If you chat with a Northstar skier long enough, after talk of tree-skiing, secret areas where few people go, and where to go three days after a storm to still find powder, eventually the conversation will get around to White Rabbit.
Unlike the character in Alice in Wonderland, this White Rabbit is a rare and welcomed visit. Bathed in southern exposure, this expert terrain requires a special mix of conditions to even consider being open: Cold temperatures are key, as is the blessing of deep, early season snow.
December and January are the months when you’re most likely to see White Rabbit, as the sun’s rays are still low in the sky, because come February, the slope starts to get lots of sun and unless the base is deep, the rocks, stumps, trees, and other obstacles rear their ugly heads.
There’s also a lot of luck to seeing White Rabbit open. Timing needs to be perfect – catching it at just the right moment after a big storm is key. As more and more learn about White Rabbit, it becomes more and more popular and gets tracked out pretty quickly (at least by Northstar standards). Should you be one of the lucky ones though, blessed with good timing and a great storm the day before, you’ll find some of the best terrain Northstar has to offer, with “ego snow,” exciting terrain features, and vistas not found anywhere else on the mountain.
The “expert only” area is not without its dangers. More than one skier has lost their ACL in the heavy, spring snow often seen clinging to the steep slopes. It also takes commitment if you want to “take another lap” as simply getting the area requires 3 lifts from the Backside.
So, when the conditions are perfect and your timing is right, you’ll find no better place to experience the best Northstar has to offer. As much of these stashes are “classified,” you’ll need to sweet-talk Trina or Sam if you want to learn more.
Here’s to White Rabbit, Sticks & Stones, Sawtooth Ridge, Monument trees, and all the other (not-so) secret epic areas of Northstar! Ski ‘em if you can.
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