Fall in the Rockies: Pick the Day, Pick the Season

Gondyleaves at Snowmass

We were walloped with our first big snowstorm of the season earlier this week. It happened as usual––albeit a little behind schedule––and within twenty-four hours we were catapulted from glorious fall days into the depths of winter. Either way, it looks beautiful here in the Rockies and it seems as though we’ll be spared the bleak, grey days that sometimes occur between falling leaves and snowfall. Hopefully it was just enough to inspire folks around the country to think about booking their ski vacations in Colorado. (The best deals are offered now, so don’t wait.)

Today it’s back to autumnal temperatures in the mountains; in Denver, it’s sure to feel summer-like with a projected high near eighty degrees. A-Basin and Loveland have already kicked off their season and Wolf Creek is due to open this weekend. Most of the biggies such as Aspen/Snowmass and Telluride open on Thanksgiving. Many of my fellow ski and snowboard instructors are sweating it out two evenings a week with preseason ski conditioning workouts. (Read Getting Ready for Ski Season Part One and Two.) I’m not attending any of those grueling sessions this year, mostly since I’m traveling so much this fall. I hope I won’t regret it! I have been doing some serious swimming, however, at The Peaks pool when in town. It’s one of my favorite places in T-ride and also a great spot for building core strength.

Hmmmm, I should get back to switching out my closets and catching up on work at my desk (oh, the joy of working at home!). Once ski season hits, it’s a major juggling act for all––no matter how serious you are about your profession and home life. You can’t help getting the fever and that’s a big part of why I love having my ski instructor job (and my crazy writer’s life) that allows me to get out on the hill without feeling like I’m playing hooky. Right now I’m contenting myself with being lulled to sleep with the sound of the snow guns and the thought that I’ll soon be cruising down the slopes feeling the thrill of being very much alive and active in one of the most amazing places on earth.

Thank you to Ryan Shorney, from Aspen Skiing Company, for the above image of the recent storm at Snowmass.
Check out Telluride Daily Photo for some lovely shots of this transitional season in Telluride.