Deep Winter

Our time in the Northwest was split between family, that we most likely wouldn't see for several months, and packing.  We were making a shift from nomadic van life to having an established home base.  And our home base required more equipment.  The condo was furnished but we'd need dishes, cookware, more clothes and of course all the ski gear we could carry.  Since CB has very limited parking we elected to stuff everything into one winter car.  (For an extra challenge we also opted to throw in bikes so we'd have spring entertainment.)    After a final visit to the park we said our good-byes and rolled out.

Hood River Good-Byes

Loaded & Ready for Winter

When we arrived in early December it was clear that the Gunnison Valley was in transition.  The mountain was only partially open and attempts at riding bikes nearby proved to be cold and snowy.  We passed the time exploring what we could on the ski hill, looking for warmer bike trails and maybe even fishing a little.

Attempting to ride bikes in the fall

In mid-December reality snuck  up on us.  We'd been living the carefree life of a gypsy since August but now it was time to return to the world of responsibility.  Yes, we had to go to work.  We'd both locked up positions at the local ski school and our training began, followed by the "busy season". 

The busy season at the resort coincides with Christmas break for those with real jobs or school.  One definition of Ski Bum I picked up this year is, "one who takes a low paying job at a ski resort so he can watch those with high paying jobs ski while he is working."   So for 2 weeks we entertained the wealthy and their children.  Our turn would come when they had to leave the valley and head back to the cities.

Ski Bum Shenanigans

As we passed the Christmas season working, making new friends and even skiing a bit the transition to deep winter became very clear.  Mornings were dark, the thermometer regularly measured -10F or below.  The snow was layering in.  The Christmas storm brought us a healthy amount and we managed to sneak around the tourists for a few good turns.  When it wasn't snowing, which was most of the time, it was cold, clear and sunny.  This Colorado weather pattern helps to keep the snow pristine even weeks after the storm.  It makes for amazing skiing on any given day as long as you can stomach the cold.

Merry Christmas

After the New Year the tourists when home we had the mountain to ourselves.  As more snow came the terrain that Crested Butte is known for slowly began to open.  Headwall, Teo Bowl, Glades, Spellbound & Phoenix.  There was lots of exploring to be done.  Both in the resort and in the backcountry.

Access to the Goods

Consolidated Pano from our new ski hill

A good friend who is also a local guides brought me along on several tours that highlighted the major backcountry ski zones of CB.  The terrain and views of the Elk range are amazing.  The skiing was also fantastic.  There is no doubt a lifetime of ski exploration to be done here.

Pow turns with a view

During one of our storms I was lucky enough to catch a ride on a snowmobile to a zone in the Anthracite range.  Because this range is closer to the divide it regularly receives more snow than the resort.  On this day it was measuring 50cm and still snowing heavily.  We only had time for 3 laps but the feeling goggle deep turns would last much longer.

Stupid Deep

Elk Range from Mt. CB