Ontario 2024/25 - Come For The Lifts, Stay For The Lines

[paulster2626]

It's like 25°C here so obviously time to fire up a thread. Fall colours are in full effect - go to your local hill and observe! And take a whiff - the smell of decay precedes snow on the air, I can feel it in my plums!

Winter forecast: wetter than average, slightly warmer than average. I'm going to call it now - EPIC CONDITIONS WILL BE HAD. Üllr knows we're due for a good one...

Who's rocking new gear this winter? Who's getting fired up!

Some webcams:

Blue Mountain - $69-99 per day
https://www.skaping.com/blue-mountain/village

Mount St. Louis Moonstone - $95 per day
https://www.mountstlouis.com/webcams/

Glen Eden - $50 per day (or see Paulster for $0 option)
https://gleneden.on.ca/live-view/


Horseshoe Resort - $84-105 per day
https://horseshoeresort.com/webcams/

Georgian Peaks - Private, no poors allowed!
http://208.124.240.178/axis-cgi/mjpg...=1513016415424

[petey_]

New boards last season, nothing new this season...so far. Do mitts count?

I think it was 2008 or thereabouts that I was skiing in October for the only time.

We had some snow at Killarney during Thanksgiving last year but nice weather two weeks ago. Still camping and got back yesterday from Killbear. Trying to talk my 'old lady' into camping at Pinery next week.

We are due for a good winter and I am pumped for the coming season.

[Mr. Multiglisse]

The WWHSTA crew had an excellent glading day and social time at Limberlost last weekend. Don't forget to renew your member
ship and support backcountry skiing in Ontario!

[paulster2626]

The WWHSTA crew had an excellent glading day and social time at Limberlost last weekend. Don't forget to renew your member
ship and support backcountry skiing in Ontario!

I've heard there are other lines at limberlost that aren't part of the old ski hill - tales of slightly longer, more consistent fall-line enjoyment. is this true?

[Mr. Multiglisse]

I've heard there are other lines at limberlost that aren't part of the old ski hill - tales of slightly longer, more consistent fall-line enjoyment. is this true?

Very true. Those lines are on the north-facing slope at the south end of Buck Lake. Drive or hike past Buck Lake Landing, park and go left up the Helve Lake Road (groomed nordic trail in the winter). You can ski there from the cabin by taking the Ascension Trail, it is a fun old-school nordic trail. At the first flat spot on the Helve Lake Road uphill, duck into the woods, you'll see the line easily. This zone has a variety of fun options, a bit shorter than the next one. For that, keep trudging uphill to the top of the hill (dare I say "summit?"). When the trail flattens out again, go left in the woods and follow the contour maybe 100 metres to the run. I call this zone the Ewok Forest, it is kind of a large bowl. The main run goes down the main gully, it is fun. We opened up a steep chute between the two cliffs on skier left, it will be interesting to see if that gets skied. The downside of the Ewok Forest is that the main run is sheltered by large hemlocks, so you need to be patient and wait for a big snow day.

The was a crew of about 25 on glading day, so we got lots accomplished. On the old ski hill, one group did some excellent cleanup on the run below the cabin and another worked on the long run skier right of the t-bar. I took a small crew of experienced gladers and we worked on the bottom part of the t-bar run itself, then on the area to the right of that, where the rope tow used to be. In the afternoon, two groups worked on the Ewok Forest and the shorter run over there.

If the snow is good, the Limberlost Orientation Day on Jan. 11 would be worth attending, we'll check out all those areas.

[petey_]

FOMO. Funny how that was part of the WWHSTA push to get out for that weekend. Turns out that a buddy had FOMO after a bunch of us camped in September when he couldn't join us. So it boiled down to camping at Killbear with the lads instead of Limberlost. I did enjoy last year's outing and wished I could have been there again but it was not to be.

Those slopes sure do need a lot of snow to be safe considering what was revealed last year. We have a trip to Arrowhead early January as well as early March so I might try and visit but time will tell if there is enough coverage. Anyways, looking forward to the other events this coming winter.

Below is a pic of a barred owl that hung around our KB campsite one afternoon.

[Mr. Multiglisse]

FOMO. Funny how that was part of the WWHSTA push to get out for that weekend. Turns out that a buddy had FOMO after a bunch of us camped in September when he couldn't join us. So it boiled down to camping at Killbear with the lads instead of Limberlost. I did enjoy last year's outing and wished I could have been there again but it was not to be.

