After some major life changes I'm considering doing a CDT thru-hike this season. I want to start as early as possible because I have an opportunity for work in the Vail CO area this summer. My plan was to get an early jump on the trail; work in CO to resupply the bank account and then finish the trail. I am thinking about April 1st? I live in CO and it has been a very low snow year (so far). I know that the answer to my question depends on skill and experience so here is a short list of my credentials:
-live at 10k in CO
-AT hike in 2001
-LT hike in Oct 2000 (very cold and quiet)
-ice and rock climbing skills
-winter camping/hiking skills from growing up in NH
-work as a forester and very comfortable w/ maps and navigation
I'm open to any advice and information beyond my start date question; specifically about New Mexico. When I started the AT I had consulted w/ thru-hikers for years. This trip is being thrown together much more quickly so I have done less research.