|
Forums59
Topics1,039,250
Posts13,961,541
Members144,197
| |
Most Online39,925
Dec 30th, 2023
|
|
 Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: reeltexan]
#13807054
12/15/20 04:12 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,597
Smurfs
TFF Celebrity
|
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,597 |
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807171
12/15/20 05:05 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
|
|
Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
Thanks for all the input! We are all beginners, and I expect we will spend 100% of our time on the green slopes. I have looked at the trails and there are not many greens so we'll be relegated to relatively few trails. But I couldn't find anything else that had pricing even remotely close to what I could find at wolf creek, so that's what we're doing. I had a buddy who went last year and said he had a blast and he was a beginner too. Our airbnb is like $60 a night in south fork, and has great reviews. Kids haven't been around snow like this ever, so I'm sure they'll have a good time regardless.
I did buy helmets for all of us - wife had a friend die while skiing about 8 or 9 years ago, so she's already freaked out.
I did hear that wolf creek is a high base elevation so we will bring lots of water and be ready for possible altitude issues.
As for vehicles, seems somewhat split. Reason I'm asking now is I figured I'd need to get chains for whatever we take.
I suggested the truck for clearance if you do get a storm, sucks bad to high center an all wheel drive due to sitting too low and you will have to be pulled out or dig out. truck is heavier and will do better imo. the log cabin restaurant in south fork used to be some good grub but it has been a lot of yrs. since I was there. there is a little campground on the west end of town, might get to fish the stream thru there if you can get access. if roads are clear and not icy go over the mt. to pagosa and hit the hot springs at least once, very much worth the time and relaxation (if it is open). if all are beginners, hit the ski school for a half day lesson and it will make the trip more fun once you figure out how to turn etc. they will start you on a bunny slope then you can go find a green. be aware that some greens will be next to hard blues and possibly some blacks, be sure of your rte. down, moguls suck if you are learning. for chains, get some of these cable type, light and work great also easier to put on if needed. https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chain...L9Z3Q7QIVkPDACh1m7Qd9EAQYEyABEgJaCfD_BwEget 6-8 bungees to stretch across from one side to the other, this helps tension the cables, put 2 on each tire (you may lose one or two so get extras). take pictures, I have not seen wolf creek in a long long time. Thanks hop. One of the big problems with the MDX is the stupidly low clearance - I think it's like 6"-7" or something. So I guess that would be a potential issue. Guess we'll take the truck and make the best of it. My plan is to leave Royse city at 3am-4am and try to make it there during daylight hours. I assume I basically need to switch to 4-hi gear as soon as I get off dry pavement? How much should I air down the tires? I think door jamb says 60 psi front and 75 psi rear IIRC. I just called yesterday to book a 1/2 day lesson for the 4 of us. Last thing I want is for everyone to spend 2 days struggling on the bunny slopes not knowing what to do. Really appreciate all the help bud. I owe you a smoked pork shoulder or something for all the threads of mine you've responded to over the years. don't worry about locking in unless it gets bad, your call tho. hard pack snow is not bad for driving, just take it a little easy and realize slamming the brakes is not a good idea. don't air down the tires either, no help unless you take them down to 15 psi or so and that is not a good idea on hiway driving. should be about 10 hrs. to south fork in good weather, plan on 12 this time of yr. I would go up thru the panhandle to raton, hit 160 west and go for it, most direct rte and 160 will be plowed well (or should be). summer going thru northern new mexico is a neat drive. just leave plenty of room between you and whatever is in front of you, pay attn. to oncoming idiots and be ready to evade if need be. do not use cruise control on snow/ice, downshifts can really get your attn quick if you slide. hope y'all have a blast, I loved skiing wolf creek and never had a bad snow day on it.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807234
12/15/20 05:36 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,125
COFF
TFF Guru
|
|
TFF Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,125 |
If you are taking the truck, go to Home Depot and buy a couple hundred pounds of sand. You want as course and gritty as possible. The weight will help you keep traction in the rear. Also if you do get stuck on ice, you can spread the gritty sand ahead of you to claw yourself out. I guess you could also use rock salt for the same purpose, but I've always carried 4 bags of sand.
