Happy Belated Earth Day!

My closing week of the 2017/ 2018 winter season in the high country of Colorado was awesome. My last week was filled with a little bit of everything. From more of the fresh stuff (a late April blizzard happening now), to a failed attempt at a 14’er, fly fishing for the first time on the Frying Pan to boot, to teaching another person how to ski. What a week! Winter ended way to fast; well for me anyway. I want to thank my buddy Luis. Sorry your last run for 2018 was in a sled. Shout out to the Beaver Creek Ski Patrol. And no, I have no regrets. Enjoy the pics. CMM

Beaver Creek Resort

Some freshie holding up in the creek. But it’s certainly not frozen.

Kinda reminds me of winter . . .

Looking straight up the main face.

Wow, what once was, is now just about over.

Trees ripe for a little play.

Some folk enjoying the last days of winter.

Larkspur Bowl.

Anyone want to run some gates? Just kidding, they pulled them for the season. All done.

A little freshie makes an appearance.

Yup. #LINESKISYO

Are you kidding me? It’s still coming down.

AWESOME!!!! Pow face to end the day.

Carbondale, CO

Mt. Sopris becoming the focus.

Clouds really adding dimension to the horizon.

Mt. Sopris

Deer here, everywhere.

WOW

This colossal peek is still covered with the white stuff.

No snow up here on this side.

I see you guys hiding. Here, there and everywhere.

Right in the backyard. Dude what are you growing back there?

Morning

Morning to you guys as well

Now that’s close. What up fellas?

And then I head down to…

Out in the Valley on the Frying Pan looking back at the mountains.

Whoa there boy…it’s catch and release in these parts.

Spotted brown trout; another beauty.

He’s got the look . . .

I head out of the the Front Range to grab my buddy, Luis.

I actually think it topped out at 81 degrees.

Here we are at the top of the Continental Divide.

Loveland . . . Lovely isn’t it?

Loveland Ski Area and the Eisenhower tunnel straight ahead.

I-70 and going in-out of the Eisenhower tunnel.

Lift at Loveland Ski Resort.

Looking across the continental divide.

Looks to be still really good from a distance.

Cornice drops for the brave few.

Some side and back country terrain. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

The Ten Mile Mountain Range.

Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

Avon, CO

LUIS goes skiing for the first time.

Well you look like you have done this before.

Yup, you will need the skis my man.

Up and on em. Looking good.

Jerry hitting the magic carpet.

Your turn bro.

I see that smile. . ..just wait.

Looks a little slushy on the bunnies my man.

Peace.

Eyes up hommie. The cameras over here.

Very good with the parallel skis.

Not as easy at it looks; tiring isn’t it.

Wow you made it all the way up there? Day 1, UNREAL.

Is that a dog between you legs bro?

I really am going to miss these views when I have to move my office.

Until then . . .just another amazing view from my office.

After a week of much thought and planning, I decided to attempt my first 14’er. I have been thinking about this day for a long time now.

The two gifts I opened this morning, my eyes, let me see this. I believe, do you?

QUANDARY MOUNTAIN.

The ridge-line awaits our arrival.

And so does this guy…clever like a fox, so they say.

We got this. Let’s roll.

We begin at the McCullough Gulch Rd trailhead.

Away we go . . .

Into the forest . . .

After a short .7 trek, we finally make it to the trailhead.

Any idea what you are getting yourself into bro?  I doubt it, or your would not have said yes!

READ THE SIGN. IT SAYS IT ALL.

Opting for the headband as it starts to get hot when you are trecking along.

So pretty.

What happened to the smile? You are not tired already are you? We’re not even out of the woods yet.

These views don’t suck.

Just stay on the trail . . .I read the sign. Did you?

You got this . . . .You can do it! I know you can!!

Leaving the trees and forest and heading up the exposed areas.

With the lack of oxygen at this level and steep incline, this area is exponentially harder than the first area of the hike.

Visibility begining to change by the second.

Flat light on the exposed ridge-line.

Icicles starting to form on Jerry’s bush, I mean beard,

And then our vis became even worse . . .

Until we were litarally blinded by the light.

I got this . . .

Safety first . . .Know when to turn around and head down. It’s always best to live another day.

Looking out across at the West Ridge.

PEACE OUT DUDE . . . I’M OUTTA HERE. YOU ARE CRAZY CMM MAN!!!

And we begin the journey back down.

Another day living out my dreams. You are never to old. Dream the impossible.

No worries bro. Let’s get outta here safe. There’s always tomorrow.

But first we have to get below tree line level.

Cause I can’t see s%$t. And yes it is a little dangerous up here, now let’s get down.

Finally below tree line, visibility re-appears and we find our way out of this hike. Good attempt but not to be had this go round. I tried my best and Luis did his best- but today that wasn’t good enough.

BEAVER CREEK GOLF COURSE

Bone Dry

The creek is really moving.

Looks just about time. . . green and lush.

Hills of Avon barren of any snow.

