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KilaTsunami
October, 2024

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Heavenly vs. Northstar (March)

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ICary
Posts: 325 - Karma: 806
Hi Friends,

Looking to get some inside info from some west coast riders. Always lived on the east coast and ride PA, Vermont, NH every year. Usually make it out west to CO or UT a few times a year with the boys to ride. This season the lady and I are wanting to go to Tahoe area. I can ski any and everything, the lady on the other hand is a beginner and this will be her first time out west. I ultimately just want her to be comfortable and have fun. So looking for the most beginner friendly trails. We like the idea of a village at the base so we can just bop around at night to different bars/pubs. Any insight on which mountain has more open terrain or a nicer village?

Thanks for all the summer lookers who are on this right now.
Jul 25 2023 10:02AM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280



betzLast thing- not sure if you are used to california ski weather but it goes a lil like this:

10-20F- prob a storm day, dress for cold, you're lucky if it's this cold
20-30F- dress in your normal winter gear
30-40F- on the mountain this feels pretty warm- don't layer at all, use no insulation if possible
40F+ = feels hot as fuck. If it's in the 50s you'll be sweating for sure. my go to is bib+ long sleeve tee but wear as little clothing as you want. You won't be too cold but falling on bare skin in the snow can burn real bad.

Or 0 with the insane wind and snow blowing. Lol
My nose was very unhappy this day
Aug 7 2023 2:35PM
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ICary
Posts: 325 - Karma: 806
The nose is the worse. I was skiing in -26F this past season in NH and did not know how to keep the nose warm. It was literally do a run, go to the bar, repeat.
PartyBullshiit




Or 0 with the insane wind and snow blowing. Lol
My nose was very unhappy this day
Aug 8 2023 8:09AM
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ICary
Posts: 325 - Karma: 806
betzLast thing- not sure if you are used to california ski weather but it goes a lil like this:

10-20F- prob a storm day, dress for cold, you're lucky if it's this cold
20-30F- dress in your normal winter gear
30-40F- on the mountain this feels pretty warm- don't layer at all, use no insulation if possible
40F+ = feels hot as fuck. If it's in the 50s you'll be sweating for sure. my go to is bib+ long sleeve tee but wear as little clothing as you want. You won't be too cold but falling on bare skin in the snow can burn real bad.


This is helpful thanks! Usually just rock a base layer and my Future Light shells when I am on vacation so be ready for anything.

Snow Burn (falling on bare skin) is one of the worse things ever. I used to work at Woodward Copper for summer camp, and I learned very quickly to not just ride in a T-Shirt and that I needed the long sleeve! Also the sunburn is no joke too!
Aug 8 2023 8:11AM
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sambuswell
Posts: 742 - Karma: 3,453
I'm a Vermonter who had never seen mountains on the west coast until this summer. I rode the Northstar downhill park recently and I was surprised at how flat the whole place is. It is comparable in pitch to Snowdon at Killington or Morse at Smugglers Notch.
Aug 20 2023 1:09AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
sambuswellI'm a Vermonter who had never seen mountains on the west coast until this summer. I rode the Northstar downhill park recently and I was surprised at how flat the whole place is. It is comparable in pitch to Snowdon at Killington or Morse at Smugglers Notch.


The nickname for Northstar is flatstar. They are well known and largely laughed at for how flat they are
Aug 20 2023 1:25PM
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betz
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,041
sambuswellI'm a Vermonter who had never seen mountains on the west coast until this summer. I rode the Northstar downhill park recently and I was surprised at how flat the whole place is. It is comparable in pitch to Snowdon at Killington or Morse at Smugglers Notch.


The entire frontside is a flat piece of earth pitched like 5-15 degrees. The backside is a little steeper, and lookout mtn steeper still but maybe like 30 degrees max. Sawtooth ridge is the only actually interesting terrain besides their trees but it's hike in only for now. Point is, their bike park is only the front side so yes it's flat as fuck. Rest of N* isn't something I would consider particularly steep but it's enough for some of the best resort tree skiing in Tahoe. Sierra at Tahoe used to be the best in that area but.. they are a little tree deficit as of late unfortunately :(
Aug 21 2023 12:38PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,232
profa_212The nickname for Northstar is flatstar. They are well known and largely laughed at for how flat they are


Meh. Weird squaw nerd vibes. I get it if people actually send anything cool, but nothing like jabronis that rode groomers at swuaw calling Northstar flatstar. Have had some of the best pow days ever at the star. Knowing where to go and being in the right place at the wrong time.

