A returning guest reached out looking to link some turns in the backcountry. We were able to help and happy to do so. Thanks to the Tuckerman Inferno race with its usual crowds, however, we decided to stay out of Tuckerman Ravine. Instead, Redline Guide Erik Samia decided to venture into the Gulf of Slides (GoS) just to the south. As it turned out, this was a good choice. The skiing wasn’t the best due to weather and snow pack conditions, but they did ski and the vibes were awesome. As Erik put it:
We had a great day skiing for the second time together! Because of winds, lack of direct sun to allow snow to turn to corn, and the crowds in the ravines due to the Inferno Race, we elected to head into Gulf of Slides. The day was full of texture, having us take skis off and on a good amount on the way up but once we got to more consistent skinable snow, we were able to move fairly well into Main Gully. There we enjoyed classic east coast ski conditions (read: variable) but were able to link up some fine turns and had a blast. The ski back down the GoS Trail to Pinkham added more texture and some spice with us navigating skiable snow, open water bars, and sections of grass and rocks. Near the base we finally got to harvest some corn on very mellow terrain. Solid day with solid company, looking forward to more ski days with today’s guest as he continues to partake in backcountry skiing. —Erik S.
