The trails at the Frisco Nordic Center offer views of the Tenmile Range, Gore Range and Lake Dillon.

It seems many of the aerobic freaks who win randonee events also Nordic ski. Also, many cyclists use it for cross-training in the winter. It’s not my goal to become an aerobic freak or race bikes, but staying fit while playing outdoors (rather than in a gym) is pretty appealing. And so I discovered skate skiing at the Frisco Nordic Center in Summit County, Colorado.

I admit, it was much harder than I anticipated. When it came time to add poles to the equation, I really flailed. But like those on vacation who feel obligated to get in a full seven hours when purchasing day lift tickets, I was determined to get my money’s worth of skate ski lesson, rental and trail pass. [Read more →]

Convenient for Dillon Valley residents, Summit County's Straight Creek Trail is accessible in all four seasons.

Route: Straight Creek trail from Dillon Valley toward the Eisenhower and Johnson tunnels
Start/End: Out and back via trailhead accessed from Forest Rd. 51 and multiple neighborhood trails around Dillon Valley
Season: Year-round

My personal athletic accomplishments have always been a result of stubbornness rather than physical prowess. Though close family may argue otherwise, I claim this trait as an asset, one that has allowed me to push my body beyond what I thought possible for me. And so I became one of those people who felt that my heart rate needed to be up for a minimum of 60 minutes, saddle time at least two hours. And swims? Anything under 45 minutes was just a waste of my time.

I have changed. I’ve certainly not picked up speed; rather, these days I’m much more interested in exploring my Summit County backyard and staying fit so I can continue doing the things I enjoy. I’m happy to get 15 minutes from the house to let the dog walk in the creek. Jumping on my bike for coffee and window shopping in Frisco is a great way to spend a summer evening. Last week, I played hooky to go for a 20-minute run on a quiet, snowy morning. And finally, here’s where we get to the part you were probably seeking to begin with: the trail overview. [Read more →]

Anyone who travels in the backcountry should think about attending the CAIC Benefit Bash on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.

What: CAIC Benefit Bash
When: Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
Where: Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, Colorado
Cost: $25/person includes entry, food, two drink tickets and a door prize ticket

Just last Friday, the Summit Daily News ran a photo of a longtime local catching early season turns on Loveland Pass. It’s a slim start to what becomes an extremely popular backcountry spot, one that’s several times slid enough to cover Highway 6. Once the snow really flies, backcountry junkies begin hiking Summit County’s big peaks in search of powder.

Colorado and Summit County see large numbers of winter backcountry users and according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), avalanche deaths in our state account for one-third of all avalanche deaths in the United States. The CAIC began as an avalanche forecast and warning center and today they focus on “minimizing the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on recreation, tourism, commerce, industry and the citizens of Colorado.”

In addition to working to keep roads open and providing backcountry forecasts and observations, the CAIC offers educational seminars, classes and workshops. Nonprofit organization Friends of the CAIC produces events and initiatives to support the CAIC’s backcountry program and overall avalanche awareness and education. The end result? Friends of the CAIC Benefit Bash. It’s a great party for a great cause. http://friendsofcaic.org

Nighttime and sunrise are two scenic times to snowshoe in Summit County, Colorado.

One of the most popular posts on the site so far has been the Black Mountain Lodge Full Moon Snowshoe Dinner piece. So I decided to pass on a few of my favorite spots for full-moon snowshoeing and let folks know about a few group tours in surrounding counties. And, of course, you can always snowshoe or skin up the ski slopes at Summit County resorts. Just make sure to contact them regarding rules for uphill traffic.

A Few Spots for Moonlight Snowshoeing in Summit County, Colorado [Read more →]

Blazes mark some of the route along the Peaks Trail in Summit County, Colorado.

I’ve gotten some questions about the Peaks Trail, one of my favorite trails in Summit County, Colorado. So here’s an overview of what I’ve discovered. A longer version will be published soon at goColorado.com, so I’ll post the link when the article goes online.

Trailheads
With a trailhead in Frisco, near Miner’s Creek Road, and another in Breckenridge, off Ski Hill Road, the Peaks Trail is about 7.5 miles in length and travels along the foot of Peaks 1-7 of Colorado’s Tenmile Range. [Read more →]

The Peaks Trail runs between Breckenridge and Frisco in Summit County, Colorado.

Route: Breckenridge to Frisco via the Peaks Trail
Start: Peaks trailhead in Breckenridge, Colorado, accessed by Ski Hill Rd.
End: Miner’s Creek Road to County Commons in Frisco, Colorado
Season: Winter
For more specific route information on the Breckenridge to Frisco Peaks Trail, read Overview of the Peaks Trail: Summit County, Colorado.

Summit County’s Peaks Trail, a trail I’ve come to know mostly as a summer mountain bike route, is currently covered with more snow than I would have imagined, especially considering the balmy weather of late. [Read more →]