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.