Dec 28th - Skiing on the CDT

[Mags]

Like many people this time of the year, I had a holiday party to attend on Sunday.

As such, I wanted to do a ski tour that would not take too much time.

Courtesy of my friend Andy (Garlic to any thru-hikers out there), I have found out about this wonderful book (http://www.amazon.com/Skiing-Colorados-Backcountry-Northern-Mountains/dp/1555910440/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229712604&sr=8-1) that has yet to steer me wrong with trip ideas.

Most people snowshoe or do big bowl tele skiing; ski touring is becoming a bit of a lost recreation activity. This 20 yr old book has more info in geared towards ski tours that recently published books simply do not have.

In any case, the book suggested a tour very appropriate "surprisingly secluded tour [that] makes a good morning excursion when you have something else planned for the rest of the day".

This tour is along an old jeep road and is below the James Peak ridge (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150240/james-peak-st-mary-s-glacier.html) on the continental divide. The "official" CDT goes below this spectacular ridge (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/component/option,com_gallery2/Itemid,36/?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=15601) as the ridge is probably a bit more burly than most hikers (and probably all horses!) want to tackle.



http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18916&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=f78a3e9fade375390b8197797125e37a



The day started off well. We had the route to ourselves up the moderate and steady grade.


http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18912&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=f78a3e9fade375390b8197797125e37a



Once past the main road area, the powder was fresh and untracked.

We skied up to the res and quickly noticed the storm above us hanging on and obscuring the view of the divide.


http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18926&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=f78a3e9fade375390b8197797125e37a


We made it back to the trees and a had a VERY FAST ski back. A lot more people out when we returned...almost all snowshoers. :)

All of us had enough time to stop in Idaho Springs, grab a brew and make it back in time for our social engagements.

A most excellent day and a place where I want to return to explore more of the trails.

The following dayI did a favorite tour (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/Colorado-Ski-Tours.html#brainard-lake-ski-loop) solo.

When I was at the trailhead, there were hardly any people. And on the trails, I saw NO ONE.

When I arrived back at the trailhead 3 hour or so later? A lot more people. And, reflecting of the CO backcountry in winter...mainly snowshoers. :o

The day was a glorious Colorado one. Intense blue skies. Majestic mountains. Lots of sunshine.

With view like below..how can I complain????


http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18909&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=f78a3e9fade375390b8197797125e37a




ALL THE PHOTOS (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/component/option,com_gallery2/Itemid,36/?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=18905&g2_page=1)

[gravityman]

Ah, good info! We got ourselves from cross country skis for christmas after having rented twice last year and realizing how much fun it is! We were out on the Sourdough trail on Saturday and Peaceful Valley on Friday. Sourdough was much better for pulling the kiddo-pulk behind. Peaceful valley was a challenging and didn't know if it was going to open up, so we turned around and just skied the road back a ways.

Does the peaceful valley trail open up after a bit?

Gravity

[Homer&Marje]

Great post Mags. As always my camera would point in the same direction as yours. Really nice shots and thanks for sharing.:banana

[Mags]

Peaceful valley was a challenging and didn't know if it was going to open up, so we turned around and just skied the road back a ways.

Does the peaceful valley trail open up after a bit?

Gravity

Near Coney Flats, it does open up bit, and become somewhat more gentle. Not good for a sled and child, though IIRC. :O (I don;t have my map with me..kinda blurs. ;) )


If you get a chance, I'd strongly suggest ordering the book I linked to. It is AWESOME for tour ideas.

A great area nearby for the kiddo and skis is the 4th of July Rd near the Hessie Trailhead near Ned.

Another great idea is Left Hand Canyon Rd near Brainard. It is a little windblown (maybe a lot after the chinooks of last night ????!!!), but once it dumps again, it is only ~3.5 miles r/t and 500' gain to Left Hand Res.

AWESOME view of Niwot Ridge and the divide. Perfect for beginners skiers..esp those taking a child. :)


Finally, the Fall River Res area really is great place as well. My friends took their 3 yr old daughter in a sled:


http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18914&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=f78a3e9fade375390b8197797125e37a



Simply take exit 238 just past Idaho Sprgs. Bear right to Fall River Rd. Just after the second set of hairpin turns, there is a small and obvious parking area. Walk up the road perhaps 50 yards (you may want to drop off the child, mom and the sled!) and ski up the road.

Trails Illustrated map #103 has the route, along with other routes you can take nearby. You avoid most of the ski traffic going via 6 and the trip finishes before the ski traffic hits on the way back.

A great ski trip if you do want to drive far and/or need to get back early.

Another tour for the kiddo is Peru Creek near Keystone:

http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/Colorado-Ski-Tours.html#peru-creek-road

I am now at the point that I love skiing almost as much as hiking. :)

[snowhoe]

Sweet pics Mags,
Its nice to head out own your own. No one to say lets go this way or hurry up. I really like that solo "thing"