Snowshoe at Snow Mountain Resort

An early start got us out of the city in good time.  Plus we agreed there would be no pit stop on the way to YMCA Camp of the Rockies, otherwise known as Snow Mountain Resort.  For my friend, Ed, it would be de-ja vu of sorts.  The story is lengthy, lets just say this was his third attempt to experience what the facilities have to offer at Snow Mountain. 

A solo Xcountry skier makes her way along the meadow.

Today he would not be denied that opportunity.  There would be no confusion of where to turn.  No surprise snowbank would magically appear before we had a chance to react.  The weather could not have been better for the month of March in Colorado.  Although the snow beside the road was as deep as I have seen over the years, the roadbed itself was mostly dry, even over Berthoud Pass.

Everything was in our favor today.  Plus, this was far from our "first rodeo" together.  We have been hiking, snowshoeing and backpacking together for a number of  years.  

About 12 miles outside of Winter Park, we spot the turnoff to Snow Mountain Resort. After arriving at the Nordic Center (N.C.), we made our way directly to the lower level, paid the trail use fee, then cinched into day packs and snowshoes. 

The 60-mile trail system at the 5,100 acre resort is well marked and although skies were overcast, visibility was good all the way across the Fraser Valley to the Gore Range and the back side of Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Continental Divide.

Ed takes a short break on Gaskill trail.

 The N.C. is located in the middle of an open meadow laced with willow.  The top strand of rusty barbed wire fencing peeked out of the snow as we made our way through an area loaded with Pine and Aspen. 

Pole Creek snakes its way through the resort.  It's waters are the source for naming the Pole Creek Golf Course outside the nearby village of Tabernash.

Not many shoers or skiers today.  We passed or were passed by no more than six other people all day.  You might say we had the place virtually to ourselves.

Trails we experienced include Snowshoe Hare, Gold Mine, Gaskill, and Biathlon.  We crossed Pole Creek twice, although due to snow depth (2.5 - 3.5 ft.) we were never exactly certain when we were walking on water, frozen over with ice and blanketed layer after layer with snow.

We took our time, appreciated the solitude, and became engrossed with the unique beauty that only the backdrop of a Colorado mountain landscape can provide.

Arriving back at the N.C. shortly after the noon hour, we realized the canteen counter on the upper level was closed for the season.  There would be no hot chocolate, no hot soup, and no hot dogs today.   Like us, everybody who was there, or arrived after we did, came prepared with a light lunch or snack.  Rows of tables in the dining area are comfortable, although they are more like picnic tables in the park.

Snow Mountain Resort buildings come into view on Biathlon trail...Indian Peaks Wilderness in background with Continental Divide running across the horizon.

Today might be the last snowshoe outing of the 2013/14 season.  We are both excited about the upcoming hiking season which officially begins in two weeks.  The first scheduled day hike with the Aurora Center for active Adults (ACAA), is April 1st.  We will be there.

If you live in the Denver Metro area and want to experience great fun in the backcountry, call the Center at 303-739-7950.  It is located on the corner of 6th avenue and Del Mar Circle in Aurora.

There may still be an empty seat on the bus for you.  The group is called High Country Hikers.  We hike someplace in the foothills, in a state park, RMNP, or later in the season at higher elevations every Tuesday.

If you want an exciting outdoor experience, meet new friends, while getting the best exercise, and have someone else do all the driving, call now. 

Total Kilometers/Miles = 6.3/3.9