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December, 2024

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About to head West and live in my van for the rest of the winter -- share your experiences // advice ?

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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
I'm heading west this week to spend the rest of my winter living from my converted school bus van. (Been building it all summer) I have an Ikon pass and *some* money... And I'm pretty god damn excited.

Id love to hear about anyone else's experiences doing this for the winter ! Or any crucial advice you may have lol

What did you survive on to save $$
Parking recommendations
Hot tubs
Etc...

Anyone else doing similar trips?


Jan 7 2019 9:27PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,776
watch the pacific flow and follow the storms.
don't eat out ever if possible. be wary of wook shit and hood rats tryin to bunk up in your van. and take showers at local rec centers at least once a period.
Jan 7 2019 9:31PM
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postal_slime
Posts: 153 - Karma: 296
Where are you headed and maybe we could give you more site-specific advice for places to stay, what to watch out for and what not.
Go you tho! National forest roads and BLM land is your friend, extremely easy through most of the winter in the west-maybe that’s the case everywhere too tho. In California vans can be targets for cops depending where you are, so in mammoth/bear etc it’s best not to post up in the back of a lot.
Threads for future help!
Jan 7 2019 9:42PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
I'm so extremely jealous, have fun!
Jan 7 2019 9:52PM
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AbiH
Posts: 2041 - Karma: 10,358
THIS IS DOPE WE NEEDA BE PALS

Tuna is super cheap and tasty, lived in that this summer lol, take a ton of blankets I mean like 10 big heavy ones..... talk to locals and find the hot springs!! Don’t forget a can opener and a tire jack haha! You’re a badass keep it up!
Jan 7 2019 10:07PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
snomasterwatch the pacific flow and follow the storms.
don't eat out ever if possible. be wary of wook shit and hood rats tryin to bunk up in your van. and take showers at local rec centers at least once a period.

Showers? And how long is this period you speak of
postal_slimeWhere are you headed and maybe we could give you more site-specific advice for places to stay, what to watch out for and what not.
Go you tho! National forest roads and BLM land is your friend, extremely easy through most of the winter in the west-maybe that’s the case everywhere too tho. In California vans can be targets for cops depending where you are, so in mammoth/bear etc it’s best not to post up in the back of a lot.
Threads for future help!


The big ones on the list are Copper, Steamboat, Aspen, Alta Snowbird, Jackson hole, Mammoth, and Squaw. In the end - if I run out of money im going to try to pick up a part time job out in Tahoe since I'll have unlimited days at Squaw .
Jan 7 2019 10:21PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
Hell yeah - and a lot of time was spent insulating the van, got a good sleeping bag for the bed, and a propane heater setup !! Bring on the cold. Also shit I definitely lost my can opener recently
AbiHTHIS IS DOPE WE NEEDA BE PALS

Tuna is super cheap and tasty, lived in that this summer lol, take a ton of blankets I mean like 10 big heavy ones..... talk to locals and find the hot springs!! Don’t forget a can opener and a tire jack haha! You’re a badass keep it up!
Jan 7 2019 10:22PM
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PeteMahn
Posts: 1317 - Karma: 3,384
About to do the same, lived in summit county for the past 2.5 years. First if you stay somewhere at least 10 days or more talk to local restaurants; places in summit, aspen, PC etc always need help. They prob wont let you serve but be a busser, food runner, host. The money is good and you eat for free. Cut out your eating costs plus your making money. Just do this at night so you can ski during the day obviously.
Check with rec centers about last hour deals. Some have deals where it's only 10 dollars or less to come in for the last hour there open; so you can just shower quick.
Jan 7 2019 10:42PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2835 - Karma: 5,534
8 gallon trash bags. Fill then when at gas station small enough to fit in a gas station trash bin. Always use bathroom before heading to bed for the night. Have a emergency incase. As a guy I have a old nalgeen. A female could use Lady J and would work in a nalgeen. Worth to think about.
Also look for underground heated parking areas you could fit your van in for extreme cold nights.
Jan 8 2019 2:13AM
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Gucci_Logan
Posts: 120 - Karma: 1,334
Where are you going? I spent two months in my truck last winter. You’ll have a great time! Would remomend the little buddy space heater (keep a window open during use) and I slept in two sleeping bags. As well as covered windows for insulation. I slept in lots of truck stops, ski resort often have overnight spots for RVs, and across from apartment buildings works really well. Be money conscience of what you’re spending. Bring books!

**This post was edited on Jan 8th 2019 at 2:33:52am
Jan 8 2019 2:32AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,776
ErikaaaShowers? And how long is this period you speak of

longer than a hockey period? you tell me




But really, just have fun and be safe!
Jan 8 2019 2:43AM
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coolflash8
Posts: 3171 - Karma: 2,049
ratchet, how about you get a real job and participate in our amazing society?
Jan 8 2019 4:59AM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,326
I'm jealous! PM me if you need camping/parking ideas or places to eat in the interior northwest. Grand Targhee and Bridger bowl are the best bang for your buck you can find.
Jan 8 2019 9:23AM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
Good luck and thanks for the inspiration
Jan 8 2019 10:24AM
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JTTrembles
Posts: 1108 - Karma: 1,907
Yo sick idea! Can we see the inside of that bad Jackson?
Jan 8 2019 11:29AM
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coolflash8
Posts: 3171 - Karma: 2,049


to all you in this thread
Jan 8 2019 1:02PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
Yeeeeee I just graduated college with a Bachelors in science and I spent the entire summer working construction to save up a shit ton of money for this trip. Oh and I'm starting an internship for my degree come spring, out west. Super ratchet 😘
coolflash8ratchet, how about you get a real job and participate in our amazing society?
Jan 8 2019 3:12PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
JTTremblesYo sick idea! Can we see the inside of that bad Jackson?


