Steamboat . . .

. . . a bluebird type of day!

Dry conditions set in on Wednesday, with blue skies and milder temp's. The previous days snow and clouds left snow laden trees on the upper mountain and beautiful vista's. If you look closely the trees on the upper mointain, that were in the clouds the day before are white with sticky snow.

The pictures are stunning!

 

After we were done skiing on Wednesday, we traveled down to Dillion, CO for more skiing. We got to the condo around 5, unpacked and headed over to Frisco for dinner.

Today we decided to take a day of rest. Our legs were tired and the added elevation is certainly noticeable. One of the many reasons I LOVE Steamboat is that the city and resort base is around 7,000 feet wih the mountain peak at 10,500 feet. We seem to adapt to that elevation quickly. But here in Dillion, CO the elevation is 9,000. That extra 2,000 feet is very noticeable when moving around and since both Vail (Friday) and Beaver Creek (Saturday) ski resorts are at higher elevation we thought we needed a break.

Enjoy the moments!

 

 

 

 

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Steamboat . . .

. . . still snowing! Charlie and I took Monday off to rest my legs and his back. He fell on Sunday and hurt his back - nothing worse than a sore back while snow boarding or skiing.

This morning we woke up to snow and wind. We were at the Gondola at 8:25, which is 5 minutes before they open so we waited about 5 minutes and then headed up the mountain and started our day on Heavenly Daze again. We did that run 3 times and then separated. I stayed on the bottom mountain area for some runs and then decided to head up to the top, hoping it wasn't as cloudy as it looked. The top of the mountain was in the clouds but as the lift got closer and closer to the top I realized that there was basically little to no visibility. I should have known it would be bad. I took it pretty easy skiing down because you couldn't see very well. At the bottom of the run, I decided to head to one of the mountain restaurants to warm up. By this time it was about 12:15 and the rest of the family met me at The Rendezvous.

Here is a shot of my son Joe in the distance.

We contined skiing and finished up around 2:30.

On the home front, we are having our base molding, window trim and interior doors replaced. We have been waiting for the crew to start for about 6 months. They had other jobs and we were not in a hurry. I was just thrilled to know it was off of my to do list. Anyway, they started this week. Here is a before shot of the hall bathroom door before and after.

As you can see we are replacing dark wood trim and hollow core doors with solid core white 4 panel doors and white base molding. I am enjoying our ski vacation but can't wait to see the results. Of course there are many other doors to finish and windows and base . . . the builders will be at the house for about a month. There will be plenty of time for me to enjoy it,

Enjoy the moments!

 

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Steamboat day 2 . . .

. . . was as good as the first day!

We woke up to about 6 inches of fresh snow.

 

Skiers LOVE fresh powder. We were up and on the mountain by 8:30 and headed up the Gondola and then down Heavenly Daze. This run is on the face of the mountain, along the Gondola line and overlooks the base area and city. We have discovered that it is great first thing in the morning - but extremely tough for me later in the day. It is a long run and the mountain face is (in my opinion) extremely convex, so it appears steeper that it really is. Anyway, down we went. With it still snowing, there was probably 7–8 inches on the mountain and boy oh boy is it tough to carve through the snow. It took all of my leg strength. I really tried to think positive thoughts - easy corners, move ski's together, don't cut on your edges . . . eventually I was down. Down in the snow, not down the mountain!!! Nothing hurt, just took a tumble. We continued down the run and headed over to another area accessed by another lift.

 

What goes up, must come down, so down we went. After a couple more runs, I decided I needed a break and decided to do a few green (easy) runs. My legs and confidence needed a break. I felt much better on the greens given the deep snow conditions. I like the blue runs (Intermediate level), but today, I stuck with the green (easy level) since they had been cleared of much of the fresh snow, leaving 2-3 inches, which is much more manageable!

Hooked back up with everyone at lunch. Here I am with Charlie before heading down. Then back out for a few more runs!

Dinner was at a local Mexican resturant - then back to the condo to relax and watch RonBurgundy. No matter how many times - it is always funny.

Enjoy the moments!

 

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Steamboat day 1 . . .

. . was wonderful . . . like always.

Steamboat is probably my favorite place.

Saturday morning we flew out of Madison directly into Denver and then rented a car and drove to Steamboat. Traffic was slow for about 15 miles before the Eisenhower tunnel and the roads were snow covered over Rabbit Ears pass. But since we drive in snow all the time - the trip went fine. Once you get off the Interstate and head north to Steamboat - the route is through "high country", defined as 'An area of land formed or lying above the piedmont and below the timberline'. Here is a shot overlooking a lake area. It is very beautiful country. Ranchs, cattle, grazing land, streams,mountain peaks and the bluest sky you can imagine!

Once at the condo we unpacked and headed to the grocery store. This is our view from the condo. You can just see the mountain top sticking up over the roof line. Speaking of roof lines, check out that snow!!!!

We then decided to try night skiing, so we grabbed subs at Subway so that we had a quick meal. This is the first year Steamboat offers night skiing. They have lite 4 runs that is serviced by the Christy lift. Here is Joe and Chelsea at the base area.

 

We must have taken 10-12 trips down the trails. Mid-way through, they headed to the black (expert) runs, while I stayed on the blue (intermediate) run. Finished the night at the base with a water and a Fat Tire.

This morning, (Sunday) we already have 2 inches of fresh powder and are expecting 8 inches through out the day. Eating breakfast and getting ready is next, then heading to the mountain.

Enjoy the moments.

 

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