On a bluebird sky day with untouched, crystal-shimmering, powder, we took some sleds up to Vail Pass.  The I-70 corridor runs over the high mountain pass that is Vail Pass; the path and rest area system start at the off ramp at the top.  A 6$ per person fee helps keep the trails in good shape.  The groomed trails are strategically placed to allow access to the tops and bottoms of the hills allowing for great ski runs with minimal effort.  The views are spectacular and the community is friendly.  The snowpack had been shaky earlier in the week but had gotten more moderate on the west facing slopes.  We happen to hit it when the snow was good and the skies and views were grand.  Take a look-

Photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Photo Gallery

Breckenridge is known for its variety of terrain and weather and on this day, we headed up into the bowls and found some decent snow.  Unfortunately, it did not look like the picture above.  Low clouds and patchy snow made visibility poor at the top but if you have ever wanted to see above tree line at Breckenridge on a cloudy day, click on the video below.

Summit County, Colorado.  It's a small county in Colorado but it is home to some of the greatest ski resorts in the world.  It is often referred to as Colorado's Playground and for good reason; 7 world-class ski areas with-in 45 min. drive, the highest freshwater sailing lake in the US, 45 miles of bike path most of which circumnavigates Lake Dillon, mountain bike trails, wilderness, forest land, snowmobiling, backpacking, hiking and climbing.  I once counted 27 sports I could do out of my front door without ever getting in a car.  This truly is the Alps of America.

Summit is just more than an hour west of Denver thorough the I-70 corridor.  It is bordered by the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels on the east and Vail Pass on the west.  We are home to about 26,000 year round residences but we grow to over 100K during the Christmas/ New Years week.  Summit County started during the gold and silver mining boom in Colorado.  Some of our local watering holes are the same places early pioneers and diggers drank during their time here in paradise. 

Summit County is mostly known for its skiing and the areas of Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin.  But just adjacent to the Summit borders are Loveland ski area and Eagle County which contains Vail and Beaver Creek.  This proximity makes Summit County the premiere ski destination for anyone wanting the Rocky Mountain experience.  We have huts in the backcountry that you can rent, snowmobiling tours, fantastic fishing, dogsled tours, parades, fireworks, balloon rides, kite boarding, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, snowblading, sledding, miles of views above tree line, lakes, mine tours, historic landmarks, panoramic mountain views and the list could continue. 

Photo courtesy of the The Keystone Center

On April 10th 2010, at the American Mountaineering Museum in Golden Colorado, four climbers will be inducted into the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence.   Honored will be Yvon Chouinard, the late Robert Bates and Dr. Charles Houston, and, from Summit County, Robert Craig.  Most people know of Chouinard; in addition to being a pioneer in ice and big-wall climbing, he has led the innovation of outdoor equipment and clothing in modern times and is a leading voice for environmental activism.  The other three, Bates, Houston and Craig, are known for their roles in the perilous 1953 K2 expedition where monsoon style blizzards, thrombophlebitis, a fall where five men were held by one, the eventual death of Art Gilkey, snow slides and avalanches all were persevered.  This classic climbing story has edged toward legend in its 50+ year history.  Summit County is still home to Bob Craig and the Keystone Center that he founded in 1975 and was the longtime president until 1997.  This policy center is founded in leadership and education and tackles problems that bridge the gaps in law and decency.  Because of these and many other accomplishments, Robert Craig will enter the Hall in April.

After getting out discounted ski lift tickets at Pioneer Sports, I decided to document our first day on Snow Jacks.  If you have never seen a Snow Jack, you are not alone; they are rare like the unicorn and have only the smallest of niche folowwings.  I'm actually the only person I know that owns one.  But I decidede to spend the day with an Official SnowJack model, to see how they worked.  In between I thought I would slide in some Pioneer Sports brand propoganda.

Starting in mid-Feburary and ending the last week in March, Keystone Ski Resort is offering a 50+ ski program where you recieve a complimentary guided ski tour.  Guests are welcome to enjoy this free service and participators can be from any ability level.  Keystone seperates the group into 7 ability levels which makes this a great opportunity to meet other skiers in your skill range.  A Certified Mountain Guest Service Guide can show you all that Keystone Mountain has to offer.  The group meets at the Summit House at 9am on Thursdays.  Lift tickets are still required and discount lift tickets can be purchased at ahead of time at Pioneer Sports,  your local ski and ride shop in Summit offering you the best lift ticket deals in the County and the highest quality rental products anywhere in the high country.  Keystone has a host of other free activities for all ages and interests.