Time for me?

[websterans]

Hi, I'm new. I would like to ski Tuckerman sometime next spring, and I'm trying to figure out how I should prepare physically.

I am a fairly good skier, not exceptional. I've skied at least a few days a year since I was very small. Most areas in the East aren't much of a challenge to me anymore, though I've never tried Stowe's Front Four or anything similar. This would be my first ski trip without chairlifts.

I'm not worried about the hike to the bowl and back. I've done it in the summer, and I've done other hikes in winter. But how hard is it to climb up the bowl with skis on your back? And how tough is the skiing, really? What's the best way to prepare?

[BladeGirl]

Heres a good start:
http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/faq.php

[RR]

Taking your sliding gear w/you is a great first step.

The booting up takes a while. The conga line doesn't move all that fast, but it is still real work. As such you'll want some water or fluid/electrolyte replacement for the boot pack. An energy snack would be good too.

Any backpack specially intended for carrying your gear or sling-type gear carrier will make it a lot easier going up.

Lots of folks go up to some of the usual partway points and slide from there instead of going all the way up. At such places you will find stamped out ledges and getting your gear on will be as easy as it gets on the way up.

At those places you wil also be waiting for the nervous to drop in...the delay can make folks chilly and affect their form. That chill will disappear right quick after a couple of turns

My advice, on day trips, hike in with all the gear and leave most of it in the lower bowl were others do, near rocks, etc. Climb and slide light*...it's less work and more fun.

Start you boot pack climb cold and cover up when you stop, that way you won't be soaked with sweat by climbing up with too many clothes on.

[websterans]

Thank you both. I think this is something I can do, just need to practice my skiing this winter

[Mac D]

My first visit (with skis) to the bowl was May 10 & 11, 2008. Almost bluebird conditions. I concentrated on Left Gully on day one and had one gorgeous run on Hillmans' on day two. I'm 50, spent my entire life on skis, and was in reasonable shape. I stayed at Hermit Lake overnight, so hauled more weight than if I had done it in two day trips (probably re-think that next time). I was sore afterwards, but not excessively.

Do it, you'll never regret it.

[PWDR8S]

Key additions to your gear list.... separate ski socks and hike socks with xtra pair for hiking down makes for happy feet. Any extra dry shirt if you tend to be the sweaty type. Extra beer in your car for end of day enjoyment.

And ...... NO COTTON! Cotton kills, especially when wet! But you likely already know this.

Welcome aboard!

[Rider.Steve]

Remember to bring the Hojo's Caretaker a beverage or two; it builds good ski-karma

[BigSpencer]

I usually wear my hiking tops and pack/seal up the skiing tops, socks, and the outdoor_sweat_towel(s). When I get up to the ravine floor ..it's time to change, rest, hydrate...etc. Ski the terrain...just like any other natural, ungroomed terrain. = real skiing....keep your eyes open....and stay in control.....$.01