Feb

[bradfordski]

I've skied Tuks the last couple years the weekend of the 21st in April. But I was thinking of going earlier this year. I know how unpredictable it is, but who can tell me what Tux is usually like towards the end of February in termsof skiing, thanks.

[cgr]

I used to do ski shares at Sunday River, so I would often head over to Pinkham Notch when the conditions would be favorable. One year Presidents Day weekend was in the 50's or 60's so conditions in the bowl were great. If conditions weren't safe, I had a nice run or two on the Sherburne or Gulf of Slides trails away from the crowds at the resort.

If you have flexibility in your schedule I would say go for it; but judging from your usual April 21 plan I would suggest earlier in April or late in March rather than February. Ideally you want to hit it when we get more snow than rain and when base depths are at their deepest, and avalanche risk is as low as it can get.

[lacman]

Unpredictable is a good way to say it.

As for snow coverage, February is usually good, and so far this year is way better than last. But the surface conditions and stability change day to day, so if you're thinking of heading up there at that time of the year you should be prepared for the chance of no skiing in the ravine. Best case is that you get a period of sunny freeze-thaw and get stable, spring-like corn conditions in Feb. True powder is rare-there is just too much wind. If stability is favorable you might get to ski on windslabs, though probably hard ones. If it's rained recently you might be skiing steep ice (not recommended, no matter how sharp your edges). And certainly, even if the avy danger is low, you should still be prepared with the right equipment and partners.

The other side of things, stability might be unfavorable, and you end up doing laps on the Sherbie, the Gulf of Slides ski trail, or heading across the street to Wildcat. None of these are poor ptions. The summit cone is another option. The skiing up there can be really fun if the weather cooperates. Although getting there is a bit of a chore (assuming you don't want to go through the ravine due to avy dangers).

If you've got the time and flexibility, I'd say go on up and give it a try. Just accept the conditions as they are be willing to say it's not the day.

[icelanticskier]

many good ideas here. pow is not as rare as many would think on the mountain, if tucks is firm, slabby, and hammered then another aspect would certainly be soft and sweet. if resorts are skied up, i usually will venture up the mountain and almost always find pow. just watch the weather and wind, keep angles low when necessary and there are plenty of low angle spots to ski-raymonds cat for example. east snowfields are fab using lions head as enter and exit to limit exposure.
last feb i skied 6 days out of 7 in perfect 6-8 inch pow in oaks and gos depending on the day and never saw a soul. the wind was minimal, high temps upper 20's, enough breeze at night to resurface nooks and crannies.
have fun
be safe
this upcoming jan thaw could be amazing up there
rog

[PWDR8S]

Lapping the Sherbie would be great training!

[bradfordski]

Sounds good.
It didnt even occur to me that accross the street is "plan b"... the Cat. Reps for the reminder.
This is why I put "TARGET Date" on the sign up sheet.
Thanks.

[RR]

Good thinking...the Kitty is often chilly in Feb, but all the goods are in by then.

Historicaly, February has been mostly excellent skiing on old George. It's usually quite steep and the pow can be awesome. Icelantic put it well, invest the time to look around. Use good judgement and you likely get to post a TR we admire.

el-bagr has gone in to Oakes Gulf from the South a couple times. His trips involved a tent and so far it seems he has managed to nab some fine runs each time.

If you have some good XCD or S-bound skis, you might sample Avalanche Brook Trail if there's plenty of fresh but all the aspects up high are unstable.