Post by Hans Tschersich on Apr 24, 2009 20:25:35 GMT -9
Pillar Mt. is an excellent choice for a shorter ski outing. One can drive up to the gravel pit and walk or use skis beyond that point. The snow is just being removed by a big caterpillar which has worked its way half up the mountain. An icy base with some slushy snow remains after snow removal so one can still ski up and down on the plowed section. The upper part of the road, the top and north-facing slopes have a deep snow cover which is fairly firm. The snow on the northern slopes reaches all the way down to the Pillar creek valley. I was on X-county skis and could make it up and down the road and in the deep snow I could control the narrow skis in moderate turns. Telemark or Rondellé skis should work well in the present conditions. The predicted rain this weekend may change the conditions but the thick snow pack should last for a while and provide opportunities for snow shoeing and skiing during the next 2 or 3 weeks at least.
