Dr Robb Gaffney, M.D. has released a new bounce chapter to his legendary book Squallywood.
“Tram Face commands the attention of anyone driving into Squaw Valley as it abruptly rises nearly 1,200 feet straight up from the valley floor. The rock is primarily decomposed granite, which does not make for great climbing. But the skiing? There’s nothing like it. The entire face offers an array of runs from extremely difficult on rider’s right to easier and more open “advanced” runs towards the end of the ridge on rider’s left.” – Squallywood
Download Here – Squallywood.com
Here is a look at just one of the lines described in the new chapter.
TF 8: Mole’s Chute: Since Mole’s is the most defined shot coming down from tram tower 1, people who aren’t familiar with the area commonly mistaken it to be Tram Chute or Sylvester’s Slot. As stated in the Forbidden Areas chapter, allegedly, Tom “The Mole” Caramila made 280 Lua’s Lane and Mole’s Chute SQUALLYWOOD history in the early ’70s by making his way down on a pair of 120cm skis. This line does not get skied often and for good reason. Water melting off adjacent cliffs tends to stream right down its gut, forming solid blue ice, which is often hidden beneath the snow. But when one pays attention to all the important details, this line can offer an amazing experience. It’s remarkably steep, straight as an arrow, and it’s a direct fall line shot, offering a view of the valley far below you for the entire descent. If there’s a place to get a rope out on Tram Face, this is it. There are great anchor opportunities above it and a standard rope length will get you far enough into the chute that you can fully assess the snow and what’s underneath it. Particular care should also be made to assess the hang fire on rider’s left. You don’t want anything shedding from above you on this one. Difficulty: 9
Pitch: 55-60 degrees
Fun Factor: 4
Rope: Good idea
