This weekend (February 27 and 28) the World Freeride Tour is making a second attempt at putting the best skiers in the world on the legendary Tram Face at Squaw Valley.  The permanently closed terrain on Tram Face ranges from steep on the lookers right to downright hairball on the lookers left.  Many lines get poached illegally during ripe conditions.  Opening this terrain to a legal ski contest is a revolutionary move by Squaw Valley.

Unfortunately the low elevation and east facing exposure means conditions do not stay in good shape for long on the Face. Typically one day of sun can destroy conditions.  Avalanche debris fields can also create problems on the runouts. The current weather pattern calls for wet snow through Saturday and sunny on Sunday making it the most likely day for the contest.  Locals are chomping at the bit to see this thing go.  The terrain on Tram Face sits in full view of the valley floor including the village and parking lot with views improving as you get closer to OVI or gain elevation on the west side of Poulsen Peak.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed…this could be a special event.

Squaw Valley's Tram Face

Squaw Valley's Tram Face