x 686 580

jdang307

Damn, Baker might be calling my name.

Going to do the group thing one of the days. Couple beginners, my wife, etc. I could drag them to Baker but would one of these other resorts be better for beginners? One long easy run is all my wife needs the whole

I'm going to plan this out and watch the weather as well. Transportation will be an issue if there is ice on the roads.

Also thinking of one of the shuttles. Friday may be my free day, so perhaps I take a shuttle to Baker (though boarding by myself isn't fun, I love to share the stoke). I've lost some of my aggressiveness from last season and need to get it back ...

airblaster503

Since it sounds like you are going the be boarding alone I am not sure I would recommend Baker unless you could meet up with someone there. It is a mountain that if you go off trail you can get in serious trouble and don't want to be alone, especially if it dumps. Stevens seems to be your best bet. They have nice terrain and some good stuff, and also easier trails for your wife.

But if you can get someone to go with you are possibly meet someone on here to ride with at Baker, that would be the easy choice as long as there is some fresh snow.

rgunzalez

Another thing to consider is that Stevens and Alpental/Snoqualmie are at least open until 10pm (not sure about Sunday). So if you're looking to do an entire day or do some night riding, then those seem to be your options.

Chair 2 at Alpental, which has all the wicked double-blacks and back country access isn't open in the evening though.

Triple8Sol

Good points ^

Baker is not great for beginners as beginner/intermediate terrain is pretty limited. It's also not good to ride alone if you don't know the mtn at an skill level, as there are lots of inbounds avy/cliff dangers. Summit Central it is!

__________________
14 NeverSummer Proto HD . 13 Never Summer Cobra . 12 Gnu Rider's Choice C2PTX
14 Now Drive . 13 Now IPO
13 NB x 686 580

jdang307

Hmmm, perhaps I'll do crystal (by myself on Friday) and Stevens with the group. Only reason I'm doing it that way is because Crystal is south, and picking up my friends at SeaTac in the evening on the way back.

Thank everyone. I'll save Baker for a just going to Baker trip. Sounds gnarly and exciting.