Narrow Gauge Extension question

[Frontface]

Today was a great day on the mountain. Skiing Narrow Gauge Extension for the first time this year was a treat. But it raised a question that I've pondered for decades. Narrow Gauge Extension and Tote Road Extension are almost the same trail. Tote Road Extension is a little shorter but they are similar in width, pitch, and topography.

So why is Narrow Gauge Extension listed as a black diamond (expert) while Tote Road Extension is a blue square (intermediate)?

Does anyone know the criteria used to make the determination that one is "harder" than the other?

Just wondering.

[Skimaine]

Interesting question. I would go as far to say Gauge Ext is easier than Tote Ext.

It maybe because Gauge Ext eventual feeds to a black.

[dickc49]

Once you start down Narrow Gauge Extension, can you get to anything less than a Black Diamond? If not, then they are telling you that the trail will get that steep. If you can bail out to a blue or a green, then it's a really good question. Have not skied there in a while and cannot remember the answer to the above.

[Frontface]

Yes. When you arrive at the Spillway Crosscut you can turn left onto Tote Road.

Honestly, the only part of Narrow Gauge that merits a black diamond is the headwall/Crib Works section. The rest of the trail is an intermediate trail.

[rufus2step]

Yes. When you arrive at the Spillway Crosscut you can turn left onto Tote Road.

Honestly, the only part of Narrow Gauge that merits a black diamond is the headwall/Crib Works section. The rest of the trail is an intermediate trail.

This is true. And it was a signature trail long ago. Before Cribworks and before widening and more widening. Kind of a cool trail. Now it is pretty nondescript, but useful for the race program.

[Glade Monkey]

skied it twice this weekend and besides history, perhaps that drop-off on the right side (where groups stop to gawk and take Insta pix) could be a hazard for intermediates?
BTW - all the EXT trails were good Saturday and even better Sunday!

[flying sushi]

why is Narrow Gauge Extension listed as a black diamond (expert) while Tote Road Extension is a blue square (intermediate)?

Narrow Gauge is Icyer than Tote Road so they are BD.....

[Pow on the Mao]

snow on extensions was good last weekend. narrow gauge ext is useless.

[ottoclave2]

snow on extensions was good last weekend. narrow gauge ext is useless.

Any time I can ski Gauge top-to-bottom is a good day. Extension is a key part of that experience. Gauge Extension is usually less crowded too.

[Pow on the Mao]

Just saying it’s 12 minutes of lift for 15 seconds of flats

[Skimaine]

snow on extensions was good last weekend. narrow gauge ext is useless.

Any time I can ski Gauge top-to-bottom is a good day. Extension is a key part of that experience. Gauge Extension is usually less crowded too.

Agreed! T2B on the Gauge is always a good day.

[Alpiner]

I believe it is related to grooming and conditions. Seems like blue squares are generally more consistently manicured while black diamonds can be left to bump up. The BD is an indication that you may be in for a surprise. I think this is why, for example, Ramdown is a blue and Boomauger is a black. Same goes for Sluice and Spillway.

All that said, I've never seen NG Ext bumped, but it can be significantly icier than Tote. The experience of skiing next to what seems like a cliff edge is a big part of the fun. Maybe it's also part of the BD rating?

[loafasaur]

It's a fun trail section. It also features the most wind-scoured trail section on the whole d-mn mountain, IMHO, that little knoll halfway down to the top of Skyline/#3. Hard to keep snow there.

[Mr. Vesper]

How many trails have the words "Narrow Gauge" in the name?

[Glade Monkey]

How many trails have the words "Narrow Gauge" in the name?

three on Sugarloaf