When?

[Mumster]

For the folks who have made multiple trips...If you could do ONLY one trip a year, would it be in March, April or May ?

[DMC]

Late March to Early April...
More routes!!!
Less people!!!

[pjmanchester]

agree with DMC if you are going up to get good runs, but if you are going up for the overall atmosphere of tucks and good weather then last weekend in april to fist weekend in may...that is my usual, unless it is a really bad snow year then earlier.

[M@]

I get one trip a year. I plan it around the closest full moon to May 1st. I usually hike up thursday night in the moonlight, and stay till sunday.

This year, I really want to be able to ski down though, so I might go earlier.

M@

[Jolly J]

Skiing down is definately where it's at. Over the years I've been up in Feb, March, April, May, June, and August. Haven't been up in July yet. I'd say Late March early Aprile is my favorite, tons of snow, the Sherburne hasn't had time to melt much so it's fun to play on as well. It's not the carnival atmosphere of later in the spring but the conditions are usually epic as long as the Avi conditions cooperate.

[jdew]

I can only go when my 15-, soon to be 16-, year old son is on his spring break. This year it was late (April 20). Next year it is two-weeks earlier and in 2005 it will be in late March. Can't wait for 2005. :snowboarding:

[Skilasnow]

Avalanche danger aside, early enough to ski down uninterupted on the Sherburne. I've only had the pleasure once and it was this year on Mar 21st. It was a fun ride down, and much nicer than hiking out. Sadly the bowl was almost unskiable, skating rink conditions, and we didn't even try after hearing a few reports, so it was extra nice that the Sherburne was open. Other than that I agree with the sentiment, late April - early may, and I think I'll plan on an overnighter at the same time as M@ next year, weather cooperative.

[RR]

The problem of sluffs turning into a big avvy in February is a factor, but with big skis, a clear line (that is, wait until there's no one below)....there is no finer time to make some turns. Hey, it's extreme...the test of judgement and skill in an environment that will not be kind...it will just be extreme.

The pow as March becomes April is pretty good too, but then the Ravine is jammed with a wider mix of skillsets...the long slide paths become rich with moving targets for bad consequences. The danger on powder days is always High and too many people at risk. Especially Right Gully, one of the Hikers' favorite ways to get to the summit.

PS Hey SkiLasLenas: I got a few carves in on that stuff...It was really OK...some vibes under foot, but the edges held...the reall bad deal was the steps...they were all rained out, then semi frozen. Kicking steps was a real chore!

[SkiStooge]

Late March-early-April, again, weather and conditions permitting. Less chance of sunburn, don't have to worry about all of the bugs and that nasty warm weather, but there is usually a LOT of snow and you doon't have to worry about harming any innocent little bushes or anything. PLUS, you appreciate ANY shelter from the wind that you can find all that much more! Have fun, be safe. :skistooge:

[BladeGirl]

My three trips have only been late April to early May because I wait for the :debris: danger to go down to Low, then wait for good weather. Its meant I've gotten :sun: , warm (50s-60s) weather and nice soft :snowflakes: , but have never skied Sherburn (despite my new member status). Next year I WILL get there early enough to ski all the way down (and maybe also come back for the warmer weather as well).
-BG