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Looking at 2025

I’ve pretty much skied everywhere in Colorado except Ski Hesperus (closed last season and 24/25), Lee’s Hill in Ouray and Lake City’s town owned ski hill. I’ll probably get the last 2 this year. I need to make a special trip to Cuchara too.

My favorite areas are Wolf Creek, Powderhorn and A-Basin. These for sure are on the short list.

Next? I think Wyoming is next. I’ve never skied Jackson Hole. I’ve got a plan for this later on this season. New Mexico is soon, too. I have 2 days at Taos and they got hammered early. If the snow gods continue to favor them, I’ll be there for sure.

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Epic and Beyond Ski Plans

“it will be Epic.”

 

It’s On

The snow arrived in Colorado and I am setting up my ski plans. I am trying to ski all the resorts in the State. It will probably take another season, but it may go this season.  The one thing is for sure, it will be Epic.

That’s right, I have an Epic Pass to ski Beaver Creek, Vail, Keystone, and Crested Butte. Telluride is on the list too, but I have another option for a ticket. I’m looking forward to it all! I’m not looking forward to the lines, but hopefully, weekday skiing will minimize this problem.

The resort I am looking most forward to is Crested Butte. I lived there a long time ago and I am a much better skier now. CB was where I learned that, even though I thought I was a decent skier back east, I had no skills. I learned the mountain and I learned to ski there. 

Some other plans include Purgatory, Eldora, Granby Ranch, and Bluebird. Stay tuned, more info and pictures later.

 

 

 

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Grand Mesa, Western Colorado

Grand Mesa Nordic Trails

“Spring nordic skiing in April, really? It looks like winter here.”

Grand Mesa Nordic Trails

Grand Mesa- Alpine and Nordic Skiing

What do you think about exploring a 10,000 ft mountain that had views of a desert? A ski paradise? Probably not. But, trust me, it is.

Welcome to Grand Mesa. 

Just west of Grand Junction and very obvious on the landscape is a 10,000′ flat mountain that is full of peaks, trails, and lakes. Wintertime on the mesa is for snow machines, skis, and snowshoes.

The Grand Mesa Nordic Council maintains an extensive groomed trail network. A $10 per person day-use donation is all it takes to get out.

Powderhorn Resort is on the north side, just south of Mesa, Colorado. It is a small resort with a secret. When it gets snow, it gets a lot. In my opinion, the ski resort is best explored between the runs (provided that you are a good skier). The tree skiing is the best in Colorado: untouched, rolling, and expansive. On a powder day, it is the best I have experienced. The last time I was out, I decided to explore the world in-between. When I  saw ski tracks heading out into the woods, I took them. I was rewarded with rows of pillows, endless tree skiing, short drops, and a new appreciation for what good Grand Junction skiers have kept secret for years. No one reads this blog, so I am confident that I’m not ruining things for them. But, just to be safe….

Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

 

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Monarch Mountain and Great Sand Dunes National Park

A view from chair lift at Monarch Mountain, Colorado

“My favorite thing about this mountain is the accessable powder stashes in Mirkwood.”

Sangre De Cristo MountainsGreat Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Monarch Mountain and Great Sand Dunes National Park

Snow-laden mountains and sand, this must be Colorado.  Monarch Mountain is a lesser-known ski area just west of Salida, Colorado. We got to it on a 10″ powder day.  The terrain is varied from fun double diamond steeps and glades to groomed cruisers. A hike-to-area called Mirkwood offers the best advanced level skiing. 

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is an hour and a half south of Salida, it’s like going to another world when you hike out onto the dunes. Well worth the trip. Wear shoes that are easy to empty out and if sand gets between the outer of the shoe and a Gore-Tex membrane it will ruin the shoes. Wear a shoe that is not Gore-tex or something similar. Wear a buff over your face if it is windy, sand can kick up quite a bit. Old sunglasses can keep the new ones from getting sand damage.

Once you are done, grab a soak. The San Luis Valley has a number of hot springs options.

Local hot springs:

Salida Hot Spring Aquatic Center

Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Sand Dunes Recreation Area

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Wolf Creek – My recent powder chasing

Alberta Peak Hike

“Great snow, friendly locals.”

Wolf Creek Ski Resort

Near the southern border of Colorado, on the south side of the mountains, Wolf Creek Ski Area averages 430 inches of snow each season. That is the most in the state. On the western side of Wolf Creek Pass, where the ski area is located, is Pagosa Springs. It’s a great place to stay with hot springs and decent food, just 30 minutes away. On the eastern side, South Fork is about the same distance. It is a less expensive and more typical Colorado small-town experience.

I was lucky this past Wednesday. Wolf Creek had received a recent 24″ on top of an 80″ base, and an area called Horseshoe Basin had been closed for most of the recent snowfall. The nights remained very cold, so the snow quality was excellent. I had some great runs on untouched powder.

When describing a ski area, my perspective is that of a better skier that spends his time going from one good shot to the next and less about trails. Call it skiing areas rather than skiing trails. If you are reading this, I guess that you view skiable terrain like this as well. Wolf Creek has two main sections, in my opinion, the upper areas that require hiking and the lower trails that are all lift accessed. The one notable exception is the Waterfall Area with its cliffs, trees, and steeps. Hiking Alberta Peak gives excellent views and accesses some fun terrain. A hike up and out along the Knife Ridge will give you access to a ton of shortish chutes and shots. Keep going on the Ridge, and there is a snowcat that will take you to Horseshoe Bowl. To check and see if the cat is running, they post information at the bottom of the lifts and the Ridge on the patrol shack.
I’ve found the best skiing to be just skier left and skier right of the bowl. One great thing about the mountain is the locals’ willingness to share beta on what is skiing well. The place is very friendly.

Bonus: Go skiing on a Locals Appreciation Day for a 20/21 Season $58!