Traffic anywhere in Tahoe is fucked on pow days ao staying local helps. Northstar has some fun tree runs and it's that steep but def isn't flst. Martis is all steep enough. Not really a techy rock/cliff chute mtn but its still mad fun.

I felt like I heard flat star 90%from people who weren't very strong skiers the years I lived in Tahoe. Def one of the most consistent park scenes and killer tree runs.
Aug 21 2023 9:05PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
theabortionatorMeh. Weird squaw nerd vibes. I get it if people actually send anything cool, but nothing like jabronis that rode groomers at swuaw calling Northstar flatstar. Have had some of the best pow days ever at the star. Knowing where to go and being in the right place at the wrong time.

Honestly I get that lol. Only ever really was used as a friendly jab towards homies that were going to Northstar instead of squalpine. "Oh look he's going to flAtStAaR tomorrow ooooooo" type deal lmao
Aug 21 2023 9:18PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,232
profa_212Honestly I get that lol. Only ever really was used as a friendly jab towards homies that were going to Northstar instead of squalpine. "Oh look he's going to flAtStAaR tomorrow ooooooo" type deal lmao

True yeah. There's some people that rake it weirdly serious. I guess same types that are still hating skies or snowboards in modern years
Aug 21 2023 10:26PM
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1362 - Karma: 10,867
theabortionatorTrue yeah. There's some people that rake it weirdly serious. I guess same types that are still hating skies or snowboards in modern years


used to hear 'flatstar' a lot, especially from people who hadn't skied northstar since before the backside and lookout mountain opened. aside from a tiny selection of fairly short trails off of east or west ridge, all of the steepest trails at northstar are on lookout or the backside. basically, northstar is great for 3 of 4 things: park, groomers, or tree skiing. it is not sick for steeps/drops but that is what kirkwood is for after all!
Aug 22 2023 11:07AM
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betz
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,041
theabortionatorMeh. Weird squaw nerd vibes. I get it if people actually send anything cool, but nothing like jabronis that rode groomers at swuaw calling Northstar flatstar. Have had some of the best pow days ever at the star. Knowing where to go and being in the right place at the wrong time.

Traffic anywhere in Tahoe is fucked on pow days ao staying local helps. Northstar has some fun tree runs and it's that steep but def isn't flst. Martis is all steep enough. Not really a techy rock/cliff chute mtn but its still mad fun.

I felt like I heard flat star 90%from people who weren't very strong skiers the years I lived in Tahoe. Def one of the most consistent park scenes and killer tree runs.


FR dude, that's what I'm saying. Like yeah it's not the steepest mountain but it's definitely steep enough to have a great time at. Its almost like they only ever skied the frontside of northstar. Squaw nerds are there because everyone said it's the best mountain in Tahoe so they ride on moments skiing shirley groomers and mountain run. Y'all motherfuckers are Northstar skiers in denial lol.

There are a lot of great skiers there too obviously. So much that I can't really see myself getting a pass because there's so much friggin competition on a pow day at Palisades. I can't pretend to know that mountain 1/10 as well as some people and everywhere I'd be skiing gets skied out in like 15 mins. I just wanna get snowed in at kirkwood and have chair 6 to myself, y'all can ski out KT in 5 mins and wait all year for silverado to open lol.
Aug 22 2023 3:15PM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 6981 - Karma: 60,964
painfully true lol

Most people I knew didn’t even ski Squaw. They skied Alpine (before the gondola). Squaw has major hardo vibes.

Alpine and Sugar were my favorites for big terrain because you got sick terrain but not that hardo Squaw vibe
betzSquaw nerds are there because everyone said it's the best mountain in Tahoe so they ride on moments skiing shirley groomers and mountain run. Y'all motherfuckers are Northstar skiers in denial lol.
Aug 23 2023 4:11PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
BradFiAusNzCoCapainfully true lol

Most people I knew didn’t even ski Squaw. They skied Alpine (before the gondola). Squaw has major hardo vibes.