Couple of safety tips for winter driving in remote areas:
1. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank.
2. Carry winter clothes and blankets in the cab.
3. Carry a case of bottled water in the cab.
4. Check battery and all fluids.
5. Jumper cables, ice scraper (and gloves), flashlight.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: COFF]
#13807245
12/15/20 05:44 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,162
patriot07
OP
TFF Guru
|
|
OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,162 |
If you are taking the truck, go to Home Depot and buy a couple hundred pounds of sand. You want as course and gritty as possible. The weight will help you keep traction in the rear. Also if you do get stuck on ice, you can spread the gritty sand ahead of you to claw yourself out. I guess you could also use rock salt for the same purpose, but I've always carried 4 bags of sand.
Couple of safety tips for winter driving in remote areas:
1. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank.
2. Carry winter clothes and blankets in the cab.
3. Carry a case of bottled water in the cab.
4. Check battery and all fluids.
5. Jumper cables, ice scraper (and gloves), flashlight. Thanks!
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807265
12/15/20 06:01 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 30
Bubba747
Outdoorsman
|
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 30 |
If you are going down a slope, instead of riding your brakes the whole time in Drive get into 1st or 2nd gear.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: COFF]
#13807266
12/15/20 06:03 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 68,322
Derek 🐝
Queen of Bees
|
|
Queen of Bees
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 68,322 |
If you are taking the truck, go to Home Depot and buy a couple hundred pounds of sand. You want as course and gritty as possible. The weight will help you keep traction in the rear. Also if you do get stuck on ice, you can spread the gritty sand ahead of you to claw yourself out. I guess you could also use rock salt for the same purpose, but I've always carried 4 bags of sand.
Couple of safety tips for winter driving in remote areas:
1. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank.
2. Carry winter clothes and blankets in the cab.
3. Carry a case of bottled water in the cab.
4. Check battery and all fluids.
5. Jumper cables, ice scraper (and gloves), flashlight. Need to pack some food too. I'd go with spaggetio's. Pull top lid and it doesn't have to be heated. Taste just as delicious straight out of the can. I'd be curious to know if higher altitudes would force the meatballs to the bottom of the can. Patriot07 if you wouldn't mind testing that and reporting back with the results it would be greatly appreciated.
Ebolacane Researcher
CovidNado Chaser
McRib Pro Staff
Team Beans
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: Bubba747]
#13807268
12/15/20 06:06 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,162
patriot07
OP
TFF Guru
|
|
OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,162 |
If you are going down a slope, instead of riding your brakes the whole time in Drive get into 1st or 2nd gear. I've got a duramax, so I should be able to use exhaust brake and low gears. Might even just put it in tow/haul mode
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807293
12/15/20 06:30 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
|
|
Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
If you are going down a slope, instead of riding your brakes the whole time in Drive get into 1st or 2nd gear. I've got a duramax, so I should be able to use exhaust brake and low gears. Might even just put it in tow/haul mode in the 20 yrs. I lived up there I never downshifted for a downhill in winter, lock the tires up and you ain't in control any more. just drive normal and you will be fine, just slow a little if the roads have snow/ice on them.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807312
12/15/20 06:52 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,986
bigrebar
Extreme Angler
|
|
Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,986 |
You'll love wolf creek. In my opinion, they have the best group of employees on any hill in Colorado or New Mexico. It was always a great experience there especially for those of us that were not the best skiers. Looks like you've made your mind up to drive the truck, and that's ok too. As a young man, I drove a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP to Wolf Creek to ski 6 times. I never had a problem, maybe I was younger and dumber, but they have to keep up with the roads, the ski business depends on that pass to be open from both sides. And remember to pack all the drink and food you may want in your truck. Wolf creek is one of a few you can ski to your 4x4 and enjoy your own stuff without ever having to walk. Most ski resorts this is a big no no.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: Samsonsworld]
#13807365
12/15/20 07:33 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424
SteezMacQueen
TFF Guru
|
|
TFF Guru
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424 |
I think you are putting too much thought into it. Go have fun! This. I have a place in Pagosa Springs. The roads might have snow on em, but they are well maintained for driving. I see hundreds of little FWD cars running around.
