Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

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tygrubb
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Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by tygrubb »

Hi all back in CO,

My first job out of school just took me out to San Francisco and I'm already a little homesick without any big mountains around. I know there are some 14ers and such in the eastern sierra but I know little to nothing about them. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on cool peaks to hit up before winter or some good backcountry skiing spots for the winter/spring season. Any beta and/or websites are greatly appreciated. I need to get my outdoor fix somehow.

Thanks
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tommyboy360
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by tommyboy360 »

Oh, don't be bummed. You are surrounded by some of the best skiing/climbing in the US.

Check out the Kirkwood/Alpine Meadows season pass. AM was my home resort and it's still my all time favorite with only a few equivalents (ie Squaw / J-Hole / Snowbird / Aspen / Silverton). The best of the best. There's no way I can sum it all up in a simple response. If you have any pinpoint questions then send me a PM. Get a pass and get connected with the locals at AM and you will find some amazing partners to go OB in the sierras. The snow and conditions out there are INSANELY deep and different from Colorado. There will be a learning curve for the new type of snow/terrain you will experience.

Spring/summer time... check out Yosemite and the Pinnacles. Tons of places to explore.
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Tory Wells
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by Tory Wells »

Make Yosemite your new home away from home. So very much to do there. Mt Shasta and Lassen Volcanic NP are not too far away either. Look on the brightside....at least work didn't send you to Nebraska. :)
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by EatinHardtack »

You have some sweet stuff around. Go south and check out Big Sur. Get in touch with forum member jf32. He's in your area.
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by XMULE »

You have some sweet stuff around. Go south and check out Big Sur. Get in touch with forum member jf32. He's in your area.

+1 Cone Peak will get you in shape, trust me. And, on a clear day, you can see Hawaii from the fire lookout on top :wink:
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by Kapelmuur »

Ah, for a second I thought SF stood for "South Florida" and thus the obvious conundrum with climbing & skiing.


Edit: Here's a map, which encompasses my suggestions for outdoor activities in California.

Image
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by kushrocks »

Im from San Francisco originally. Lots to do out there so feel free to hit me up with any questions you want. I would be prepared for 4-8 hour drives to get anywhere with big mountains though. Skiing in Tahoe is awesome they get WAY more snow than Colorado. The biggest concern I would have for you is moving down to sea level. Hope you don't mind the Fog because its foggy there 250+ days a year.
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Patinator
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by Patinator »

Not a peak, but a great hike of decent mileage through various ecosystems, has redwoods, waterfalls and is in your backyard. Probably better if you wait until next spring.

http://www.summitpost.org/berry-creek-falls-loop/626699" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Kent McLemore
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by Kent McLemore »

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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by RoanMtnMan »

Skiing the north side of Shasta. One of my favorites and only 4.5 hours from San Fran. I know because I used to live there. On the south side you can ski almost 10k vert in the winter if you ski into town.
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by tommyboy360 »

kushrocks wrote:I would be prepared for 4-8 hour drives to get anywhere with big mountains though.
True, if you travel on early Friday evenings, Saturday mornings or Early Sunday evenings. Put your Colorado 14er skills to the task and travel at the odd hours. Still no solution if they close 80 but then again you can watch the weather and plan in advance. Learn to install chains and you can make +$1000 in one night. Not kidding.
kushrocks wrote:Hope you don't mind the Fog because its foggy there 250+ days a year.
Did you live in Daly City, Pacifica or somewhere similar? So many places just minutes away that do no get the same fog conditions.
Kapelmuur wrote:Here's a map, which encompasses my suggestions for outdoor activities in California[img]
Great map. And it omits so many great areas like wine/beer country (yep, better beer than Colorado), the 101 coastal areas including Big Sur, and the Santa Cruz mountains. Heck, I've had climbs tougher than colorado 14ers to get to some remote norcal beaches. hahaha.

Seriously, check out Alpine Meadows. It's a safe area and one of the best to hike the side country alone. You will meet tons of experienced folks (unlike LL pass) to go beyond form there. Yes, the K/AM pass is pricey compared to Colorado/Epic pass (includes North Star and Heavenly). However, the snow and terrain is way more EPIC stretching from Yoso to Kirkwood to AM/Squaw and then to Sugarbowl. You'll be depressed to ever just ski the Vail epic pass resorts ever again. Take advantage of it and resist the temptation to buy into Heavenly/North Star.
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tygrubb
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Re: Just Moved to SF and Need Climbing/Skiing Suggestions

Post by tygrubb »

Thanks for all the great responses. Bought my Squaw/Alpine Meadows pass the other day and will definitely have to check out some of the other good hikes/backcountry. Also, really appreciated the detail on this one...
Edit: Here's a map, which encompasses my suggestions for outdoor activities in California.
I guess my question was a little broad. It'd be like asking where to ski/hike in CO...."Drive west from wherever you are now and stop in 2.5 hours, get out of car, and walk off road"
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