Those slopes sure do need a lot of snow to be safe considering what was revealed last year. We have a trip to Arrowhead early January as well as early March so I might try and visit but time will tell if there is enough coverage. Anyways, looking forward to the other events this coming winter.

Hoo hoo hoo! There are definitely some hazards that need to be covered. Same thing at some ski resorts though, I've hiked at Jay in the non-snow season, there are some gnarly rocks on some of those runs. This is why fat skis with rocker are your friend.

[petey_]

This is why fat skis with rocker are your friend.

Not my faves for tele but they do keep you above the fray. Nice to have a quiver.

[paulster2626]

Awesome intel.

If we get a half decent winter I'll be taking a day off work mid week sometime to track up the fresh snow like I did a couple years ago. My one and only time out there, it was an awesome day alone in the woods just poking around looking for trouble. A gorgeous spot. Would love to get out and help glade and just hang but having 2 young kids in various sports (and being a volunteer for them as well) makes it REAL tough to ditch the family on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Worth the 2.5 hour drive up and back when snow conditions are in. Maybe one of these days I'll try to camp overnight or something, if that's allowed.

[petey_]

Many small and large cabins to rent there. Also camping available with a number of sites near the good terrain. Hope to get up there myself this winter. Last year had numerous reasons that I didn't make it. Rain was one of them.

[petey_]

Hey Mister Multiglisse, I might wind up on Mary Lake this coming winter for a few days and can see a resort just south of there. Private? Looks like a number of slopes and the view from 11 seems to indicate a nice pitch. Any info that you can impart to the curious amongst us? Merci.

[Mr. Multiglisse]

Hey Mister Multiglisse, I might wind up on Mary Lake this coming winter for a few days and can see a resort just south of there. Private? Looks like a number of slopes and the view from 11 seems to indicate a nice pitch. Any info that you can impart to the curious amongst us? Merci.

If you can see it from Hwy 11, that would be the ski area once known as Curlew (AKA Steven's Hill). A friend and I skied it about 20+ years ago, when it was basically an abandoned property. Soon after that, it was bought by a rich guy, new house built, poma lift refurbished and opened up to family and friends. It sold again in the last 10 years, I don't know what the current ownership status is. You are correct, there is a nice pitch and consistent drop, though the day we were there was Sierra Cement snow conditions.

Here is a pic from the past, when it was open:



Good article on the history, and revitalization by the first rich guy, Rob Birch (article says t-bar, it was def a poma that we saw):
https://www.muskokaregion.com/news/h...70fc7e127.html

When the rehabbed area got put up for sale, it made a bit of a buzz in the ski industry newsworld, here's one of several stories:
https://unofficialnetworks.com/2016/...-run-ski-hill/

[paulster2626]

Looks like some cold weather and maybe even snow might start showing up next weekend, just in time for December.

Glen Eden has switched to RFID this year. This will help keep the hoodlums out, but knowing the clientele demographics, this is gonna be a rough start to the season in the lift lines!

[petey_]

If you can see it from Hwy 11, that would be the ski area once known as Curlew (AKA Steven's Hill). A friend and I skied it about 20+ years ago, when it was basically an abandoned property. Soon after that, it was bought by a rich guy, new house built, poma lift refurbished and opened up to family and friends. It sold again in the last 10 years, I don't know what the current ownership status is. You are correct, there is a nice pitch and consistent drop, though the day we were there was Sierra Cement snow conditions.

Here is a pic from the past, when it was open:



Good article on the history, and revitalization by the first rich guy, Rob Birch (article says t-bar, it was def a poma that we saw):
https://www.muskokaregion.com/news/h...70fc7e127.html

When the rehabbed area got put up for sale, it made a bit of a buzz in the ski industry newsworld, here's one of several stories:
https://unofficialnetworks.com/2016/...-run-ski-hill/

Excellent stuff Mr. M. I'll check out those links tomorrow. Many thanks!

[petey_]

Looks like some cold weather and maybe even snow might start showing up next weekend, just in time for December.

Glen Eden has switched to RFID this year. This will help keep the hoodlums out, but knowing the clientele demographics, this is gonna be a rough start to the season in the lift lines!

It sure does look good next week for some white stuff. When we headed out this morning to a wedding in Georgetown there were little snow pellets falling. Sweet!

