April 4, 2019 Snowmass

It started as a warm morning with a few cloudy skies. In CO this can mean just a few clouds in the sky, but in western WA it would be called a sunny day. We put on sunscreen and rode the Village Express lift at 8600vt to the top of the lift at 10600vt. Our goal was to follow the sun and hope for spring snow. We skied down to the base of the Sheer Bliss express. The ski down was perfect spring snow. We loaded the lift and were joined by a Snowmass ski instructor, Paul, who had the day off. The day took a different turn with this wonderful meeting. Paul's badge said he was from Lake Placid which led to a great discussion of when I was at Lake Placid for the Winter Olympics when the USA hockey team beat the Russians. He now lives in the Aspen area and returns to Lake Placid just to visit. In addition to both being from NY (I'm from Syracuse), his brother lives in WA on the Kitsap Peninsula where Jill was raised, and he's a backcountry skier. Small world.

We skied with him for the next 3 hours and exchanged "stories". It was fun to ski in areas that we would not have thought of/known about without his taking us there. Plus, he showed us a couple of ski moves that would improve our technique, especially as far as speed (Jill's not so sure that she wants more speed!). Snowmass is large and the top was perfect packed powder and the rest was spring snow. We skied one gigantic slope about the width of the 'Alpine" trail off the side of the Central express lift at Summit Central. It was about 1900vf with trees and rolling terrain and we had it to ourselves -- for awhile. Plus, Paul likes the tracked powder; and the 'young kid' just had his 73rd birthday. Great!

There was a large gathering of the National Disabled Veterans who were having an adaptive winter sport clinic while we were there. It was amazing to see them ski in their "chairs" with special blades and poles. Each skier had an instructor helping with steering and/or mounting the chair on the lift. What was wonderful was to watch their skills on all types of trails and snow. We saw at least 50 plus vets participating.

Many days in the mountains provide for new, unplanned events. Today was one of those days that put smiles on our faces.

While in the area, hit Aspen Highlands if you've time.  Great alpine views, great groomers and excellent side country.