"lal_truckee" wrote in message
...
Your Worst Nightmare wrote:
We are supposed to go skiing/snowboarding in Wisconsin tomorrow (4hr
drive each way), but it's supposed to be 54 degrees! How warm can it get
before the skiing is ruined? Will it be slush and terrible at 54; they
have a 35-40in base.

Slush can be one of the treats of skiing. It does require a solid carve
anywhere on the mountain, since it offers no sideslip compromise. The ski
tail has to follow the shovel. I find slush and crud to be a wonderful
treat - I'll sometimes bring out the 225cm downhills (or the short 215cm
DHs if I'm feeling weak) just for slush blasting.

However, warm days don't always equal skiing slush. It's usually cooler
during the night before, so the snow sets nicely. Examine the slopes you
will be skiing, and plan your ski day to ski each slope shortly after the
sun hits it. With proper planning you can ski just softening snow run
after run and never hit slush. Such days can be the highlight of a season
if done properly.

Agree, I love slush, adn when it corns up after cold nights.
To make it easier, get some crud-busting skis, skis that won't be knocked
around by heavier snow. They used to call them Battlecruisers but now you
can get some nice shaped skis that are turny but not twitchy, and cut
through the slush and hold the line you choose for them. I remember the old
X-screams as being good in spring snow.

ant