My general rule when conditions are uncertain is to go and see. It’s been raining above 9,000 feet in the mountains and now is cold, which makes me wonder if the snow will be rock hard and icy. I’ve planned to join Colin, John, Steve, and Ann for a snowshoe today, so we go see.…

My friend Dan must have been looking at maps. He proposes a snow tour up Duane Bliss peak, because he’s never been there. Neither have I – but I haven’t gawked at my maps enough to think of it. It’s good to have map-inclined friends. I have have hiked the nearby section of the Tahoe…

A temperature inversion surprises us as a cold morning in town seems to turn into a tropical day over 7,000 feet. Our snowshoe up Mt. Judah goes slowly but pleasantly. Going back through the Sugar Bowl ski area probably isn’t the best idea on snowshoes, but a nice option for future ski outings… Donner peak…

The day begins badly when we discover diesel all over the ground around our truck, apparently a botched siphoning job. Our friends Renee and Dan share our bewilderment for a bit and convince us to forget it for now and head for Castle peak. It’s a good decision. The threatened snow doesn’t come but the…

Skies cleared today but temperatures have stayed below freezing in the high country, preserving the good snow! The powder pocket on Mount Rose still has goodies for us. Ann and Alli enjoyed the terrain on snowshoes while I got a run in on the splitboard. Happy new year all, maybe I’ll see you at work…

Gabe, Sarah, and I are all a little astounded by the amount of development near Golden Eagle regional park where we’ve decided to run, but the dirt road takes us quickly past a few shooting enthusiasts and into a very remote feeling basin. Here dramatic skies and an expansive landscape make good running companions, and…

Wes chooses our destination, but he’s forced to turn back when a snowshoe (borrowed from me) turns out to be missing a T-nut. He rides out and spends the afternoon at the Mt Rose ski area while Gabe, Sarah, Ann, Alli, and I continue up Third creek to find some delicious soft snow. I have…

Mike, Lee, and I start with small ambitions, but a favorable avalanche advisory and good snow pit results convince us to venture higher up onto the east face of Mount Rose. Seemed like the perfect time to hit it, stable but still soft! No red flags at all, and two sweet runs. Color me powdered.…