BP: Mostly Skiing
Here's Baden-Powell Saturday, one day after our slightly-miraculous mid-March storm cycle, which put about three feet of dense snow atop the big three SoCal ranges.
I admit, I may have had visions of sugar plums dancing in my head the night before...but things sounded a little too good to be true, so my cold-smoke expectations were muted.
Good thing. By the time we started our descent the snow quality was absolutely wrecked by humidity and wind. Days like these are basically survival-skiing for me. When it's this turn-by-turn variable, I'm just trying to get down without getting hurt. I do notice those of you who splitboard seem to do better in these conditions—and I'm jealous. :)
With all that water in the snowpack, this is probably a good time to mention that ice is likely to develop on the big north faces going forward. Get your timing right for the corn cycle and be sure you know what you're dropping into if things are steep and/or exposed.
For us the snow may have been tricky but sometimes skiing is fun even when it isn't, if you know what I mean. The air was clear, the views were tremendous, and I think we're on to something with the RosieCam.
— March 17, 2025
My family and I are deeply grateful to all of you for your kind words, encouragement, and offers of support. Every message and every gesture—big or small—has meant a lot to us. We're doing the best we can ❤️
Walter Kibler March 17, 2025 at 7:44 pm
Wow. So happy to see you back on the skis! I live vicariously through your videos when I'm unable to make it up there.
Joseph J Gregory March 18, 2025 at 2:55 pm
Great video Andy. Seems like a great day out and thanks for catching these great shots of the range.
Dan Conger March 19, 2025 at 7:13 am
Another great trip report, and happy you're still out there making tracks. You've been in my thoughts a lot since the fires.
My Dad served the public on Santa Monica PD for 30 years. He almost bought a home in the Pacific Palisades back in the 70's. The tragedy your family has suffered is very great, and I'm glad to hear that you're all constructively working through it together.
All the best!
Frank Terry March 20, 2025 at 9:31 am
Glad you got a beautiful day out in the peaks. I’ve been a fan of your great videos, gleaming bits of info & inspiration as I build experience out of bounds. I hadn’t realize you’d been a victim of the fires until I checked in on the blog after first snows in March. My family and I came way closer than I thought would have been possible- a block away from the Eaton fire’s SW corner - but even with that close call, I cannot imagine how hard actually losing your house must be. Makes me even more grateful that you are continuing to share these days in the San Gabriels for all of us to enjoy. Thanks Andy, and wishing you brighter days ahead.
Larry Pitman March 28, 2025 at 9:43 am
Thank you Andy….keep marching forward. And producing ski videos from Southern California. We love it. God Bless….