Alpine and Sugar were my favorites for big terrain because you got sick terrain but not that hardo Squaw vibe


I'm so sad I was never able to ski alpine before squaw bought them They still have way better vibes over there though.
Aug 23 2023 5:18PM
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betz
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,041
BradFiAusNzCoCapainfully true lol

Most people I knew didn’t even ski Squaw. They skied Alpine (before the gondola). Squaw has major hardo vibes.

Alpine and Sugar were my favorites for big terrain because you got sick terrain but not that hardo Squaw vibe


EXACTLY, ugh, I was considering an ikon pass a few years back just to ski Alpine. It was already bad enough that you have to get through squaw traffic to get there. Alpine would have been the saving grace.. now if it's even half as bad as OV then you'd probably have to show up by 8am on a weekend just to be able to park (after you just sat through an hours worth of traffic on 89).

Sugar bowl is kind of the move, I'm just salty they took themselves off the powder alliance and they've kind of got this air of superiority over the other independent resorts. They charge a hell of a lot for a pass, too. $730 with blackouts, right when it gets released, compare that to what, $400 for a Sierra at Tahoe pass? And like $530 for an Epic Tahoe Local pass. Sugar bowl is great but it is not better than Kirkwood, terrain wise. Maybe more well rounded, but not better. Plus they never spin summit chair and Crow's only spins on weekends. Kinda lame if you ask me.
Aug 23 2023 5:26PM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 6981 - Karma: 60,964
They do for sure. It’s usually obvious when Squaw people make their way over to Alpine haha
profa_212I'm so sad I was never able to ski alpine before squaw bought them They still have way better vibes over there though.

That’s the only thing. Sugar is so so expensive but I had a buddy who worked there who used to hook me up with $20 tickets so that was very nice. Also, I was on Tahoe side so Alpine was closer. Driving by Squaw would have sucked
betzEXACTLY, ugh, I was considering an ikon pass a few years back just to ski Alpine. It was already bad enough that you have to get through squaw traffic to get there. Alpine would have been the saving grace.. now if it's even half as bad as OV then you'd probably have to show up by 8am on a weekend just to be able to park (after you just sat through an hours worth of traffic on 89).

Sugar bowl is kind of the move, I'm just salty they took themselves off the powder alliance and they've kind of got this air of superiority over the other independent resorts. They charge a hell of a lot for a pass, too. $730 with blackouts, right when it gets released, compare that to what, $400 for a Sierra at Tahoe pass? And like $530 for an Epic Tahoe Local pass. Sugar bowl is great but it is not better than Kirkwood, terrain wise. Maybe more well rounded, but not better. Plus they never spin summit chair and Crow's only spins on weekends. Kinda lame if you ask me.
Aug 23 2023 5:38PM
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betz
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,041
BradFiAusNzCoCaThat’s the only thing. Sugar is so so expensive but I had a buddy who worked there who used to hook me up with $20 tickets so that was very nice. Also, I was on Tahoe side so Alpine was closer. Driving by Squaw would have sucked


That's funny, last time I was at Sugar bowl was because of a $20 ticket for super bowl sunday 2019. They have not had a decent deal on tickets since. They used to have a good deal on a 3 pack, no longer. I feel like they've fully invested in selling overpriced season passes to people who would never ski anywhere else, and overpriced (but not as bad as Palisades / Vail) day tickets to the general public.
Aug 23 2023 6:48PM
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b0ss
Posts: 795 - Karma: 6,271
b_in_subtleLeave her at either one and you go up to Kirkwood

We don't talk about k word on the internet please keep it down.
Aug 29 2023 12:00AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
betzThat's funny, last time I was at Sugar bowl was because of a $20 ticket for super bowl sunday 2019. They have not had a decent deal on tickets since. They used to have a good deal on a 3 pack, no longer. I feel like they've fully invested in selling overpriced season passes to people who would never ski anywhere else, and overpriced (but not as bad as Palisades / Vail) day tickets to the general public.


Yeah sugarbowl is super sick. I remember being able to go up and buy tickets off employees for 20 bucks no problem. Went there a good amount when I had buddies there.


