Off to Purgatory

With Kat in the driver seat (and back in Colorado) we decided to explore a bit of Colorado. Kat doesn't especially like steep cliff lined roads unless she's driving. The roads to Durango have mountain passes like the passes surrounding Silverton.

We did a loop taking in Wolf Creek ski area, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Ouray, Gunison and back to Salida. One of the trip highlights was spending time and exploring Durango with our friends Pam and Tom.

 We had a beautiful afternoon for a tour. Elk backstraps headlined an evening feast at Pam and Tom's. The following morning we headed out toward Purgatory, now called Durango Mountain Resort by tourists and the resort owners.

Tom and I had a great day skiing Purgatory while Kat and Pam decided to try the Nordic trails nearby.
Kat found an icy spot and had a hard spill. She's currently nursing a sore knee. Today we did therapy at the hot springs pool in Salida.

We have a few more days of playing in Salida before heading westward. Snow is predicted for tonight and I'm watching the clouds gather as I write this. Powder tomorrow.

White World of Monarch

Snow, lots of snow. Five days 50 inches. My legs are tired.  I owe it to my snow deprived Alaska friends to make the most of this bounty. Tomorrow will be another 7 am morning. Up early to chase the first chair.

It has been a memorable week. Monarch started with a good base and each day added 10 to 15 inches. Early in the storm temps were cold making for fluffy lightness and face shots. I had forgotten what really light density snow skied like. It's a joy to have deep snow that doesn't grab you but envelopes you. 

Its been so much fun that I've neglected to take pictures. I'm liking Monarch. Previous trip had Monarch at the top of my Colorado ski resort list and this week has born that out big time. Its friendly, unpretentious, has a nice variety of terrain, serves up good food and beer and is reasonably priced. I'm starting to find a few local ski buddies so maybe I'll even get some skiing pics.

After skiing I've had a couple of very comfortable places to recoup.  Friends Rick and Donna were kind enough to let me housesit there beautiful home for the first 10 days in Salida. I could not have asked for a more cozy, eye pleasing place to hang.

When it became clear that I wasn't leaving Salida any time soon I found a nice, reasonably priced spot at the Mountain Motel which included a kitchen and a jacuzzi. The jacuzzi and the local hot springs have helped revitalize me after skiing. Life is good.

Hanging with the Fowlers

Most years we have an annual van without a plan ski trip. This year we entered a new era with a no van and a semi plan. None of this stopped us from having fun. Whether hanging in Carbondale with John's nephew Matt and girlfriend Robin or partying with Jack and Barb the Fowlers are fun.

This trip we to got to introduce John's brother Tom to backcountry skiing and his sister Chris to tree skiing. Steamboat and Rabbit Ears Pass provided great low angle (safe) skiing through Aspen Groves. We also had the opportunity to check out the Colorado Mt School where Robin works. Pretty amazing what those kids get exposed too in a curriculum that focuses on the whole person not just traditional subjects. 

This was 10 days after a storm. We had a delightful 6 inches to cruise through and a relatively easy climb to access. On our next day at Steamboat Resort we had 12 inches of fresh snow. I got to use my Monarch Pass to ski some prime Steamboat conditions. 

It was good enough for a second run. Sunshine and snow are a wonderful combination. 

I think Tom's going to be a convert. We had a great day of exploring. Our list now includes several new backcountry ski locations… the search for good snow continues. 

Happy Skiing  

Jp 

Salida, Colorado

We have history. Our first Van without a Plan ski trip stumbled upon Monarch Mountain and the nearby community of Salida . A major storm and incredible skiing kept us in the area and in Salida. We've returned every year since.

Centrally located in the midst of mountains, hot springs, hiking, biking and river running Salida is a community of about 5,500. It was a railroad center. Today tourism and outdoor recreation take center stage. 

How about a lap swim in a hot springs pool. Its become one of my favorite ways to start a day. You can loosen up before heading out for a hike, bike or ski. Lots of choices for outdoor activities. Salida also has a thriving community of artist and musicians. Get your two step on, local musicians jamming. 

Need a unique gift ? This shop has an assortment of odd creatures for sale. 

Salida is home to Elevation brewery and several brew /pizza pubs. It has a number of good restaurants.  On its exterior it looks like a quaint town with western feel but if you poke around a bit you find wide variety of people and interests.  It's been fun town to explore.  

And best of all Salida is 20 minutes from Monarch Mountain and a number of good XC trails and hikes.