It's a total mess right now but I'll take some pics later today --
There's a 12v fridge, 400 w of solar, lights, outlets.. even a cat
Jan 8 2019 3:14PM
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iambusyskiing
Posts: 273 - Karma: 4,003
Gucci_LoganWhere are you going? I spent two months in my truck last winter. You’ll have a great time! Would remomend the little buddy space heater (keep a window open during use) and I slept in two sleeping bags. As well as covered windows for insulation. I slept in lots of truck stops, ski resort often have overnight spots for RVs, and across from apartment buildings works really well. Be money conscience of what you’re spending. Bring books!

**This post was edited on Jan 8th 2019 at 2:33:52am

Hey!

What did you use for insulation on the windows?
Jan 8 2019 4:52PM
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Gucci_Logan
Posts: 120 - Karma: 1,334
emrenHey!

What did you use for insulation on the windows?

I used those things you put on your windshield in the summer. I cut em to the size of each window and used velcro so it would stay. Really helps keep it warm
Jan 8 2019 5:52PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6949 - Karma: 25,098
Get lots of veggies and some soluble fiber powder too. Force yourself to get enough nutrients and fiber every day.
Storm is coming.
Go git it!!!!!!!
Jan 8 2019 6:33PM
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iRide1080s
Posts: 660 - Karma: 411
I have nothing useful to add but keep NS updated so I can live vicariously through you.

Good luck and be safe.
Jan 8 2019 6:40PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601








Here's a few pictures I gathered... One being of the solar battery setup before it was covered more. Forgot to take any in the daylight. The backdoors of the van access the underbed storage which is sectioned off to hold ALOT of skis and all the bags. There's also a propane line that goes through the back doors to the bigger tank. That fuels both the stove and the heater .
Jan 8 2019 7:31PM
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twonsarelli
Posts: 127 - Karma: 661
Looks like you killed it on the van build. When possible, spend a night or two (or as long as they'll have you) with friends along the way. Gives you times to do laundry, catch up on cyberweb biz via wifi, cook a meal on a real stove, have a hot shower on hand, etc. There are plenty of newschoolers all over the place so you can always reach out for accommodation if need be - maybe just go catch a lap or two with them first to make sure they aren't secret murderers! Have fun and be safe.
Jan 8 2019 9:40PM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,539
be as primitive as possible by finding beasts to kill and use them as nourishment.

**This post was edited on Jan 8th 2019 at 9:45:52pm
Jan 8 2019 9:44PM
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tahoearmada20
Posts: 972 - Karma: 357
ErikaaaShowers? And how long is this period you speak of


The big ones on the list are Copper, Steamboat, Aspen, Alta Snowbird, Jackson hole, Mammoth, and Squaw. In the end - if I run out of money im going to try to pick up a part time job out in Tahoe since I'll have unlimited days at Squaw .


so many jobs available out here in tahoe, youll have no prob getting one out here if you need/want
Jan 8 2019 11:03PM
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camstain
Posts: 1124 - Karma: 387
Rice cooker would be pretty convenient. Helps cut down on food costs as well considering rice is cheap af.
Jan 9 2019 12:41AM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
I heard those red squirrels out there are fantastic - I can even make keychains from the feet to sell for added benefit
Peterkrekorianbe as primitive as possible by finding beasts to kill and use them as nourishment.

**This post was edited on Jan 8th 2019 at 9:45:52pm
Jan 9 2019 6:44PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
ErikaaaI heard those red squirrels out there are fantastic - I can even make keychains from the feet to sell for added benefit


This thread turned dark... slaughter innocent animals no thanxxxxxxx
Jan 10 2019 10:46AM
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G-Moneyy
Posts: 45 - Karma: 126
Your van is like my dream build
Jan 10 2019 12:04PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,347
Great van! Looks like you're going to have a fantastic winter. Make sure you keep the oil topped up and fresh. Treat the rig to an oil change every 5000 miles or so. There's a really good app for finding free places to park called iOverlander in case you don't already know about it.
Jan 10 2019 12:59PM
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,301
ErikaaaI heard those red squirrels out there are fantastic - I can even make keychains from the feet to sell for added benefit


Haha. Dope van. If you make it out to Northern California let me know. I live by Mount Shasta, a nice kept secret for skiing and all things outdoors. Can show you around and if you need to take a shower or sleep in a house for a night I'd be happy to help. Stupid jealous!!!
Jan 10 2019 1:03PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
skiguy04This thread turned dark... slaughter innocent animals no thanxxxxxxx


I'm a god damn wildlife major. Id never hurt the little critters hahaha

JoeF2661Haha. Dope van. If you make it out to Northern California let me know. I live by Mount Shasta, a nice kept secret for skiing and all things outdoors. Can show you around and if you need to take a shower or sleep in a house for a night I'd be happy to help. Stupid jealous!!!


Hell yeah, thanks dude! Much appreciated
Jan 10 2019 10:38PM
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Erikaaa
Posts: 423 - Karma: 601
skiP.E.I.Great van! Looks like you're going to have a fantastic winter. Make sure you keep the oil topped up and fresh. Treat the rig to an oil change every 5000 miles or so. There's a really good app for finding free places to park called iOverlander in case you don't already know about it.


Downloading it now !
Jan 10 2019 10:42PM
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