"Why is it called Oompa Loompa Land?"
I have been asked that question more times than I can count. Depending on the age of the asker my favorite answer is:
"You know all those bumps in the snow? They are really Oompa Loompas.The Oompa Loompas lay down and cover themselves with snow so kids will have more fun skiing through their trees."
What's the real answer? I have no idea nor has anyone I ever asked. Somebody called this meadow surrounded by aspens and pines Oompa Loompa Land once and the name stuck. What I do know is kids have a blast skiing through here. It is a very fun powder stash after a snow storm. Skiers who want to find this cache should be at least intermediate or above and comfortable being in ungroomed conditions. Entrance is off of Gemini.
In the summer, the hike will be fairly easy. The toughest part will be figuring out where to leave the trail to enter the woods without a major bushwhack. Here's a hint, enter through the aspens at the bottom.
If you are skiing to the cache please be careful of tree wells. Tree wells are the area directly below trees, usually pines that have far less snow than the surrounding area. People fall in and become trapped because as they try to climb back out the soft snow just collapses in around them. I tried to place it an area where they don't get too deep but tree wells are still something to be cautious around when skiing the trees. Never ski trees alone!
Have fun exploring Oompa Loompa Land!