Hi All,
I discovered this site a few years ago while searching for info on lost ski areas in WV. I think I have read everything on this site posted about Tory Mountain, Almost Heaven and The Laurel Creek Club. I haven't seen much talk about these "planned" ski areas lately. That probably means all development is dead on these projects. Does anyone have any new info on these projects? It would be sweet to see a new resort open some day.
It is summer time, and everyone is speculating. I figured this could be more fun than talking about the zip lines.
I've always wondered if anyone has ever poached Tory or Laurel Creek. I really wonder how over grown the trails are. It looks like it on google maps they are still cut. But I have no clue how old the images are. Link if anyone is curious. https://goo.gl/maps/kaHwV
MPC....Build it! (but please do NOT disturb the statue!)
Nothing quite like that statue.... It's in the front yard of the Bonner Mountain Hotel and Conference Center.
AndyGene wrote:
Hi All,
I discovered this site a few years ago while searching for info on lost ski areas in WV. I think I have read everything on this site posted about Tory Mountain, Almost Heaven and The Laurel Creek Club. I haven't seen much talk about these "planned" ski areas lately. That probably means all development is dead on these projects. Does anyone have any new info on these projects? It would be sweet to see a new resort open some day.
It is summer time, and everyone is speculating. I figured this could be more fun than talking about the zip lines.
I've always wondered if anyone has ever poached Tory or Laurel Creek. I really wonder how over grown the trails are. It looks like it on google maps they are still cut. But I have no clue how old the images are. Link if anyone is curious. https://goo.gl/maps/kaHwV
In all seriousness... I have not driven past the site of the Laural Creek Area in over 20 years. I drive past Tory a lot and it's pretty much grown over in the last 20 years. Check Whitegrass for a video of Morgan Chase hitting some big drops on MPC.
MPC is one of those places I really wanted to do but alas, I moved to CA and it will probably never happen. The Chase boys and other Whitegrassers do it on occasion and I know how to get there. But it's a long and committing excursion. A backcountry group is no stronger than its slowest weakest member. I'm past 70 now and never did have the fitness of Chip and his cohorts anyway. So I have had 2 choices, put the group, including myself, at increased risk, or go slow alone, letting someone know where and when to expect my return. The latter choice was almost always the one taken and it ruled out a trip as committing as MPC. WV may not be the equal of the Presidential Range of NH for brutal winter weather, but it should not be underestimated either. I have had the occasional bolt of fear go through me when alone, a good distance out there, when wind picks up, cold penetrates, and snow intensifies.
IMHO MPC should remain untouched by lifts or other development. It should remain a shining goal for those with the skills, fitness, commitment, and respect for the environment. Sadly, I had only 3 out of 4. So be it. That's my position and none of you can argue me out of it.
Skied 2 days in a row at MPC last year from the top to the forks. First day was a solo mission 2 big laps, second day more leisurely with four times as many people. Not as much snow as the videos have shown and not enough to huck the big drops but awesome Pow skiing everywhere. We skied right though some poor guys camp really high up on the mountain, he had snowshoed in a LONG ways from the hardtop at red creek for solitude. We crushed his dreams by leaving trenches around his tent while he was inside, like ghosts in the wind. The place is off the hook. Saw a couple of other ski tracks in there but no skiers. Hope we get the winter they are calling for to explore some more. Cheers.
PowSlayer wrote:
Skied 2 days in a row at MPC last year from the top to the forks. First day was a solo mission 2 big laps, second day more leisurely with four times as many people. Not as much snow as the videos have shown and not enough to huck the big drops but awesome Pow skiing everywhere. We skied right though some poor guys camp really high up on the mountain, he had snowshoed in a LONG ways from the hardtop at red creek for solitude. We crushed his dreams by leaving trenches around his tent while he was inside, like ghosts in the wind. The place is off the hook. Saw a couple of other ski tracks in there but no skiers. Hope we get the winter they are calling for to explore some more. Cheers.
Video or it didn't happen!
That's a long way to hike with a board on your back. How long of a trek do you have to take to get up the mountain from the road? Pretty cool video. I also watched one where the Chase gang were skiing on frozen waterfalls. It was pretty awesome. One day I hope to have the fitness and skill required to tackle the mountain.
chaga wrote:
David wrote:
Video or it didn't happen!
Here are a couple of pics of our trip last year, no video, too busy climbing and skiing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4kOqxc6a9g this is probably a starting point level of snow to ski in there in my opinion.
Just wondering, how many people here have actually skied dowm from the top?
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