Right Gully & Sherburne Ski Trail 12/16/24

Dec 16, 2024

This morning we opted to head up to the bowl to check it out and hopefully get some turns in. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail was slow going due to its variable surface (see below photos). Traction with skins has been worse, we were able to get up with no slippage. The switchbacks had some water bars to navigate however the higher pitches were smoother with some ice patches to slide over.

There was a bit of a temperature inversion so we were down to short sleeves until the cabin. It was warm in the bowl during the brief period of sunshine but clouds rolled in and winds picked up bringing back the chill. We were able to skin 3/4 of the TRT between Hermit Lake and the ravine floor but had to take skis off in a couple icy and/or rocky spots.

The floor of the ravine was rather firm which made for good booting conditions but tricky snow on the ride back down. Would not recommend to a friend. We made it about 3/4 of the way up Right before it became ice, rocks, and brush. Some softer snow was found in chicken rock which made up for the firm surface above.

I expected the Sherb to be horrendous but it actually wasn't so bad; I've skied it in worse conditions. All water bars except the final turn were refrozen which allowed skis to remain on. Per usual, stick to the right up high to avoid some standing water as you begin your run. The base is firm which will help in the long run but there are some nasty sharks to navigate out there for the time being.

- Greg