BC/XC anything but resort skiing.

[Barb]

Well this storm definitely delivered! In 36 hours I would say we got a solid 22-24” here in Marble. Hard to tell because the last round was wet and everything compressed. But the webcams at Aspen show big numbers. The Aspen base cam had a line down the stairs at 8:15. They opened 20 new trails since yesterday when I checked. 
 

After shoveling out our property (and our neighbor), I took my XC skis and skied my neighborhood. One street was plowed but most of it was untouched. Just a lot of animal tracks. 

 

 

 

This time of year my house does not see a lot of sunshine, only about 3 hours. So on sunny days, we try and sit out for the solid 20 min or so it bakes our porch. 

 

And here it is! Our full 20 min of sunshine. 

 

[Barb]

Been slowly getting back to normal after I got a gel injection in my knee last week. Woke up following morning with my knee looking like the elephant man and had to use a hiking pole to hobble around my house. 
 

Didn’t feel quite ready for downhill, so I went to a new to me xc place about 45 min away. It’s free (donation based) and there are marked trails and they do groom it. I brought both my ancient skinny skis and my newer backcountry xc skis. I assumed my old ones could be used with my newer backcountry xc boots but I guess the metal clip is too long. So I used my fatties on the skate ski part of the trails. 
 

 

 

 

Also got to test out my new Brynje  mesh base layer shirt. It def made a difference, my back was wet, but dried quick and my secondary layer was dry by the time I got home. 

 

Anyone try these or similar?  Anyway, nice sunny day, temp was 15 with light wind  felt good to move the legs  

 

[Mixilplix]

@Barb I've read good things about mesh base layers but have yet to try any..

[Mixilplix]

Short tour on the skinny skis....

[Barb]

The woman that is care taker for our local air strip shut it down to xc skiing last year. Too many tourists I guess. This year as long as you have her verbal permission you can ski it. I finally ran into her and got my OK. Woke up to 3” and socked in skies. Used my fat xc skis and skied from my front door to the air strip. 
 

It’s an open straight run for about 3/4 of a mile then it goes into the trees. I went way back in the trees and I know inward on someone’s land but that  someone isn’t here full time.  Nobody else around, breaking trail. Those skis excel at ungroomed stuff. No hills or anything but fun little jaunt. 

 

 

[Barb]

Another good morning on skinny skis. Brought my dog this time. 2 out of 4 arm length booties stayed on, not bad. 

 

 

 

Edited December 28, 2024 by Barb

[mbike-ski]

Jelly, looks like I’m gonna have to start traveling for some xcd

[Barb]

XCD is both fun and terrifying. I only do little short hills. 

[Barb]

After 3+ days being down with the dreaded stomach flu I finally felt well enough to take my new XC skis for a neighborhood spin today. 

 

The neighborhood part of the ski, before I got to the air strip was extremely icy!  Temp was about 12 when I left my house. Not being used to these new skis I walked down one of the hills. Have to get used to stopping on these, or at least slowing down. 

 

 

started following these tracks down to the river, but the snow was pretty thin so I turned around. 

 

 

[Barb]

Went to Frisco Nordic center today. Some really nice views there. It’s all wide open. 2 degrees but the sunshine felt nice. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mixilplix]

I bet you really cruise in those tracks...

[Barb]

I haven’t skied in tracks in years!  It was really fun. 

[Mixilplix]

Went out late afternoon on the skinny skis...Did about a 4 mile lollipop route through the hood...

 

[AirheadD8]

Revisited the Limeport farm I skied at last year. 10 ish and 20° , I texted my friend yesterday and he called me suggesting I try the pipeline as they mow it every year. A friend owns the property above his farm . 
Skinned up the pipeline and determined a little to many blackberry bushes. 
Up to the upper field and across to the power line. Skins  off and gave someones game camera a thumbs up. A bit sticky but okay. Lower field was a bit bony. 
 

Last time someone rode the power line was almost 40 years old. One of my friends was drinking heavily with some friends and spotted an old Camaro hood.. A  “Watch this “ moment ensued and he made it to the bottom and crashed into the sticker bushes lol. 

[Barb]

That looks like a spicy hill for skinny skis 

[mbike-ski]

Did a little weigh light ski, a little pat halfway to Pinnacle

 

[mbike-ski]

*twilight

[AtomicSkier]

@Dirtwolf and I did some inspection today.  800ft vertical foot run near Blue.  Needed some more snow but was good enough for the wiggle.