Another Thanksgiving spent in the backcountry. And for that I am thankful. Read More ...

Continue reading We are opting to be outside again this year… at PMags.com.

Thoughts on possible etiquette for mobile devices in the backcountry. Read More ...

Continue reading Backcountry mobile device etiquette at PMags.com.

A simple, functional utilitarian kit for backcountry ski repair. For snowshoeing, too. Read More ...

Continue reading Backcountry ski repair kit at PMags.com.

Snow, skiing, food and drink: A trip report of spending Christmas at the 10th Mountain Hut.

The 10th Mountain Division Hut system has left a legacy in Colorado.  "Rustic luxury" where a person can ski or snowshoe into the backcountry. enjoy the glories of the Colorado winter during the day and a warm fire, a hot drink and shared laughter at night.

When offered the chance to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the hut, it was an opportunity too good for someone and I to pass up.

The hut would be the actual 10th Mountain Hut.  Nestled near the Continental Divide, it is near a historic place. The namesake 10th Mountian Division had training manuevers at the nearby Homestake Peak and Slide Lake. With our modern gear and relaxed pace, it would be a much more casual weekend compared to the men who trained here seventy years ago.

Continue reading Christmas by The Divide – 10th Mountain Hut at PMags.com.

Every year I anxiously await ski season. The fresh powder, the intense blue skies of winter and beautiful mountain scenery. What's not to like?

The first day of skiing was at Brainard Lake.  The powder was deep and fluffy. There were no winds. It was sunny. It was uncrowded. Could this really be the Brainard Lake area????

The scenery spoke for itself.

It was one of those magical days in the backcountry where all the right ingredients were there for the perfect day.

The only down side? The bar was set high.  Would other weekends be as good?

Another weekend teli skiing at Butler Gulch answered the question:  Yes!

The snow will be there. There will be that feeling of floating on the snow effortlessly.  The mountains will continue to beckon.

Continue reading December Ski Fun at PMags.com.

Every year, a rhythm repeats itself.

In November, I putz around in the foothills and hike into the mixed weather and raw conditions.

By mid-December, the first flakes of snow hit.

A smile lights up on my face.

I wax up my skis or break out the skins, throw on my favorite pair of wool ski pants, fill up a thermos with a favorite  hot drink and grab my boots.

The first swish the powder is exhilarating. I again rejoice in gliding along a backcountry trail.

It is ski season again. And I am happy!

Every weekend is a new place to explore or an old favorite to enjoy.

By late March though, things start to wind down. The snow is a tad bit warmer. The snow sticks more.

By April, the last skis are done (with the occasional late Spring ski) and I am again getting ready for hiking season.

Continue reading Skiing into Spring at PMags.com.

Another season of skiing..and another season of fun! Skinning up and (attempting to? 😉  ) making turns, putting on the wax and gliding along in the backcountry, cresting the ridge and enjoying the views. Even did a little moonlit walk that was kinda fun. 😉

Here are some the skis I've been up to in the past month or so. Not all trips are listed..just the ones with photos. 🙂

We had a fine day of tele/AT skiing at Butler Gulch on President's Day…

My rudimentary tele skills have made a big improvement this past season. The gorgeous deep powder, untracked runs, gorgeous views and having it all to ourselves certainly helped!

D-low, Wendy, Christi and I just loved the blue-bird sky, the sunshine and those fantastic views to the divide.

It was one of the better ski days I've had!

Continue reading Yet More Skiing! at PMags.com.

A fine day of ~15 miles of Nordic skiing (we are never sure about the milage. 😉 )  with some good friends I've know from over the years. This trip is a challenging one we do every year, but a  fun one. 

I love this type of skiing. It is reminiscent of long hiking days..except on skis! Rolling terrain, climbs, sweet descents, mixed terrain and the views of the peaks.

What's not to like?!?!?

All the photos here

Continue reading Sixth Annual Sourdough Traverse at PMags.com.

Over the years I have honed my expertise in many things outdoor related: What gear to carry, what wax I should put on my skis, the best place for AYCE buffets and what booze packs the best.  Some of my ideas were used in a local newspaper article.

Continue reading Backcountry Booze at PMags.com.

Not a lot of verbose  trip reports for  most of the winter…but man, did I do a LOT of skiing!!!

Hut trips, ski tours and even some nice walk-abouts.  You'll also see a certain German national who became a very important person in my life over the past year as of this writing (Dec 2010). 🙂

Some highlights below…

The entire album can be found here…

Continue reading Winter Fun 2010 at PMags.com.