They're going to get blown tf out though and are already on their way too it. I haven't been there in 2 seasons or so....maybe they already are. But the amount of friends and people on the chairlift at squaw/alpine that were switching passes over the years was a ton.
Aug 29 2023 12:08PM
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betz
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,041
b0ssWe don't talk about k word on the internet please keep it down.


It's a vail owned resort man. Luckily, kwood tends to chew up and spit out the heavenly stragglers quite well on it's own. I was in the lodge and heard this skier who bragged about "warming up on black diamonds", he had this thousand yard stare lol talking about how kirkwood was too difficult. Warms my heart.
Aug 29 2023 12:27PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,232
betzIt's a vail owned resort man. Luckily, kwood tends to chew up and spit out the heavenly stragglers quite well on it's own. I was in the lodge and heard this skier who bragged about "warming up on black diamonds", he had this thousand yard stare lol talking about how kirkwood was too difficult. Warms my heart.


I want to frame thise words or tattoo them on my soul. What a lovely sentiment
Aug 29 2023 8:12PM
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ICary
Posts: 325 - Karma: 806
So booked our hotel, and looking at travel now. It looks like an Uber/Lyft from Reno to Heavenly is around $120.00. I saw one bus option that was $60.00 a person. There's 2 of us so to me the Uber/Lyft seems to be a bit more private and probably quicker than a bus.

Can anyone recommend and other bus/shuttle options from Reno to Heavenly?

Also, does anyone think a rental car is worth it? We are fine walking around the village and are staying next to the gondola. I imagine there are some shuttles that we can take in Heavenly if we want to go to the other side where the casinos are or something.

Thoughts/experiences with this?
Oct 16 2023 12:06PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
ICarySo booked our hotel, and looking at travel now. It looks like an Uber/Lyft from Reno to Heavenly is around $120.00. I saw one bus option that was $60.00 a person. There's 2 of us so to me the Uber/Lyft seems to be a bit more private and probably quicker than a bus.

Can anyone recommend and other bus/shuttle options from Reno to Heavenly?

Also, does anyone think a rental car is worth it? We are fine walking around the village and are staying next to the gondola. I imagine there are some shuttles that we can take in Heavenly if we want to go to the other side where the casinos are or something.

Thoughts/experiences with this?


depending on where you are staying, some of the casinos have shuttles.

One slightly off the books option is to rent a uhaul f150. 20 bucks a day and then .89 per mile. Was just moving so it made me think of it. Its like 120 bucks for the truck for 4 days and the comprehensive insurance. Gives you the option to have the mobility i guess, but the per mile charges will stack up. Still quarter/half the price of a rental car.

overall though 120 for 2 people to uber to south lake aint bad
Oct 16 2023 12:43PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
ICarySo booked our hotel, and looking at travel now. It looks like an Uber/Lyft from Reno to Heavenly is around $120.00. I saw one bus option that was $60.00 a person. There's 2 of us so to me the Uber/Lyft seems to be a bit more private and probably quicker than a bus.

Can anyone recommend and other bus/shuttle options from Reno to Heavenly?

Also, does anyone think a rental car is worth it? We are fine walking around the village and are staying next to the gondola. I imagine there are some shuttles that we can take in Heavenly if we want to go to the other side where the casinos are or something.

Thoughts/experiences with this?

So we get a car at RNO and drive into heavenly. If you have a Costco membership you can rent through them with any major rental company. It’s always cheaper. We have a ford edge for 10 days $475 total. With Costco it’s not pay up front. So we done price drops multiple times too.



last trip we had a Chevy Tahoe. That was $600 for 9 days.

if your staying near the gondola which is where we always stay the casinos are right there. You don’t need a shuttle or bus. You could easily walk if the weather is nice or a short Uber ride.
Oct 16 2023 6:14PM
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KilaTsunami
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Im finally making a trip to Tahoe.. So who on the Epic pass has the best park? Never been to Heavenly, Kirk, or Northstar
Sep 4 2024 11:22AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8897 - Karma: 35,862
KilaTsunamiIm finally making a trip to Tahoe.. So who on the Epic pass has the best park? Never been to Heavenly, Kirk, or Northstar


northstar by a mile. Used to be one of the top parks in the US.


