Here in Crested Butte, we are in the true off-season. The mountain biking is done now that snow has covered the trails. Yet, there isn’t enough snow to really ski. Still, the day before Halloween, we headed to our old faithful – Halloween Bowl. Though thin, we found some good skiing there.
A look at the bowl.
Me, ready to ski.
Frank.
Mountain biking in Crested Butte is synonymous with TR 401. Many locals and tourists alike may also ride 403 on the way to 401. But, 402 is a lesser known sister of the Crested Butte 4-0 trails. While 402 doesn’t boast the scenery of 403 or 401, it’s still a good trail worth checking out. Lower in the valley, it makes for an excellent fall ride. Frank and I were joined by our friend Susan Mol and also by our once-local-friend-turned-Alaskan, Ralph.
It was a beautiful fall day. Even with the leaves gone, the land was basking in beauty. Susan and I making our way up the road.
Susan approaching the end of the road.
The gang- Frank, Ralph, Susan.
Ralph making his way through the stark forest.
After my Sunday ski, the snow continued to melt. But, the melting was disrupted by another cold snow spell on Tuesday. Knowing the snow was even thinner than just two days before, downhill skiing really wasn’t an option. Still, I didn’t want to let a winter-like day go to waste. So, I headed out for a solo cross-country ski.
Despite the clouds and occasional snowfall, the views were still beautiful.
Our ski line from two days prior off of Baldy.
It wasn’t too long ago that I made my last turns on Skyscraper, finishing my season off with 116 ski days. Only two weeks later, I made the first turns of this ski season. What distinguishes this season from last? Skiing this season’s snow versus old snow that’s been around all summer. On Thursday a storm rolled in, dumping over a foot on Schofield Pass. But, certain areas are more susceptible to windloading and that’s where we headed. On Sunday, and I headed out with Alex and her dog Kaya.
It was great to see the mountains covered in a blanket of white once again. Purple.
Cinnamon.
South Maroon.
Treasury.
Alex.
Though a touch thin, the skiing was still good- worth of the first turns of the year. Alex making her way down with Kaya in the lead.
A look back up at the line.
Me, happy to be out on fresh snow again. I love the bike and all, but it’s just not the same as skiing 
So, let the 2011-12 ski season begin! Mother Nature seems to want to bring back Indian Summer, but hopefully it won’t last too long. Thanks for a great day out Alex!
Snow has fallen and many of us have made our first turns of the year. And for some, now is the time to begin thinking of the escape for a winter ski vacation. A guest blog from FindTheBest gives some advice for finding which ski resort is right for you and your vacation.
With over 1000 resorts across the country, choosing the destination for your next snow filled vacation can be a daunting task. From average snowfall to lift ticket prices to amount of skiable acres, there are tons of factors that can come into play when deciding where to hit the slopes next. Fortunately, this new Ski Resort Comparison helps sift through your options to find what resort fits your own personal preferences.
Looking for a Colorado Ski Resort with a Kid’s Ski School and lift tickets on the cheaper side? Just enter in your location, adjust the price slider to what your budget allows, and let the tool do all the work. Because the resort comparison includes all U.S. ski resorts as well as the major international ones, you can be sure that you’re not missing out on anything. Lastly, if you’re having trouble choosing between a few resorts, view all of the park information in a side-by-side comparison to really get down to the details.
Next time you’re trying to decide where to spend your next ski or snowboard vacation, get all the facts from this free resort comparison, and find the resort that’s truly made for you on FindTheBest.com.
The movie Facets of Winter is showing tonight in Crested Butte, around 8 pm at Center for the Arts. Show up early to buy tickets or buy them earlier today at the Alpineer.
What is Facets about? AE Films designed Facets to have several story lines. One story-line involves and Iraqi veteran who is trying to make the paralympics, another involves a father/son love for skiing, and another features my goal of skiing all of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners. On top of all this, there is worthy Crested Butte segment featuring Frank along with our friends Tom Runcie and Rob Dickinson.
So, please come join us for a good movie and a good time!
