first timer questions

[skigurl246]

I have never skiied Tuckermans before and I have volkl skiis that i used for racing last year. Would those be okay to use or should I fine some used skiis? Also when is a good time to go up. I have herd of people say March and April so is February to early? Please help me!!! :snowflakes:

[Skilasnow]

Welcome skigurl! Any ski you are comfortable on works just fine. However, having said that, most people I know, and most that are vocal on this board, tend to bring shorter and lighter skis; shorter to handle turning on the steeps easier and lighter to make the hike up easier. My Tucks skis are 20 year-old 180 strait skis, they weigh 2/3 of any other ski I own. I keep the edges really sharp and I crank up the DIN quite a bit higher than normal to avoid any possibility of pre-release.

Plenty of people go up in Feb, but there is usually moderate to severe avalanche danger in various places on the mountain. The most popular time is from the end of March to the mid May or so, depending on the season. The famous Son of Inferno ski race is held mid to late April. If you are really Avvy Savvy and have Avvy Savvy friends that want some powder, go in Feb, but take all necessary precations and check the avvy board before you head in and chat with the Rangers. If not, wait for the killer corn and sunshine of April, and have a blast. If it is your first time, try and get a nice warm blue sky day in late April or early May, bring a bathing suit, a cold beer, and way more sunblock than you are used to

Always remember that no matter what the weather report says, or what the weather is doing before you leave on the hike, that can completely change by the time you get to the top, so bring clothes for EVERY possibility, and wear your helmet.

Hope this helps, stick around, you'll get plenty more helpful hints. :sun:

[RR]

Words to live by...play hard, play smart!

[TheOctopus]

Welcome!

I take whatever skis I'm comfortable with -- these days it's my Atmoic R.exs, which are 177cm long and 85mm underfoot. Hardly a svelt or light rig. But it's what I'm comfortable skiing, and let's just say I don't like the idea of changing my socks in the middle of the world series. And don't worry about "rock" skis -- you won't have to deal with skiing over any rocks (unless you want to ski the Sherburne Trail out to the parking lot in late-April or early-May).

As to pow, I echo the sage advice about being avvy savvy. Be careful. I've always satisfied my mid-winter Tucks urges on the totally avvy safe yet pow-filled Sherburne Trail.

Most importantly, have fun!