A Deep Day at Berthoud

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After a lengthy bout of high pressure hanging over Colorado that left many of us wondering if this winter was going to be a dud, the snow finally started to fall. The northern mountains received a couple feet in as many days leading into last Sunday, so Brian and I decided to head up to Berthoud for a few hours of pass touring poppycock. What we found turned into one of the better ski days of the season for either of us thus far. Berthoud Pass is a relatively simple place that often gets a bad wrap from disgruntled Colorado locals. But hit on the right day with good terrain selection, it can be as good as any pass skiing in the state. Keep reading…

Twin Peaks

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When I think of playing outside in February in Colorado I generally think of powder skiing at Monarch and touring around low angle terrain at Berthoud Pass. But this year things are a little different as February has felt more like May (minus the snow). In the spirit of trying take what Colorado has been giving, and with yet another warm, sunny stretch of days in the forecast, I decided to head down to the desert this past Monday to take a stab at Bicentennial Twin Peak A north of Fort Garland. Read more…

Centennial Sunday – California’s West Ridge

I get excited every time I visit the San Luis Valley. How could you not? It is a 122 mile long, 74 mile wide, vast high desert plain surrounded by mountains. And not just any mountains. To the west, the Sangres rise up like nowhere else in Colorado. Going from 8,000 to 14,000 feet in a matter of 2-3 of miles just never gets old. On every trip I am stunned by the relief off of the valley floor. The fact that most of the high peaks are as rugged as they come only adds to the appeal. Keep reading…