Agree. They took out several feet of the ridge that used to be under the gondola, and re graded the hillside up to the tree island. That part is easier now. I was skeptical of the push the other way if you're coming from Ramshead and do the lowest GN tunnel (goes under Chute, so The Chunnel), but if you keep speed down lower Mouse it's an easy glide and lazy skate to get to K1.Guy in Shorts wrote: ↑Mar 3rd, '24, 17:24 Pretty sure the slog is less with the New K1. Slog from top of South Ridge to Great Northern is no picnic for those that skip the wish to skip the canyon.
Going around the lodge either way is a schlep. A ski strewn, traffic filled, Indecisive plodder laden schlep.
The trek on Low Traverse / Home Run is ok until you reach Downdraft, where the groomer ridge of GN makes you climb up over it.
Pres's dream of high altitude beginner skiing is in full bloom right now with upper Pipe Dream to Bear Cub in fine shape, but no promotion of it at all.