Nordic Skiing at the Base

[jrd100]

Is there any opportunity for mellow safe nordic skiing at the base of Tuckermans's ravine? I am not talking about anything extreme just flat lap skiing plus a great hike to get the jones out. (Jackson closed 3/18, Bear Notch 3/24??. Needless to say quite disappointing).

Thanks for your help.

jrd100

[RR]

Just now there probably is some space for a nice little circuit. That will melt away in just a couple of weeks, but heck yes. If you add in a short climb, about 1/4 of the way up, on looker's left and traverse back (toward looker's right) you will be in the flow of skiers/riders on the traverse instead of against it.

Years ago my youngster went almost to the bottleneck in Left Gully on nordic gear. It's a bit steep, but conditions were great for skiing that day. The better the conditions, the higher you will want to go...once you get there.

I should think that Skate gear would be best...but, then again, I truly hate depending on Klister!

Speaking of skate..have a looksee at this from a prolific Sierra skate tourer: http://telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=82960&sid=4f0a25cdd0e57436f557706122d79bd3

[surfsnowywaves]

I know the feeling, I got hooked on skate skiing this winter, and now I want it to be next winter so that I can go skate again!!

Is it possible, yes. But beware, people have started punching through the snowpack in the floor of the ravine. It's melting quickly up there. If you stick to the right hand side of the floor of the ravine, you can get in maybe...100 yards? of flatter/mellower terrain. Others might be able to second this idea or otherwise...but you might have better luck with skate skiing by going over to Jefferson. The snowfield on that still has a decent amount of snow, and it seems to me that there's a decent sized flatter section. People might give you some weird looks, but I've seen crazier folk up here.

[jrd100]

Thank you both for your suggestions.They are definitely something to keep in mind for next season. I was in the ravine today and will be shortly posting some pictures in the report section.