Back to Breck for a Day Treck

Last week, we used Gold Run Nordic Center, outside of town, as our starting point.  This week it was Breckenridge Nordic Center, off Highway 9, opposite the town itself.

Two bronze cross country skiers greet Nordic Center patrons.

Eleven riders on the Mally Rec. Center bus today, including one for downhill, and one who just came to enjoy the atmosphere of this “Pocket-sized hamlet.”  The big event in town, running through February 5 is the International Snow Sculpture Championships.  Sponsored by Budweiser and Cadillac, this outdoor art gallery is in its 22^nd year.  This years’ theme, SNOW, in a whole new way.  Check it out at www.gobreck.com

With day pack and snowshoes or skis secured, everyone chooses a trail for the days workout.  My first thought was to shoe a trail with moderate mileage and take lots of photos.  Willow, was my choice, however, as I left the Nordic Center, I was paying more attention to my camera than the trail.  When I looked up, I was on Pence Miller, a 5 km loop. 

One of a number of great views of the mountains surrounding Breckenridge.

 The trail takes snowshoers by a number of buildings, then presents more of a challenge, as it snakes along the top of Shock Hill, across Olympian’s Bridge and after a number of switchbacks, down Ski Hill, before it levels off.  Views of the Continental Divide between Georgia Pass (11,585) and Glacier Peak (12,853) can be seen through the trees.  Shoers also get a look from below the BreckConnect, the name given the gondola taking down hillers up to Peak 8.  We will pass under the mini cabins on a cable twice today.

I can't tell if anyone is waving back at me from inside those little capsules.

Short ups and a few longer easy to moderate grades present no problems for the seasoned shoer.  During the three plus hours on trail, only one other person on snowshoes passed me.  There is a lesson here:  If you enjoy quiet, don’t come here on weekends.

The Pence Miller trail, 1/2 mile from the Nordic Center.

Ingrid and Betty enjoy the view.

 Up to this point, I am going solo.  That will change when I approach a bench.  Two snowshoers are already there enjoying the warm sun and the views of the valley below and the tiny black dots sliding down the slopes beyond.

Ingrid points to a skier, "There goes one, see him," she tells Betty.

 Today, I am invited to join Betty and Ingrid.  Two avid hikers and fellow core members of High Country Hikers.  The group is out of the Aurora Center for Active Adults, hiking in the mountains each Tuesday between May and October.

One of many great scenes on the Pence Miller Loop.

Back on trail, we make our way through the trees and up the back side of Shock Hill to the Nordic Center.  There is time to walk to the shuttle bus stop for a short ride into town.  We can’t leave without seeing the event that has had worldwide acclaim, and inspired a new generation of snow artists.

Details made with a veggie peeler, spatula and a spoon, huh!

Team China -sculpture of ancient Mongolian-style wrestling

Team Australia -Temple of the Seasons

The process begins with dump trucks full of snow.  Huge blowers transfer the snow from trucks into 16 wooden molds.  Volunteers called “Snow Stompers” climb into the mold to pack it down.  Each of the 16 blocks are 10 feet wide, 10 feet long and 12 feet high.  Each block of snow weighs some 40,000 pounds, or 320 tons!

Team USA/Breckenridge - "As our world keeps turning we need to just sit back and enjoy the ride."

Team Germany -Dancing screens

 Artists have 65 hours to sculpt; using hand tools, vegetable peelers, spatulas, spoons, butter knives, chicken wire, and small saws.  Power tools, colorants and internal support structures are prohibited.  There are no cash prizes; artists compete only for bragging rights.  Medallions, trophies and ribbons, are awarded to first, second and third place entries.  Other awards include People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. 

Unidentified sculpture

Snow sculpture winners this year include:

1^st place – Team Mexico “ALEBRIJE”

2^nd Place – Team Canada, Yukon “SPIRITS OF THE AURORA”

3^rd Place – Team Breckenridge “UNDERWATER”

Ice sculpture category:

 Other teams include Australia, Catalonia – Spain, China, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia-Estonia, Switzerland, USA/Alaska, USA/Breckenridge, and USA/Wisconsin.

Total miles today - 3.1