Travel, trails and adventure in Summit County, Colorado: Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon and Beyond

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 →]

Arapahoe Basin's Full Moon Snowshoe Dinner Series has expanded to include a New Year's Eve dinner and an uphill event.

With the first of Arapahoe Basin’s five dinner events behind us, I figured it was about time to post the dates of the remaining four. Really, I was just procrastinating on registering for the January event and wanted to secure our spots before I shared with the rest of the world. And with the March 19 Dolomites dinner already sold out, I had good reason to wait.

2011 Arapahoe Basin Full Moon Dinner Snowshoe Series [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 →]

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

So I can’t take credit for a really sweet 24 Hours in the Sage course preview video. But I had to post, because it’s pretty great.

And here’s another of a townie cruising down the Notch.

The Notch, a technical section along the 24 Hours in the Sage Course, claims another bike and its rider.

In honor of our friends that competed October 9/10 (the weekend before last) at 24 Hours of Moab and 24 Hours of Adrenalin (the 24 hour solo world championships), I’m finally posting my race report on 24 Hours in the Sage. A very grassroots event, 24 Hours in the Sage takes over the Gunnison KOA for a full weekend of racing on the amazing trails of Hartman Rocks.

The whole thing is pretty darn plush for a bike race. Hot showers, electricity, washing machines and all the amenities (thanks KOA Dave!) make 24 Hours in the Sage pretty much the best 24 hour race around.

Not the first person to walk the Notch, a rider makes way along the course.

I’ll admit. I’m biased. After all, Eric and I both work the event. My favorite part? Timing through the wee hours.

That’s not to say I’m not a fan of the non-stop BBQ and beer offerings, on-course Popsicle handouts, great people and sweet riding. But timing through the night, even when the sounds of music and announcing are long gone, is definitely fun. And, when I see pictures of myself after no rest all night, it makes me feel better about enjoying sleep. Because I look like death (or a crackhead!) after staying awake with the abandon of an 18-year-old.

Anyhow, to catch the details of the race report, read on!

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Riders on course at the eighth annual 24 Hours in the Sage were treated, sometime around 10:30 a.m., to grilled hamburgers handed out by mountain bike superstar Dave Wiens. Equipped with a backpack stocked full of classic American grub, the Gunnison, Colo. local set out to treat athletes and log a lap for the KOA corporate team.

[Read more →]

Looking to climb two fourteeners in one day? Grays and Torreys offers a good option close to Summit County.

Route: Standard Grays and Torreys routes, the east slopes of Grays and south slopes of Torreys
Start/End: Grays and Torreys trailhead, accessed via FR189 off the Bakerville exit of I-70
Season: While some people tackle winter ascents of Grays and Torreys, we fit in with the majority of folks and climb late summer and early fall to avoid major snow. If winter temperatures arrive early, even fall can get hairy up high on Grays and Torreys.

I’d be lying if I said I’m sad to see snow capping the Peaks of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges. In fact, I’m quite excited for winter in Colorado. But it doesn’t mean we’ve been letting the amazing Colorado weather go to waste. Just a few weeks ago, Eric and I took advantage of the Indian Summer and made our first trip up Grays and Torreys, arguably two of Colorado’s most popular fourteeners (14-thousand-foot-plus mountains).

The drive to the Grays / Torreys trailhead (from the I-70 exit) was pretty stunning. Back-lit by the morning sun, golden aspen stood on either side of the narrow, dusty road. Not a surprise on a Saturday, the parking lot was nearly full by our 8:45 a.m. arrival. Deep shadows made for cool weather starting out.

Below are photos, mostly thanks to Eric, of our travels up and down Grays and Torreys.

Eric smiles for a photo at the trailhead for the Grays and Torreys standard route.

The shadows made for a cool start to the Grays and Torreys hike.

The blue-sky day was perfect for hiking Grays and Torreys.

A harsh-looking drainage on Torreys

[Read more →]