Eat. Sleep. Fish.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: Derek 🐝]
#13807366
12/15/20 07:33 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,586
Samsonsworld
TFF Celebrity
|
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,586 |
If you are taking the truck, go to Home Depot and buy a couple hundred pounds of sand. You want as course and gritty as possible. The weight will help you keep traction in the rear. Also if you do get stuck on ice, you can spread the gritty sand ahead of you to claw yourself out. I guess you could also use rock salt for the same purpose, but I've always carried 4 bags of sand.
Couple of safety tips for winter driving in remote areas:
1. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank.
2. Carry winter clothes and blankets in the cab.
3. Carry a case of bottled water in the cab.
4. Check battery and all fluids.
5. Jumper cables, ice scraper (and gloves), flashlight. Need to pack some food too. I'd go with spaggetio's. Pull top lid and it doesn't have to be heated. Taste just as delicious straight out of the can. I'd be curious to know if higher altitudes would force the meatballs to the bottom of the can. Patriot07 if you wouldn't mind testing that and reporting back with the results it would be greatly appreciated. When mine get cold my meatballs just hide behind my noodle.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: COFF]
#13807367
12/15/20 07:36 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424
SteezMacQueen
TFF Guru
|
|
TFF Guru
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424 |
If you are taking the truck, go to Home Depot and buy a couple hundred pounds of sand. You want as course and gritty as possible. The weight will help you keep traction in the rear. Also if you do get stuck on ice, you can spread the gritty sand ahead of you to claw yourself out. I guess you could also use rock salt for the same purpose, but I've always carried 4 bags of sand.
Couple of safety tips for winter driving in remote areas:
1. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank.
2. Carry winter clothes and blankets in the cab.
3. Carry a case of bottled water in the cab.
4. Check battery and all fluids.
5. Jumper cables, ice scraper (and gloves), flashlight. You forgot one... Let your facial hair grow for a year prior to venturing out into the Wild, untamed snow roads full of people.
Eat. Sleep. Fish.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: SteezMacQueen]
#13807379
12/15/20 07:41 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
|
|
Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
I think you are putting too much thought into it. Go have fun! This. I have a place in Pagosa Springs. The roads might have snow on em, but they are well maintained for driving. I see hundreds of little FWD cars running around. this, but, my suggestions are based on his never having driven in snow. whole different animal for a newbie.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: hopalong]
#13807384
12/15/20 07:45 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424
SteezMacQueen
TFF Guru
|
|
TFF Guru
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 23,424 |
I think you are putting too much thought into it. Go have fun! This. I have a place in Pagosa Springs. The roads might have snow on em, but they are well maintained for driving. I see hundreds of little FWD cars running around. this, but, my suggestions are based on his never having driven in snow. whole different animal for a newbie. Eh. The learning curve is a quick one. He will be a pro in no time at all. Lol
Eat. Sleep. Fish.
|
|
|
Re: Driving to Colorado
[Re: patriot07]
#13807394
12/15/20 07:50 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
|
|
Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
  I used to make some good bucks pulling people back up on I70 on the east side of eisenhower tunnel, no tow truck service wanted to make the trip so I used to sit in the pull out with my f250 highboy, buddy gave me a set of logger chains (cleated) so couldn't go on the hiway but went just about anywhere else. lol always amazed me so many people could lose it going uphill. like these. ![[Linked Image]](https://s.yimg.com/aah/yhst-88039420719426/titan-9-16-carbon-ring-skidder-chains-r231c-14mm-48.jpg)
Last edited by hopalong; 12/15/20 07:52 PM.
|
|
Moderated by banker-always fishing, chickenman, Derek 🐝, Duck_Hunter, Fish Killer, J-2, Jacob, Jons3825, JustWingem, Nocona Brian, Toon-Troller, Uncle Zeek, Weekender1
|
