(Photo: Courtesy of Vail Resorts)Ĭalifornia has a variety of resorts, each with their own microclimates. But locals who grew up skiing in this part of the country know it as good ol’ powder. As the mountain gets steeper and the snow less consistent, you need a longer ski under you to provide more stability.” The snow west of the Rockies typically has much higher moisture content, which can make for what many call Sierra Cement. “If you are on a flat slope and a very smooth surface, then a ski (or blade) is very maneuverable and provides sufficient stability. “I like to compare it to ice skating,” she says. Gibbons says she often recommends a longer length ski when you’re skiing these types of conditions, depending on the skier’s ability level. Related: Why shop pros prefer skis with some metal in them “These types of constructions, with denser wood or a bit of metal, have a tendency to blast or push through the heavier conditions with more consistency and predictability no matter where you are on the mountain.” “With a combination of heavier, denser snow, and often less groomed terrain, we sell more all-mountain skis ( 85-95mm for women) and ( 95-105mm for men) that have a bit more sustenance to them,” says Gibbons. Since the higher you go, the drier the snow gets, elevation plays a key role in the snow quality of the Pacific Northwest. “Some refer to the heavier snow as Cascade Concrete or Sierra Cement, but for those who grew up in the Northwest, we refer to it as powder on most days.”Īreas like Crystal Mountain, which tops out at just over 7,000 feet, have summits close to the base elevation of Mammoth. “Snow in the Northwest typically has a much higher water content level than inland states so our snow is heavier and denser,” says Tracy Gibbons, Category Merchandise Manager for Sturtevant’s/Christy Sports/BootDoctors, in Bellevue, Wash. ![]() What that means for skiers is that microclimates dictate the snow and weather at the multitude of resorts in this region. A series of mountain ranges stretch down the Pacific coast including the Cascade, Coast, and Sierra Nevada ranges. ![]() spans well over 1,000 miles, sprawling across three states that are sandwiched between Canada and Mexico. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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