The last of the the last at The Beav.

Ski the morning, play 9 holes in the afternoon.

Careful of the sand.

Last Day for the season is tomorrow.

Closing Day 2018 – April 15th

Nice day

Alright, alright, alright.

You like the new look

Good views . . .

Good times.

Thank you Beaver Creek Resort.

Hard not to love this place.

What up man?

Did I mention that I am gonna miss these views.

And these . . .

Down the hill he goes . . .

Hey there J.W, looking good as always.

Party on the deck. Love it.

Yo, yo, yo

That look before you don’t know you are just about to hurt yourself.

Beaver Creek Ski Patrol taking care of business.

The Pro’s handling the situation.

Everything will be ok. I promise, no I don’t know how much this ride costs but it will be worth it!

Reader feedback, comments & pictures

Feedback

Reader feedback, comments and emojis were again strong. Thank you. We appreciate anything we get. Without your great content, I would have much more work to keep you entertained. Keep up the good work.

Again, here are some of the amazing comments we received this week…

You went to some kick ass ski resorts this year

 I’m lucky I didn’t get my ass kicked by some ski resorts this year. I was really grateful and very lucky for the run I had. Each resort has it’s own thing going on. I encourage you to check them out for yourself.

Pictures are great but doesn’t look like snow country.

The snow melts ,what can I say. But the rivers, they be flowin. Which I guess is why I received this:

More fun pics! 2018! I may be getting the pass w   . . . . n  . .. (the stone) for next season. Im trin to start fishin on tues. Maybe a fishin blog? U r great inspiration. Be well . .

Thank you. Dream it. Live it. Do it. Start today.  Fishing blog?  You never know. Anything is possible right? You should start one, I would love to read it.  This guy was certainly impressed:

 I still can’t believe you on the Frying Pan today and it’s 60 degrees and sunny

Me either, but I certainly wasn’t gonna take a powder day to go fishing.

And I am pretty sure we have received this many a time:

You got balls, bro. I give you that for sure

I keep telling you man . . .It’s not what you have and don’t have. It’s how you live your life and who you share your love with. Remember that. I get feedback like this from time to time:

Trying to plot my escape . . .back on the mountain this weekend. Stoked for that!

Escape from what? You can be and do anything you want in this world. But you can’t and do everything. Live your dreams not someone else’s.

2017/2018 Winter is officially in the books. As one reader put it

Another season over

COMMENTS

It is sad to say it but most resorts in the US are now closed.  There are a select few resorts whose chairs are still spinning. If you can find em, ride em.  Anyway, the end of the 2017/2018 resort winter season is here. Get outside and you can see that spring has arrived. #OPTOUTSIDE

LODGING

Winter or Summer it does not matter, if you need help with lodging, especially last-minute, reach out to us at:

ThrilloftheMountain@gmail.com

We are here for you. Help is right here.

Here’s a reservation link to Creekside @ Beaver Creek. Michael Simmons and his crew will take good care of you.

http://res.creeksidebeavercreek.com/irmnet/(S(d52vca45belc3fjnnb1fccr5))/Res/ResMain.aspx

GUIDING

We offer all-inclusive guiding for you and your family at a discounted rates. Our guides can handle from 1 to 6 people. The day will be customized and tailored to your group and groups needs. A fun day is in store. If this is something you have an interest in? Please reach out, we’ll make it happen. Some feedback we received from recent tours:

Amazing Day

and this one

It really was an amazing ski vacation!

Friends will be made and memories will be had. Experience is what changes your life and not material items. Some amazing feedback from some of our friends and guests:

Thank you all for being so welcoming, kind, generous, not to mention entertaining!!

Loved the guitar playing, the game playing, just the all around camaraderie in addition to the fantastic skiing, snow boarding and snow shoeing too!! Lol. Can’t wait until next year!

Thank you. I had a blast. I look forward to it again next year.

This always makes me feel good:

Great day on the mountain. Thank you for being so very patient.

as well as this gem:

Thanks for the pics. They are awesome. Thanks for capturing those precious moments.

Glad I could help in making special memories.

Received this in my inbox:

We had the best time ever!! Thank you for navigating the mountain for us, for the snow shoe tour, for teaching us how to ski better and for being so wonderful and patient and welcoming to our entire crew!!

No, Thank you. Hope to see you on the slopes soon.

We love writing about skiing and doing mountain activities, but even more, we love sharing it with everyone-with all of you. Want to find out what it’s all about? It’s not to early to book for next season. We are already taking reservations for 2018/2019 season. Early discounts available now. We promise you and your family will have a great time.

PICS

Looking good friends.

Experts only girl….I know…you got this.

Jeans and a pink track suit, I’m not even sure where to begin.

I really appreciate all the pics you sent this season. Better hold on to her tight, she can already out ride you.

Thanks again for reading this blog. I hope you all have a great finish to your week. Until next time, love one another and be kind to each other. Get out there, The Thrill of the Mountain is waiting for you.

CMM

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