Report from December 24, 2023

Yesterday, I got out early at Palisades Tahoe, CA.

In line for the funitel before 9am.

Bit of a line, but no matter as my buddies who coach for the local kids’ teams were there and we shared a buncha laughs catching up and talking about the future before riding up to the upper mountain.

One of the badass coaches, Tilen, ordered me to hike up and ski the Palisades.

Incredibly good call…

I got into a pretty long line at the Gold Coast chair.

The Palisades and Siberia zones looked natural and good.

I realized that hiking up the Palisades would make my day into a fun adventure versus a busier holiday ski scene via riding lifts.

So I made the long walk from the Gold Coast chair.

Immediately I felt the world melt off my body.

I was the only one on the ridge, in the bootpack, on the Palisades.

Maybe for the first time ever…

I was having a legit backcountry experience inbounds during a raging holiday weekend.

Lovely.

I basked in it.

Took my time.

Dipped my brain in the views.

You could see 4 other ski resorts from up there:  Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Rose.

Eventually, I dropped in and chose to ski the Burma Chutes (I think they’re called).

Only National Chute was open but they included the Burma Chutes in that opening.

The snow was bad.

Firm, icy, crusty, then punchy.

The chute was fun.

Steep, narrow, spicy, and fun.

I glided out onto the apron with a smile.

I skied down the mountain run to the base and the mountain run was damn fun and in great shape!

Then it was time to pack up and bolt for the Bay to make it in time for Christmas Eve dinner with the family.

A terrific inbounds backcountry day in the sunshine.

Thanks, Tahoe!

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Forecast

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