TR: Headwall Happiness
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This spring has been unreal. The calendar says it’s spring, but most of our “spring” felt like winter. Storm after storm bombarded our weather and our small mountain town. Though frustrating at times because it was hard to venture into the high country, I can’t complain about the snow. I’ll take it, and I’ll assume it’s Mother Nature’s wedding gift to us 🙂
The snow has been slow to melt. I would estimate we are about 3 weeks behind recent snow melt levels. Because of this, I’ve been able to continue to easily do after work laps at the ski area.
The ski area on the last day of May.
Runs on the front side of the ski area are interrupted by plowed roads. But, head to the backside, and you’ll find perfect icing on cake. A lap on the Headwall can easily be done in two hours if you park at the ski area boundary on Prospect. Frank and I have taken advantage of this easy access and great skiing a few different times in the last couple of weeks.
May 25
Frank making his way on the road. After parking at the top of Prospect, there is a 5 minute walk on the road to the Teocalli lift.
The Headwall in the distance. It looks better than it does during the heart of the ski season!
Skinning was pretty easy.
Frank, wishing the ski area was still open.
The peak still looks good.
The views always seem better when you work for them.
Snowmass in the distance.
The skiing was excellent.
A look back at our tracks.
May 31
Beginning the skin.
The lighting was perfect for photos.
The snowline is definitely creeping upward! Compare this shot to the one from the week before.
The skiing was still good 🙂
June 3
A shot of Frank and I near the top of the Headwall entrance.
Frank, enjoying a Miller High Life that he stumbled upon while skinning below the Paradise chair.
Over to the Headwall.
At 7 pm, the skiing was perfect corn. Unbelievable!
A look back at our tracks.
The last couple of weeks have brought warm temperatures which seem unseasonably warm, but they are probably fairly standard for this time of year. As a result, the snow is melting fast. It’s incredible to see the day to day change as white is replaced with green. Still the Headwall is holding and I predict there will still be good skiing there for at least another week, maybe even two. So, those of you who haven’t fully replaced the bike for the skis, go get some 🙂 It’s still good!
- Mount Buckskin (17 May 2020) - May 28, 2020
- Horseshoe Ski (14 May 2020) – The mountain whose journey nearly killed me - May 27, 2020
- Sayres X-Rated Ski (10 May 2020) - May 19, 2020
Maybe we should ski the Headwall a week on Saturday 🙂