Barb

Jeff, you really are next level bougie. This is very cool.

Just saw this video. I watched this guy ski down this line last weekend. He had a spotter go ahead to make sure all clear, then a guy videoing him. He was amazing to watch.

Just finished up probably my last day of the season at Snowmass. At 9am snow was already soft in the sun, but round a corner of shade and you hit ice. Hit one spot around a corner and there was all brown with one section just wide enough for skis plus a mandatory frogger hop over some rocks. Hard to see from her but this is where I stopped. Temps were 60’s with a brilliant blue sky. Stopped at the new “Cabin” for a bathroom break. Bathrooms were fancy! Had fragrance jars on the sinks. So Aspen-y! skied onto every lift, nobody there. Closing weekend next Saturday, but I feel like I got my fill today.

More pow stashes today. Bonus that I got to see @Johnny Law’s pink pants in person!

Winter is back here. Got some decent snow. Crickets at Snowmass. Powder stashes all over. Was really nice. started out in sunshine, then clouds and light snow. Buttermilk closes 4/6, Highlands 4/13, Snowmass 4/19 and 4/20 for Aspen Mountain

Aspen passes went on sale this morning. I went online to buy one and when I went to check out noticed they were almost $800 more than last year. I realized I had a 24/25 pass in my cart and did not click the “spring sale” button. 😂. It’s been so warm here! 50’s and sunny daily. Snow is a slushy mess.

So many awesome things about this. Love skinning in a t shirt. 6 miles is a far skin, must have been very gradual to have that elevation gain. I need to find an uphill like that! Well done and very cool.

These reports were great! The bakery counter pics too, chef’s kiss. Looks like a fantastic trip.

Whoops, didn’t notice it was the wrong year.

Wasn’t really sure where to put this. Our rescue team was called out on this avalanche on Saturday. I was first on scene at the firehouse. Once one of my team members arrived we were trying to assess what was the best way to access the victims. We discussed skinning up to them but that would take time. The terrain was sketchy and they were not in a great place. Then it was decided careflight would be called in. They would shuttle us one at a time to a landing zone above where they were. I was pretty nervous, both about the helicopter ride and the terrain. I said I would snowshoe instead of ski (brought both) as I didn’t feel comfortable on a 40+ degree slope. At what felt like the last minute, two other strong team members arrived who were good skiers. I was off the hook. I was happy to just help from the command base. Communications are bad here, with cell and radio signals. I helped coordinate info from the county sheriff to our team members on site and on their way. Mountain Rescue Aspen also sent 3 of their guys to help if needed. 6 of us (West Elk Mountain Rescue), 3 Marble fire personnel, 3 MRA guys in all plus the careflight team. Once a paramedic and 2 team members were shuttled to the landing zone and worked their way down to the victim, it was apparent he was not doing well. Head injury, kept losing consciousness, badly broken arm (arm was wrapped backwards around a tree) and leg injury. Chopper was low on fuel so last minute desist on was made for pilot to land in a sketchy gully and take patient. His friend was uninjured and did a great job holding it together, digging him out and getting him out of the debris field to a safer location. By this time it was dark and friend and my 2 team members had to ski out. They said it was survival skiing, breakable crust through a thick aspen grove and shrubs. Glad I stayed on the ground. We got a debrief from the friend back at the firehouse. He was very emotional at first, understandably so. He gave us a detailed account of how it went down. Luckily the friend was only buried to his chest. He was able to dig him out and somehow guide him down without any of his gear. It was very intense and it reminds you how unforgiving the mountains can be. This volunteer gig so far is very satisfying and I am learning so much valuable outdoor info. https://avalanche.state.co.us/report/98249357-2906-4534-b287-61e125e28a58

This winter has definitely been a weird one as far as storms and temps. Had some good snow Thursday but when I went skiing yesterday by the afternoon all the ungroomed runs turned to cream cheese slop. Attempted to Xc ski McClure pass this morning. Got there by 9 but already all the parking was full with snowmobile trailers. Went back into town and just did a lap around the park. Snow was not good for skiing but the weather is beautiful sunny and warm.

Amazing! Have the best time! Looking forward to reports and pictures. I thought it was such a cool town and would definitely love to return sometime.

Looks like now the base pass includes 5 days at almost all resorts that base pass plus did with black out dates. Exceptions are Aspen and JH. Originally, I do not believe just the base pass had this option. My friends and I have been chatting about it, since they need Aspen when they come visit me.

Sometimes I see tele lessons for never Evers like me and am intrigued. Maybe next winter I will try it. I have watched plenty of YouTube but just don’t feel like I could do any downhill without some instruction. When stuff gets steep-ish on my XC skis I just resort to snowplow or a sloppy snowplow kind of turn. I watch Jared Mannenin on YouTube and his outings look so fun! Also Tom M who I am sure you have seen.