Ski Fever

Snowmaking on Top of Fresh this Week at Telluride Ski Resort—YES

Woo-hoo! Boy, has the snow been piling up here in Colorado.

Many people around the U.S. dream of a White Christmas. Here in Telluride, that’s a given. Ditto for Thanksgiving. And often we even have a white Halloween. This year’s Hallow’s Eve turned out to be super white—so much so that (as the pictures below or on the next page show) locals and Telluride Ski Resort workers alike hiked up the mountain and hit the trails to indulge in some sweet pow.

Lift Nine Loveliness

With Man’s Best Friend

Oh Yeah

Snorkeling

It dumped again this week and outside it looks like a winter wonderland more than ever. People are stoked and the buzz on the street is that it’s going to be a fantastic ski season here in T-ride. If it stays cold and keeps snowing the way it has been, bets are on that a nice part of the mountain will open up this Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, the official start of the season for Telluride Ski Resort.

Bootdoctors Arrivals I Spotted on My Walk this Week

A Good Sign

I’ve been slowly shifting gears and am now thrilled with the idea of winter arriving full-on early November. There’s not a hint of the usual November grey; instead it’s sparkling white all around—just like the month of January. I’ve been enjoying watching the snow pile up outside my window and have also been happy to hear the blasting for slide control and the din of the snow guns for almost ten days now (earlier than usual). Clearly the ski resort is actively readying the mountain for winter fun.

Last weekend I switched out my closets (although we keep puffies, hats and gloves on hand year-round here in the mountains) and am organizing my ski gear and clothing accordingly. Last night I took a big step and attended my first ski conditioning class of the season. (Read Getting Ready for Ski Season:  Part One and Part Two to find out how I really feel about these workouts and other autumnal endeavors.) I’ve pulled out a few items to sell at this year’s KOTO Ski Swap, an annual event where you can snag killer deals on new and used clothing and equipment while supporting one of America’s best community radio stations. Taking place this Saturday, November 9, in the parking garage of the Wilkinson Public Library, here you can also purchase Telluride Ski Resort passes at special show prices. Yeah, it’s looking like I am—along with the rest of Telluride and ski and snowboard enthusiasts from the outlying area—almost good to go.

It seems, too, that early season skiing will be stellar this year. You can enjoy lots of discounted lodging through mid December and do your holiday shopping early while the selection of merch is full and fresh. On my walk today, I saw that Bootdoctors, a locals’ favorite for outdoor clothing and gear, is wheeling in their goods with all the fury of Santa’s elves preparing for Christmas. Check out my Faves page for some of my favorite lodging recommendations and more.

And remember the mantra: Think thnow.

Thank you to Ashton McNeice, the Telluride Ski Resort and my iPhone for the images in this post.

Another View from My Morning Walk