On this run, the learning curve is steep.

Byline: BEST OF ... by The Register-Guard

Officially, it stands for Really Tough Skiing, but like most storied ski runs, RTS has lots of different names.

Some people will tell you the acronym is the initials of the original Willamette Pass Ski Area owner, while others say it's short for Really Tough Stuff. We've also heard Rougher Than Sandpaper, Really Tricky Skiing and Rhubarb Totally Sucks (OK, we made that one up).

The locals have a more off-color translation of RTS that we can't print in this newspaper. But we can tell you that, in geological terms, it translates to: "more abrasive than coprolite."

Whatever you call it, it's really, really steep - 52 degrees at its most extreme point and 45 degrees on the average. And, for years, it's been a proving ground for skiers and snowboarders looking to turn it up a notch.

Originally cut in the 1980s, RTS became one of only three officially sanctioned speed-skiing courses in the country during the 1990s. The bottom of the run was clear-cut to create a speed trap and a braking area. The slope was groomed for competition with a snowcat winched to another snowcat that was parked at the top.

After being groomed, RTS was essentially an ice rink turned on its side, and the resort routinely had to wait for more snow to soften things up before it could open it to the public. After speed skiing went the way of day-glo zinc oxide, RTS went back to serving as a ski run - and human drainage ditch.

For accomplished skiers, the run is a quick shot of adrenaline that serves to make rival Mount Flat-chelor look like a kiddie carousel ride, but for the unprepared, skiing RTS can be like getting spit out of a storm pipe. Anyone who's ever wiped, biffed, dished or yard sale-d on RTS knows this is not a run you want to fall on.

Just remember, if you go down, you're going all the way down.

Willamette Pass officials say the narrow, gaping maw that serves as an entry point to RTS is enough to keep most people away. They also note that the slope varies widely depending on weather conditions.

When the wind is coming in from the east, the top turns into a soft pillow of drifted snow. But when the wind blows out of the west, the run goes as bald on top as a Benedictine monk.

The speed record on RTS was set in 1993, during the Subaru U.S. Speed Skiing Championships. According to race reports, the weather was clear, the snow was firm, and skier Mark Hanes clocked 111.56 mph on his third run down the mountain.

Which, if you ask us, is Really Too Speedy.

This just in, Lane Meyer will be racing Roy Stalin this Sunday at noon on the K-12. Oh, and one other thing: to schuss into the Best of ... archive, go to www.registerguard..com/bestof.

BEST SKI RUN

RTS

Where: Willamette Pass Ski Area, off Highway 58

Information: For ticket prices, snow conditions, hours and more, call 345-7669 or go to www .willamettepass.com.

CAPTION(S):

The RTS at Willamette Pass Ski Area is known by many names, but whatever you call it, we think it's the area's best ski run.