I dont think Kirkwood has one. Never rode heavenlys park. Kirkwood is one of the best resorts in the US for freeride if youre into that. I'd put it on par with Squaw.
Sep 4 2024 11:41AM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
profa_212northstar by a mile. Used to be one of the top parks in the US.


I dont think Kirkwood has one. Never rode heavenlys park. Kirkwood is one of the best resorts in the US for freeride if youre into that. I'd put it on par with Squaw.


Hell yes. thanks dude. Ill bring my free ride skis and my park sticks cuz were doin both
Sep 4 2024 12:02PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,975
profa_212northstar by a mile. Used to be one of the top parks in the US.


I dont think Kirkwood has one. Never rode heavenlys park. Kirkwood is one of the best resorts in the US for freeride if youre into that. I'd put it on par with Squaw.


this... at least last i knew

heavenly isn't an amazing mtn honestly but in terms of being a tourist and enjoying the views of the lake, it's a pretty cool place
Sep 4 2024 12:51PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
KilaTsunamiIm finally making a trip to Tahoe.. So who on the Epic pass has the best park? Never been to Heavenly, Kirk, or Northstar

You gotta make the pilgrimage over to moment. It’s a fairly short drive over from Tahoe. Well worth the trip.
Sep 4 2024 12:56PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
PartyBullshiitYou gotta make the pilgrimage over to moment. It’s a fairly short drive over from Tahoe. Well worth the trip.


If it aint on Epic i probably wont ski it. But who knows.. maybe one of the guys out there has a hook up. Ill keep that in mind tho thanks G
Sep 4 2024 1:05PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
KilaTsunamiIf it aint on Epic i probably wont ski it. But who knows.. maybe one of the guys out there has a hook up. Ill keep that in mind tho thanks G


Sorry I meant the moment ski factory. I only ski epic as well. If you’re flying into RNO like you mentioned they’re literally located just outside the airport fencing.
Sep 4 2024 2:54PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
PartyBullshiitSorry I meant the moment ski factory. I only ski epic as well. If you’re flying into RNO like you mentioned they’re literally located just outside the airport fencing.


oh sick, yea ill def try n check that out. Thought u meant another hill. Im east coast so i dont know, only ever spent time at big bear.
Sep 4 2024 3:53PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
KilaTsunamioh sick, yea ill def try n check that out. Thought u meant another hill. Im east coast so i dont know, only ever spent time at big bear.



Sep 4 2024 5:08PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
PartyBullshiit


U weren't kidding lol
Sep 4 2024 5:16PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
KilaTsunamiU weren't kidding lol


There’s nothing better than getting off a long plane ride and getting some free beer and fondling some dope skis at moment.
Sep 4 2024 5:21PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
PartyBullshiitThere’s nothing better than getting off a long plane ride and getting some free beer and fondling some dope skis at moment.


Free beer?! was that a typo??
Sep 4 2024 5:29PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3815 - Karma: 17,280
KilaTsunamiFree beer?! was that a typo??


Absolutely not. They have a cooler in the lobby fully stocked. Always free. Have a couple cold ones and ask for a tour.
Sep 4 2024 5:43PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3041 - Karma: 28,847
PartyBullshiitAbsolutely not. They have a cooler in the lobby fully stocked. Always free. Have a couple cold ones and ask for a tour.


Brilliant stuff. Thanks for the suggestion homie
Sep 4 2024 7:45PM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 6981 - Karma: 60,964
Yeah Heavenly has great views but A) most of the mountain starts way higher than one would think B) it’s a giant non stop traverse.

Northstar is def place for parks.
SofaKingSickthis... at least last i knew

heavenly isn't an amazing mtn honestly but in terms of being a tourist and enjoying the views of the lake, it's a pretty cool place

Lmk if you have any Northstar questions. I used to work there.
KilaTsunamiIf it aint on Epic i probably wont ski it. But who knows.. maybe one of the guys out there has a hook up. Ill keep that in mind tho thanks G
Sep 10 2024 3:24PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,975
BradFiAusNzCoCaYeah Heavenly has great views but A) most of the mountain starts way higher than one would think B) it’s a giant non stop traverse.


yeah exactly. kind of an odd mtn in that way. but if you're in tourist mode or with a partner who is, i'd say it's definitely worth checking out
Sep 10 2024 4:53PM
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