Winter Wonderland: Snowshoeing the Powder Along the Poudre

snowshoeing poudre canyon

The 1820s fur trappers who gave the Cache la Poudre River its name used the French phrase that translates as “hide the powder” to commemorate the large cache of gunpowder that they secreted along the river during a massive blizzard. Back then, they could not have imagined that the upper reaches of the river would … Read more

SolVista Basin: A True Gem

SolVista Basin: A True Gem 1

Dan Galleri, mountain host at SolVista Basin, doesn’t know what it’s like to wait in line to get in the parking lot at a ski resort. “If I showed up at a ski resort and had to wait in line, I’d be having a bad day,” said Galleri. Apparently, Galleri isn’t exaggerating when he says … Read more

A Winter Wonderland

The little sorrel mare plunges joyfully through the powdery drifts, like a carousel horse freed from its pole. Her shaggy winter coat is frosted with snow and when she pauses at the hilltop, she snorts steam and her sides heave with the effort. Yet, she pulls at the reins, seeming eager to push on. But … Read more

Ski or Snowshoe to Dinner: At Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Ski or Snowshoe to Dinner: At Devil's Thumb Ranch 2

The sun has set and the nearly full moon will soon be rising over the Colorado peaks. Skiers and snowshoers group outside the lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, bindings latched and stomachs churning. It’s time to eat. They are the first wave of participants on the annual Grand Huts Association progressive dinner at Devil’s Thumb … Read more

Winter in Ouray

Winter in Ouray 3

Ouray may not have its own ski area, but when it comes to winter sports, there is plenty to keep you busy. This hamlet in southwestern Colorado enjoys an envious location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. The town sits at 7,700 feet, and is surrounded by peaks that soar another 5,000 feet. … Read more

Winter Park-Fraser Valley: On a Budget

Winter Park-Fraser Valley: On a Budget 4

Colorado ski towns are often known for high prices, especially during their winter primetime. But vacationing in a mountain getaway doesn’t have to break the budget. The Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, 90 minutes northwest of Denver and surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest, offers a lot of cold-weather fun for $20 or less. Snowshoeing and … Read more

Beyond the Slopes: Taking a Break in Snowmass

Beyond the Slopes: Taking a Break in Snowmass 5

The ski terrain at the four mountains in Aspen and Snowmass is vast. Your family could easily spend a week exploring the 300-plus trails, seeking out stashes of powder and riding the rails. But you’ll likely have some afternoons or full days when the kids (or mom and dad) need a break from skiing or … Read more

Outdoor Traditions

Outdoor Traditions 6

During the long nights of winter, nowhere does the full moon shine brighter than in Colorado’s high country. Tucked away from city lights, the silvery moon hangs like a lantern in the black sky, providing enough illumination for doing just about anything at night that you can do during the day. Mountain residents schedule nighttime … Read more

Full-Moon Snowshoeing

Full-Moon Snowshoeing 7

I love snowshoeing. I love the sound of nothing but aluminum crampons crunching over a packed trail, and, even better, the thumping of 25-inch tails on fresh powder. I love the solitude; the cold, high-mountain winter air and the reward of blazing new trail that I know others will follow. It wasn’t until I started … Read more

Snow Day: More Ways to Play on Vail Mountain

Snow Day: More Ways to Play on Vail Mountain 8

With its 5,000 acres of terrain and legendary Back Bowls, Vail Mountain is the crème de la crème of Colorado ski resorts. It’s known for its wide ski runs, a wealth of intermediate and expert runs, and a comprehensive ski school. But Vail Mountain isn’t just for swishing down the slopes. There are plenty other … Read more