A weekend of two classic ski tours: The Sourdough Traverse and the CMC Ski Trail to Lil Raven

Over this past snowy weekend, it was again time for touring.

Backcountry Nordic is that odd, “in-between” skiing that is not quite classic cross-country with its groomed terrain…but it is not the adrenaline rush, wonderful turns and quick descents of backcountry Telemark or AT skiing.

Backcountry Nordic is hiking on skis. Where it is about the traveling in an efficient fashion over the winter landscape. More elegant than snowshoeing; Nordic skiing is fun, leads to some beautiful areas and is perhaps one of my favorite activities in the backcountry.

Now, I must confess, I am jonesing to use my downhill powder skis in such classic areas as Hidden Valley, Butler Gulch or St. Vrain’s Mountain.

But this avalanche map says it all:

Red means bad.

Continue reading One Weekend – Two Ski Tours at PMags.com.

Winter backpacking and ski touring with Andrew Skurka in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Winter backpacking is challenging.

What are routine chores during summer trips are more difficult and time consuming in winter.

Making dinner requires melting snow and using more fuel.  Setting up a snow worthy shelter takes time to get the shelter taut and packing down the snow-covered ground just right.

Managing layers of clothing just right so that you are both warm  and  dry.

But the rewards for winter backpacking are many: Mountains framed by swirling snow and dark skies.  The cold air seeming to make everything around a bit more sharp. A place that is crowded in the summer takes on the aspects of remote wilderness.

Learning the skills and techniques to enjoy winter backpacking can be a matter of trail and error. Fumbling around and trying not to mess up too much.

Continue reading Winter In the Park – Andrew Skurka’s Winter Backpacking Trip at PMags.com.

Brainard Cabin is a rustic and historical place located in the Brainard Lake recreation area.

The cabin is a popular place in winter; ski or snowshoe, grab a cup of cocoa and continue the jaunt for the day.

Typically, volunteers will hots the cabin for the weekend. Stoke the fire, make sure there is plenty of hot water for day users, and enjoy the cabin for themselves overnight.
 

Brainard Cabin (from a previous outing)

On the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd, I had the pleasure of staying in the cabin for a weekend.

My friend Wendy and I skied up later in the morning. I am never on a trailhead that late (11am). Brainard Lake at the hour was a madhouse. I must confess to getting frustrated; people were rude, cutting me off, not letting people back out of spots or turning around. My hands were flying and choice epithets from my Catholic school background (Jesus Christ!

Continue reading Rocky Mountain Get-away at PMags.com.

I had intended to hike this past weekend, but the lure of freshly fallen snow called to a few of us.

What can be better than fresh powder, some good friends and the Colorado backcountry?

On Saturday, the usual gang (Terry, d-low, Wendy and myself) went to the Sourdough Trail for an inaugural ski day. A chance to get "the rust out" as Terry put it.

The day was a bit overcast, but still enjoyable. We went were going skiing after all!

Nothing too dramatic. Just a beautiful winter day.

Myself, d-low, Terry and Wendy at the Sourdough Trailhead.

The snow came down quite a bit by the time we arrived in Boulder. A good night to stay home and watch The Wire on DVD!

On Sunday, the usual gang (plus New Hampsha Dave…back for the season!) went on another ski day! This time to the Jenny Creek Trail.

Continue reading Days of Powder! at PMags.com.

The Sourdough Trail is ~15 miles of classic Nordic ski tour terrain.

A steepish climb of about 1500' elevation gain, then almost all downhill to Peaceful Valley.

What made this ski tour especially attractive was the fresh snow that fell in the few days before
we attempted our tour.

What a gorgeous way to spend a Saturday. The day had those magical Colorado winter qualities of blue skies, intense sunshine, fresh powder and gorgeous scenery. Life really does not get much better than that.

The cast of characters involves my usual companions as of late: Terry and Mike "D-low". Also with us were Kelda, Theresa and Colorado newcomer Deanna.

We met at Moe's Bagels for the all important morning coffee (as D-low is finding out quite quickly, I am just shy of useless without my morning coffee!) and greasy bagel sandwich fix.

Properly fueled, we split into two cars so as to park a car on both ends of the route.

Continue reading Sourdough Trail Ski Traverse at PMags.com.

Over the past four months, I have worked sporadically. Been pretty much a cross-country ski bum. Any chance I had to go mid-week skiing, I'd go! Many of the times I've been skiing has been with my friend Terry. He not only picked me up at Antelope Wells when I finished the CDT this past year, but he also is about to start his own CDT journey in a short while.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Starting on March 5th, I start an honest-to-goodness long term contract job. I am being a responsible citizen; complete with business casual attire of Dockers, button down shirt and my mandatory coffee mug. Who needs to watch Office Space? I'm about to live it. 🙂

What better way to end my ski bum ways than to one last mid-week ski tour?

I met Terry at our usual meeting spot. We loaded up his 4WD vehicle on a snowy day and drove up to the Brainard Lake trail head.

Continue reading CMC Ski Trail, Brainard Lake at PMags.com.

I used to go on fair amount of winter backpacking trips.

Winter is a wonderful time of the year to be outdoors. Especially in Colorado where it seems to be always sunny.

Cold and crisp air. The mountains covered in snow and framed by a bright, blue sky. Fresh powder that is so white it does not seem real. What could be better?

To enjoy multiple days, winter camping is required.

Now, winter camping can be fun. A snug and warm snow cave. A few good friends. Some laughter and lots of talking.

But, winter camping is much work. Ski/snowshoe in for a few miles. Spend a lot of time making your shelter. It is hard (but can be fun) work. Not much time for traditional RnR.

In the past few years, I've "discovered" hut trips! Rustic luxury in the back country!

The Tenth Mountain Hut system was created my veterans of the famous 10th Mountain
Division of World War Two fame.

Continue reading Section House Hut at PMags.com.