Pre-season skiing - Nov 16,17,18

It's the first since arriving here in 2006 that we've been here for the 3 weeks prior to season opening. It's been magnificent and I gather that the snowfalls we've had have not been exceptional. Last four days we've been out either skinning up the mountain on A/T gear or on the golf course with our X- country skis.

Before hearing that the lifts are to open on Ajax a week earlier than scheduled, we each got consent from our respective employers to take off the first two days of the scheduled season - thus a 7 day trip to Oregon - flying to Portland this time - for Thanksgiving with D,K & O, and off tomorrow morning. Back the day after Thanksgiving and the 9 hour D3 shift ( the Snowmass Club ) run the following morning at 6.15. M starts her new job for Ski Co at the concierge desk at the foot of Aspen Mtn under the gondola the same day. All assuming Aspen airport not storm bound. Otherwise it will be an unpleasant drive from DIA in a hired car over Loveland and Vail Passes.

Looking south over to Beige's house

Fortunately someone had earlier broken trail for me - this the link between Green Cabin and Coffee Pot - my normal route to Gwyns. No pancakes today though.

Still 2 weeks to opening and 27" just in last 4 days. Some magnificent powder skiing .  On my own on this day and the mountain virtually to myself. The way it used to be. Reminded me of AWR speaking of "schiing" as he referred to it when talking of doing this on the Pentlands 100 years or so ago. Except not quite like this !

X-country for an hour just before dark on the golf course across the road

M on her "new" ski de fond equipment from Replay Sports. Perfect conditions.

Back on the familiar A/T gear and skins. Lower Green Cabin

Same route as 2 days previously but a few people have had the same idea since

Time to put the skins in the pack ....

and fro M to fit in the first turns of the season down Coffee Pot