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 →]

Ever run a marathon? Those silvery sheets they cover you with to keep you warm post-run is the same technology Columbia incorporates into their Omni-Heat products. Trust us. Those little silver dots keep you darned warm.

So we’ve heard a lot about Omni-Heat lately. At least I have. And it looks like their marketing is working, because the technology even made the Today Show. The nice part is that the jacket I have lives up to the talk.

After a pretty warm (mid-upper 30s) December, Summit County and much of Colorado got hit with some mighty cold weather. Highs didn’t even make it into the double digits and combined with the wind atop the chairlifts, it was pretty brutal. I get antsy if I stay indoors too long, so I’m a fan of combating cold with good gear. My new jacket came just in time. [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

Thanks to Eric, here’s some video of the RMD mogul competition in Breckenridge, Colorado. Or, read about the mogul event — Rocky Mountain Division Moguls: Breckenridge, Colorado

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Rocky Mountain Division Mogul Compeition (duals) in Breckenridge, Colorado

“I’m too old for that.”

I heard it a lot this weekend at the Rocky Mountain Division Mogul Competition in Breckenridge, Colorado. Friday, January 29 through Sunday, January 31, parents and spectators looked on as folks waist-high to full-grown launched down the moguls of Mach 1 and gracefully flipped themselves off two kickers. All this on Peak 8 in Breckenridge, Colorado. [Read more →]

Drying out the skins after a journey up Peak 9 in Breckenridge, Colorado

Route: Top of Peak 10 via Sundown, in Breckenridge
Start: Beaver Run
End: 9 Restaurant
Season: Winter, silly

In winter I work on the mountain at Breckenridge, and the one thing I can never complain about is the view. Our shack sits halfway up Peak 9, with the town of Breckenridge, Colorado spreading out below. To the east, we have excellent views of Baldy and beyond. [Read more →]

The Winter Dew Tour descended on Breckenridge, Colorado December 18-20.

Yes, we need snow, but I won’t argue with the sunshine we had toady. Not so during the recent holiday season …

December 25: As a hefty breeze whips white stuff from the trees and the wind chill hovers something around -30, I rejoice that such weather waited until Christmas to show its blustery face. After all, the Breckenridge winter Dew Tour wrapped Sunday, December 20 with the first stop of the season at Breckenridge Ski Resort (Dec 18-20). [Read more →]

Breckenridge, Colorado: Opening Day Eve on Peak 8

Free coffee is quickly becoming a Breckenridge tradition on opening day eve. If you live in Breckenridge, or maybe anywhere in Summit County, you probably picked up your free coffee and mug this morning. What local doesn’t have a collection of Wake Up mugs? [Read more →]