With an RFID pass do you need to check in at the hill or go online before visiting? As far as I know, Boler is still on lifties checking your pass which saves a lot of hassle having your mug on your jacket.

[paulster2626]

It sure does look good next week for some white stuff. When we headed out this morning to a wedding in Georgetown there were little snow pellets falling. Sweet!

With an RFID pass do you need to check in at the hill or go online before visiting? As far as I know, Boler is still on lifties checking your pass which saves a lot of hassle having your mug on your jacket.

Apparently they'll have kiosks to dole out the cards. Knowing GE, they won't have any enforcement whatsoever and will just rely on the scanner reading if a pass is valid or not. Same sort of thing at Blue Mtn. You might get the occasional 'red jacket' looking things over during the first few weeks, but they don't show up until around 11am anyway to keep an eye on the criminals from the city.

I'm planning on putting my pass in my pocket and leaving it in there until April.

[petey_]

Caught a brief news update today and they mentioned that Glen Eden plans to open December 6th. That would surprise the hell out of me. Someone huffing adhesives? Temps look good for snow making soon and lots of nannering with regards to upcoming snow events but unless they have changed management I don't see this happening. Hope I'm wrong though.

Boler has been on top of their game over the years for getting the season started so I would imagine that if GE opens we'll be open as well. Bring it ULLR!

[paulster2626]

Caught a brief news update today and they mentioned that Glen Eden plans to open December 6th. That would surprise the hell out of me. Someone huffing adhesives? Temps look good for snow making soon and lots of nannering with regards to upcoming snow events but unless they have changed management I don't see this happening. Hope I'm wrong though.

Boler has been on top of their game over the years for getting the season started so I would imagine that if GE opens we'll be open as well. Bring it ULLR!

Who said that?

They've never opened that early. I don't even think they have enough staff until xmas break on the 20th, and I don't think their insurance even kicks in until the 14th (that's what someone told me many years ago).

Looking at the wet bulb temps, need at least -6 for their snowmaking systems, although they do have one mobile fan that can make snow in more borderline situations... we can take the forecasted temp for Milton and drop it by 1C because it tends to be 1-3 degrees colder out by the escarpment and account for forecasted humidity:

Dec 1 SUN night: -6 (borderline)
Dec 2 MON night: -6 (borderline)
Dec 3 TUE night: -6.5 (closer)
Dec 4 WED night: -8 (game on)
Dec 5 THU night: -7 (game on)
Dec 6 FRI night: -8 (game on)
Dec 7 SAT day: -5.8 (so close!)
Dec 7 SAT night: -7 (game on)
Dec 8 SUN day: -5.8 (so close!)
Dec 8 SUN night: -7 (game on)

So, is it doable? Maybe. Forecast at least doesn't have things getting above freezing on those days, so anything they do manage to crank out should stick around for the most part. But it will depend on the temps actually getting as cold as they say it will, the humidity not increasing, and some wind to help keep the mist aloft (which should be no problem at GE). Also maybe they bought another one or two of those fan snowmaker things; they can blow the snow higher and thus make snow in warmer temps than the traditional fixed guns they have.

I'm expecting them to be able to start building some reserve mounds of snow next week and hopefully just be open for xmas break. That'd be the best case scenario imo, as I could legitimately get in 8 visits with the family during that time and have the passes paid for by January. If they can open up earlier on the 19th or 20th, bonus - I'll hit them up for some Lunchtime Laps!

[petey_]

Who said that?

I was reading at the time and a brief blurb came across the telly in the background. No idea who was behind that update but it listed four different resorts in Ontario and GE was the third on the list as to when they planned to open. I was surprised and you have leant credence to my initial thought with regards to the adhesives huffing. Sadly.

Guessing that we got a good three weeks extra season last year over your hill. Also looks like Horseshoe is going RFID this season. 10 or 20 percent increase in ticket prices with that adoption? Progress, fvck it.

[petey_]

Checking the Boler web cams and the new hill already has some coverage. Keeners work there. Purchase of a high tech snow making gadget a couple of years ago is paying off. Sliding by the machine when it is ten C and seeing it blow snow last year was an eye opener.

[paulster2626]

Checking the Boler web cams and the new hill already has some coverage. Keeners work there. Purchase of a high tech snow making gadget a couple of years ago is paying off. Sliding by the machine when it is ten C and seeing it blow snow last year was an eye opener.

