Tread Lightly: Ruby Creek March 2012

Pow. Check. Lots of vert. Check. Awesome food. Check. And deluxe lodge. Check!

This year we decided to go into Valhalla Mountain Touring (Ruby Creek) as our backcountry ski trip. We had heard great things about it and because of the cat access (over heli) it was simple in terms of taking Taio and all his related gear! It was awesome! We had a great group of people from all over, including 4 that I had never met before. Everyone got a long well and there was a good mix of people wanting to do long days versus those happy to get some runs in and then chill at the lodge and enjoy reading, yoga, music etc.

Every hut trip I've been on in the past has been an early or mid winter trip so I was excited about the long days, probability of sunshine and also good stability. Well we got the first assumption! Long days were great because they allowed Tess and I to get some bonus laps in either early or late when we were spending the day with Taio in the lodge. I didn't a couple of solo runs before breakfast which was super fun! Back in time for hot breakfast on the table is a great way to start the day! Didn't need the headlamp once either. As for the sun, it only poked through a couple of times which was probably for the best because when it did the snow changed immediately. It was nice to have one apres ski beer and appetizer session with chairs and benches outside of the lodge! Thanks to Maren and Trent for sending the appy's outside to us! Lastly, stability...hmmm definitely the question of the year. I have never had such touchy conditions as some of my days out this year but the week at Ruby felt solid. We didn't have any evidence of instability however they was that known lingering SH layer that was a bit nerve racking. The whole group stayed really smart about their decision making and we were still able to get some great skiing in. That is the beauty of Ruby Creek. There is plenty of long tree runs and sub alpine terrain that allows for skiing in all conditions and visibility. Over the weeks we had fresh snow the majority of days and had some great pow turns. There are definitely some runs on the radar for next time too!