If you miss this showing, there are several opportunities to see Facets again. Further showings are scheduled for Summit County, Vail, Estes Park, and Steamboat Springs. Check out www.assissinsride.com for more details. Not listed on their website, Wilderness Exchange in Denver will be showing Facets on December 1st, and the CSU Outdoor Club is hosting a showing in Fort Collins at the Ramskeller on November 16th at 8pm.
I write this blog post as the snow flies out my window. As our fall is likely transitioning to early winter, the Dyke Trail might have been one of my last worthy rides here this season in Crested Butte. But, then again, when this stormy weather leaves, Indian Summer could settle upon us again. It’s all up to the whims of Mother Nature.
So, here’s a few pictures from our colorful day on the Dyke.
Kriste.
Changing trees.
The geological dike for which the Dyke is named after.
The majestic Raggeds in the distance.
Frank.
This last week has been absolutely off the charts in terms of vibrant fall colors. We took advantage of the great weather and brilliant displays and headed over Ohio Pass to an area called the Castles. Not a big biking destination, we found ourselves among horseback riders – some more friendly than others – and cows. Lots and lots of cows.
Frank and I met our friend Adam at the Swampy Pass trailhead and began our ride from there. Glowing gold greeted us immediately. Me.
Frank.
Frank riding with the Castles in the background.
Today we are posting a guest blog from the people at FindTheBest. Find the best offers services that allow people to search and compare different things- like ski areas, cat-skiing operations, and heli-skiing operations. Essentially, it can help people find the best resort/operation to suit them. Though the entry is a tad spam-like, please consider it. We at 14erskiers really do believe FindTheBest has some good services to offer! So, check it out
Cat Skiing vs. Heli-Skiing: Argentinean Adventures
Two years ago, on an Argentinean ski adventure at Las Lenas Ski Resort, my trip coincided with the Oakley Ski Team.
The Oakley team was filming a promotional video with an all-star cast: Simon Dumont, Seth Morrison, Mark Lassater and others. Imagine my excitement when a few friends and I found ourselves exchanging jokes and learning about the finer points of Cat Skiing vs. Heli Skiing from Oakley’s pros.
Their thoughts, paired with research on FindTheBest, gave me some top-notch insight:
Cat Skiing
Cat skiing is popular backcountry alternative to heli-skiing. The snowcat’s ability to traverse mountainous terrain in nearly any kind of weather, especially when helicopters are unable to take-off, is its main advantage.
On average, cat-skiers can reach 1,500 to 13,250 feet of elevation and can complete about 12.47 runs in a day, conditions and ability permitting. If you’re not an Oakley sponsored skier, and price is of concern, this is typically a cheaper way to get your kicks.
Here is a list of the best Cat-Skiing operators across the globe, if you know one that is not on this list, please add… http://cat-skiing.findthebest.com/
Heli-Skiing
Heli-skiing is when helicopter operators drop skiers at very high alpine locations, often inaccessible any other way. On average, heli-skiing will land you anywhere from 1,100 to 36,000 feet of elevation. The potential elevation is much higher than a snowcat’s, though the average (13,359) elevation for both is about the same.
On average, a heli-skier will get about 6 runs in for the day depending on ability. But, the guys warned me that skiers should understand that the risk involved with heli-skiing is greater.
The best Heli-skiing operators across the globe are listed here, add your favorites: http://heli-skiing.findthebest.com/
FindTheBest is a data driven comparison engine that can help you choose a Heli-Skiing or Snowcat operator by filtering on location, mt. range, cost, guaranteed minimum vertical, difficulty, package types and more.
Fall is simply glowing – bragging it’s gold and red all around us. Rays from the sun kiss the cooling earth and make it warm again. It’s hard not to melt in the beauty that surrounds us. How could I miss a fantastic after work bike ride?
I headed to Westside trail, a lesser-traveled trail that is a favorite of mine at Crested Butte ski area, with my friend Kriste.
Lacking a camera for the moment, these pictures were captured with my cell phone. Kriste caught this one of me.
The aspen forest was shimmering yellow.
And the mountains were glimmering in gold.
Not bad for a few cell phone pics, eh? What a great day to get out and enjoy the best that fall has to offer!
