Funny... That's exactly when we're plannin' to go up, those EXACT dates. Probably go up Tuesday morning, then come back down Wednesday afternoon/night.


That's why I went here first cuz I knew I could count on i-club for a lot of useful info. Thanks to everyone that's been putting their input in. It's all really helpful. I'm gonna try to start visiting some stores for some good deals, as well as go online.

 

Snow Tues. and Wed.

 

Kirkwood is by far the best, best terrain, best snow and smallest ammount of people. But don't tell a bunch of ppl it's good or it will get crowded. Stock re's can handle the snow fine if yo u know how to drive, i went threw the most treacherous conditions in tahoe last year and didn't have a problem. Don't get me wrong re92's are trash. Go to boreal or sugarbowl as a begginer they are close anyways.

 

yeah I am definately down with a meet and it would even be better to do a weekend cabin because I've tried boarding all day and head back to the city after and it is freaking tiring, plus traffic hate it!!

 

Since you have AWD and RE-92s are all season tires you will be fine, equipment wise, in most conditions assuming your tires are in good condition. However, you are required to carry chains/cables and even with AWD you are required to put them on in certain conditions. Most likely they will close the roads at that point. However, its a good idea to have them and know how to put them on even though you probably won't need them in the usual course of things.

I have Shur Grip Z

http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Tra...oducts/sz.html

I bought them at Napa Autoparts for around $70 a couple of years ago.

They go on the front wheels (see your car user's manual).

If you upgraded to summer tires with 17 or 18 inch wheels then you will either need to get a set of winter wheels and tires or find chains to fit. Summer tires do not mix with ice and snow very well

 

You know, I've been strugling with this for years. I've had a 4wd truck up until I got my WRX, and you're supposed to 'always carry chains'. I've also been going to Tahoe 10-20 times a winter for 10 years now, sometimes in white-out blizzards. Not a SINGLE TIME have they required chains for 4wd/awd vehicles w/ m+s tires. NOT ONCE!!! But they have closed the pass completely. I have no idea why the CHP wants us to have chains in our cars so bad. For a while I thought it was a conspiracy with the chain manufacturers/retailers and the CHP. Then I thought it was for legal perposes. Now I think it's just another charge they can tack on if they catch you hot-boxing the car on the way to the hill hahahaha...
IMO, it is completely unneccesary to even carry chains unless you plan on going into an area that doesn't plow the roads at all (some back roads can be pretty hilly+icy, and chains would help a lot). But if you're like me, and you stay on plowed roads, I really wouldn't worry about it...save the money for your lift ticket. BTW, you do have to lie and say you have chains when they ask...just don't be dumb...



*Legal disclaimer: if you get sent back from the chain check point because you don't have chains, it is not my fault. I've just seen Donner Pass a lot, and have never ever needed to have chains with me.

 

I think its more a matter of prudence rather than the legal requirement. The weather can change quickly in the mountains and you may get stuck. Chains/Cables, a small shovel and a tow rope are good things to have along. Its not like this stuff is wildly expensive especially compared to skiing/snow boarding.
Its like having a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in your car. Probably you'll never need it but if you ever do you won't regret having it along.

 

I agree! On that note. 3-4 feet of snow! WOOOOHOOOO!

 

I always mention these even though they are ungodly expensive:

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

Coolest thing since sliced bread if you are up in the snow on roads that don't get plowed as frequently as main roads.

 

Definately look cool but you'd have to need to use them a lot to justify $280 plus they look a bit bulky to store.

 

Yeah, and you have to either have big steel discs on your wheels all the time or install/uninstall those all the time (even if it's in the 'warmth of your own garage')

 

I never said they looked cool, but they are awesome. Just install the disks at the begining of the season and take them off at the end.

 

http://www.craigslist.org/sby/car/46254464.html

125 for a set of the spiders.

 

IT HAS BEGUN!!!
From the Boreal website
Opening Day - Thursday, October 21st - Opening Top To Bottom Saturday
Opening to the TOP with the Accelerator Express Quad Chair Saturday, October 23rd! Without question, best opening day snowpack in years! 36" of new snow, one lift scheduled to operate Thursday and Friday. 2 lifts starting Saturday. Operating hours - 9am to 4pm. Terrain features out and ready to ride. Again, California's first resort to open for the winter season. Lift tickets will be reduced Thursday and Friday; $22 for adults and $10 for kids. Cold temperatures in the teens expected for tonight, so Boreal's snowmaking will be in full force. Please check back daily for updates or as conditions change.

i generally don't hit the slopes until the resorts have a 3'-5' base!