That's cool. Whoever runs the GE website and socials and "chairlift chat" email list sucks at it. Everything is such a mystery there - webcam doesn't work until the place opens, they don't provide any estimated opening dates until like 2 days before, zero hype and zero talk about what's new or exciting for the season. Like I know the hill sucks, but it's still one of the busiest places in Ontario and people are amped up to just get out and do something.

[garyfromterrace]

Very true. Those lines are on the north-facing slope at the south end of Buck Lake. Drive or hike past Buck Lake Landing, park and go left up the Helve Lake Road (groomed nordic trail in the winter). You can ski there from the cabin by taking the Ascension Trail, it is a fun old-school nordic trail. At the first flat spot on the Helve Lake Road uphill, duck into the woods, you'll see the line easily. This zone has a variety of fun options, a bit shorter than the next one. For that, keep trudging uphill to the top of the hill (dare I say "summit?"). When the trail flattens out again, go left in the woods and follow the contour maybe 100 metres to the run. I call this zone the Ewok Forest, it is kind of a large bowl. The main run goes down the main gully, it is fun. We opened up a steep chute between the two cliffs on skier left, it will be interesting to see if that gets skied. The downside of the Ewok Forest is that the main run is sheltered by large hemlocks, so you need to be patient and wait for a big snow day.

The was a crew of about 25 on glading day, so we got lots accomplished. On the old ski hill, one group did some excellent cleanup on the run below the cabin and another worked on the long run skier right of the t-bar. I took a small crew of experienced gladers and we worked on the bottom part of the t-bar run itself, then on the area to the right of that, where the rope tow used to be. In the afternoon, two groups worked on the Ewok Forest and the shorter run over there.

If the snow is good, the Limberlost Orientation Day on Jan. 11 would be worth attending, we'll check out all those areas.

This is just awesome Mr Multiglisse! I've always maintained that any place is as good as you want it to be, and you guys have a solid group making your zone better. Love it, hope you guys get dumped on to make the best of what you've got. Coupla questions for you - D'ya get lake effect there? If not, must be pretty dry? Cheers, eastern bums!

[paulster2626]

Coupla questions for you - D'ya get lake effect there? If not, must be pretty dry? Cheers, eastern bums!

I am not the wise old Mr. Multi, but I can answer this.

Yes, lake effect snow is definitely in play. Prevailing winds are west --> east, so anything that is directly east of the lakes is prime territory most of the year (like Buffalo gets slammed all the time, while Niagara Falls gets significantly less despite being only 20 min away). Mr. Multi's muskoka chair is right in this wheelhouse (near Huntsville on the map). Basically anything north of Barrie gets a lot more snow than anything south of it. When the winds shift a little though, then anything can happen.

For example this weekend Mr. Multi's backyard chair should see a decent dump of snow (out here we call 15cm decent) from strong westerly winds across an unfrozen lake huron and georgian bay but these are really hard to forecast. Depends on how strong the winds blow, and how much water they suck up from the lakes.

All we really need out here is long patches of cold weather. Storms come regularly enough, it's been the damn rain the last 2 winters that's made things tough. Last year could've been epic with just -3 more degrees celcius during all those storms bringing water up from the gulf of mexico.

Nowadays I consider ourselves lucky if we're skiing by Christmas break. First week of January has been the normal 'everything is open' timing lately.



...and you can see this happening right now. Notice the thin streams coming off of Georgian Bay - pure lake effect snow but this is why it's hard to predict.

[petey_]

As Paulster mentioned, lake effect is tricky. Downright frightening when it hits you. Couple of workmates got stuck for close to a week at the Bruce Generating Station years ago when Lake Huron buried them. Driving through Parry Sound one year and I knew where I was but never saw a road sign and the armco was an elusive ghost in the periphery. Five minutes later the sun is shining and all is well.

Living in London in the midst of the great lakes you'd think there would be lots of snow in the winter. Nope! Some years we get a foot and a half total for the whole winter. Other years might bring that much numerous times. Frustrating. One early December saw three feet in 24 hours at my house. Driving home that night I had to open the window and stick my head out to see as the snow was flowing over the hood and windshield. Wound up golfing in the first week of January that season.

Anywho, just checked the Boler cam and see the guns spewing snow. Pumpt!!

[Johnny P]

Blowing at Blue!! In Belize currently. Sure hope I can ski when I get home though.