With the incoming storm predictions amping up, driving to a mountain may not be a great idea.  Has anybody done any AT/Downhill in Rock Creek Park?

Thanks!

Jon Freedman

jn_freedman wrote:

With the incoming storm predictions amping up, driving to a mountain may not be a great idea.  Has anybody done any AT/Downhill in Rock Creek Park?

Thanks!

Jon Freedman

 Anyone have any ideas for Herndon/Reston?

wojo

Burke Lake Dam suggested in this thread from years ago:

https://www.dcski.com/forum/83440

Referenced in that same thread is the greatest backyard skiing post of all time:

http://www.dcski.com/forum/view_message.php?message_id=56630

I've skiied the "bowl" (lol) in Rock Creek Park at the Arkansas Ave NW entrance just east of 16th Street NW a few times during big snows when I lived in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant. Fun for the novelty when I was in my 20s, despite not getting a lot of vertical.

If you're looking further south in Rock Creek, the big, open slope at the P Street Bridge (east side the creek, along 23rd NW) would also make for good skiing! And in between those two, you could also ski the curve down Shoreham Drive NW (behind the Omni-Shoreham Hotel) down the grade leading to the Parkway. And if you don't care about possibly getting chased off, the Rock Creek Park golf course is least flat in its northwestern reaches.

Another spot that would be really nice would be the Arboretum -- there's a lot of sloping meadow-like terrain -- but I doubt USDA is going to open the gates on a big snow day. 

Numbr of places in Reston + some of the woods would be good for glade skiing if it snows again next weekend

Near dams:
maps.app.goo.gl
maps.app.goo.gl

maps.app.goo.gl

Glades:
maps.app.goo.gl

Snowball fight canceled as George Washington Masonic Memorial will close grounds during storm

You guys inspired me.  First time ever, not that there are many opportunities, downhill skiing in my neighborhood:

youtube.com

I haven't ever backcountry skied, so a few lessons learned:

1.  It was 24 degrees, and I dressed for it.  Man, need to dress for 50 degrees without that chair lift to cool off.

2.  Wasn't the best snow, but still fun.

3.  10 minute hike, 1 minute ski.  Got in 4 runs.  I was ok with the hiking, but carrying the skis got tiring.

4.  Used some old gear, because I was worried about bottoming out, but it was bottomless.  Such thick, heavy, ice snow.  Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to ski it.

5.  I needed steeper, but I didn't want to hike steeper.

Does anyone know if there a place around here that rents x-country skis?

JNF

Not skiing but still winter sports...

...I played broomball on the creek near my house with some of my District Broomball teammates.