Monday marked day “numero uno” of my riding season. I headed to Arapaho Basin; they managed to open two trails a little over a week ago. Needless to say, my expectations were not high as my only means of comparison to October snow sliding was the one, sparsely covered, trail Killington managed to open around this time a couple years back. I was surprised to see that the parking lot was nearly full when I arrived. MONDAY morning? Really? Two Trails? October? Isn’t Monday the day where America reluctantly returns to their cubes or offices? I couldn’t believe how many people were trying to take advantage of early season days.
The bitterly cold, cloudy morning blossomed into an afternoon much like any late April day of spring skiing. Due to the elevation the sun is much more powerful in the mountains: 38 degrees and sunny feels like 50+ degrees. The lift lines were long, but that was to be expected once I saw how crowded the parking lot was. The long lines didn’t phase me; I was getting my first day on October 26th… not too bad.
I guess people out here really take for granted how good their snow is. I arrived before Alan, therefor I had the luxury of getting a few warm up runs in. It was a pleasure chatting with the girl who accompanied me on my first chair ride up. As an ice breaker I explained that this was my first run of the season and asked her how the conditions were. I was very disappointed when she explained that the slopes were icy and hard. SHIT! I don’t care how good anyone thinks they are at skiing or snowboarding: after a spring, summer, and fall of not riding down a mountain the first couple of turns always connect a little more awkwardly than one would like to admit. After I got my snowboarding “mojo” back I began to come to the realization that there wasn’t any ice. I was cruising down snow that was very familiar to me. This was the snow that covered many New England slopes after a light snowfall and some decent grooming. What is “icy” to a Westerner is groomed hard pack to a Easterner.
I met up with Alan and we continued to ride. Most people would scoff at a day of riding two trails; it was plenty for a first day. The altitude continues to dominate me. Now, I’m not in the best shape, but after a spring/summer of cycling you’d think that it would be in my physical ability to avail myself to the force of gravity to slide down a mountain. FALSE: I was sucking wind after every run. As a result of this I think I might start jogging to get my body used to the lower concentration of oxygen in the air. ***I would suggest doing some serious cardiovascular activity to anyone who is thinking about visiting me!***
While waiting in the lift line I noticed that I was standing next to professional skier John Spriggs. I understand that it will be a somewhat common occurrence to see professional skiers and snowboarders on the slopes. Apparently Shaun White (hate the man) has a house in Breckenridge so seeing him is almost guaranteed.
Upon throwing as many lines in the two open trails as we could, Alan and I grabbed the first real meal I have had since I made the move out to Breck. A burger and a couple beers from Breckenridge Brewery were especially delicious after eating Clif Bars and Ramen noodles for 5 days.
I move into my house on Friday. I have been enjoying my palatial suite at the hotel; however, I’m excited to have a spot that I can officially call home for the coming months. Its going to snow for the remainder of the week. I cant wait.
Cheers.
