Skiing

Went backcountry skiing today in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Mario Gully. There was about 12 inches of new snow, with drifting of 2 feet in many areas.

Got a quick ski in before work this morning.  Headed up to try a new descent (for us) on the side of the dream dome on Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Instead of heading the whole way over to Mario Gully, you stop short.  The trail contours right around the end of thedream dome then opens up to the left.  We broke trail from before Dream Lake and had about a foot of fresh powder to ski.  Perfect conditions.  Warm day with snow falling.

Went skiing yesterday at Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park. Coverage was the best I’ve seen it there – no concern about hitting rocks or dry patches. Unfortunately, it was pretty wind scoured, icey, and rutted out. We skied the old lift line, which was pretty good – the further up you go the better the conditions. And we skied the main line over to skier’s left (skinner’s right). Above the road was hard crusty wind slab mixed unpredictably with soft wind-deposited pockets and a bit of sastrugi.

We went skiing yesterday (Dec 29) at Rock Creek in Allenspark. It was icey and rutted out by snowshoers, snowmobiles, and other skiers. Pretty crappy skiing conditions. We’re getting snow right now in Estes Park, though, so hopefully it will get a nice covering.

We hit the hills on Christmas day. Planned a really short day, just a quick jaunt into the Terrain Park above Dream Lake. The beautiful sun and dead calm lured us higher, and we skied a perfect pitch of boot-top powder in the early afternoon shade of Chaos Canyon. Conditions were great. I’ve never seen so little wind in the Park. It’ll be sure to return soon, though!

We went backcountry skiing at Moffat Tunnel for the first time on Sunday.  Moffat Tunnel is near Rollinsville, which is near Nederland.  Conditions  at Moffat Tunnel were powdery, maybe even too powdery.  Skiing was slow in the deep stuff.  We skied up to Forest Lakes.  Highly recommend this area!  It was easy to navigate and there was good terrain all over the place.

Bear Lake – Nymph Lake – Dream Lake – Emerald Lake conditions are great as of Today, Dec 24. The trails are not icy. Probably 1-2 feet of slow powder. Nice base. I think Mario Gully is probably close to being covered.

To make it easier to experience America’s Great Outdoors, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees, so visitors can enjoy all 392 national parks for free April 17-25.

In addition, many national park concessioners are offering special promotions that are certain to add to your fun.