Snow Season 25-26

[SteveR]

Winter was slow getting here, which was fine with me as I was still enjoying our extended fall, riding dry dirt in shorts a mere 10 days ago. All good things must come to an end though, and it's time to embrace the white stuff!
A nice dump of fluff made for a great first day of backcountry powder, a week ago:

Surprisingly, we had our favourite easy access ski zone to ourselves, other than a handful of snowshoers who thankfully did not trample my skin track.

The skiing was excellent!

Back up for another 3 runs before darkness began to fall. The highway accessing this area closed on Dec. 1, so we were lucky to have such a fine start to ski season.
A return on Saturday to that now closed highway, to ski the "back door" shortcut to the Kananaskis Lakes fire lookout.

Despite the brilliant sun, a cold overnight low and moderate winds made this day a frigid reminder of what winter in Alberta entails.

Topping out at the lookout in the face of a cold south wind. The views were nice, though!

Frozen fingers panorama, before a quick lunch and a fast fun ski back down.
So, whadaya got to keep this thread going? Doesn't have to be skiing- hiking and snowshoeing welcome. As long as you don't posthole the ski tracks!

 

[Ugly]

Frozen fingers panorama, before a quick lunch and a fast fun ski back down.
So, whadaya got to keep this thread going? Doesn't have to be skiing- hiking and snowshoeing welcome. As long as you don't posthole the ski tracks!

You need to send some of that southward so that we can continue this thread... you have to get high like @Perry 's other post, to get into any good snow in Utah.

This was one of the "snow flurries" on Sunday.


Only the lightest of dusting stuck in the cracks in the shadows.
The Henry's and Boulder top got some. My yard had a skiff when I arrived home Monday night, and we have the lightest of snow falling right now too.

 

[wick e. pedia]

I've been shoveling in Denver all day after what feels like a full 9 month break. I know the mountains got a bit this week, too, and I-70 north is supposed to get a good dump this weekend.

Hoping to make it up for some turns at some point next week!

 

[SteveR]

Careful what you wish for, @Ugly! When we do get into the depths of winter, I'll be wishing that the desert was only a handful of hours away.
But one has to make the most of the situation. Which we have this week, taking advantage of mild weather and decent xc skiing conditions in the foothills closer to home. Bonus- this recreation area allows off-leash dogs.