Sure it’s been 50 degrees in town these last couple days, and sure it hasn’t snowed in a week or so, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go skiing. It’s time for winter and I don’t mind hiking for those early season turns. I have skied three of the last five days and have thoroughly enjoyed the high altitude tanning sessions. I have also had a blast exploring areas of the Elk Mountains that the relatively snow-free roads have made easily accessible.

Snow is lingering in gullies and shady aspects well below 11,000 ft and it is possible in some areas to ski to within 10 minutes of the truck. 

These early season tours have also been a great chance to catch up with old friends who return to Crested Butte for the winter season. 

 And there is always good snow to be found if you know where to look and are willing to work for it!

Johnny MacKinnon

(photos courtesy of Jon Swain) 

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This entry was posted on Thursday, November 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am and is filed under Skiing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.