Winter was disturbingly late in arriving this year. A week before Christmas, it was looking quite hopeless for the mass of visitors about to hit the slopes at the busiest time of year. But miracle of miracles ( although the long time locals all say - 'just wait it'll come' !) come it did, and until this week, it's snowed almost every day since, with over 7 feet falling in January.
Jobs are going well. Mary is hugely enjoying hers at the Guest Services concierge desk in the Ticket Office in the Mall , right by the slopes in Snowmass. It's largely a problem solving job and she's in her element. For me , it's the same old ! Although working 5 days a week this year, it's only half an hour longer per week than my 4 days a week schedule last year. Total 38 hours per week and they fly by. With the continuous snowfalls and v low temperatures, there have been some very challenging days in January, but I enjoy those the most.
We had a very successful visit from Yorkshire Munrobagging pal Rod who stayed with us for 10 days. A delightful house guest who cooked for us most nights. Luxury.
Duncan, Katy, Oliver and Maggie arrive for a week in mid Feb, then Atlanta Martha for a week at beginning March and Harry a couple of weeks after that. We hugely appreciate you folk coming to see us. It's a long trip often fraught with weather disruptions, so we're all the more grateful. Skinning to Gwyns for breakfast hasn't quite yet become mandatory, but we're thinking about it.
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| Mid November and not a trace of snow in downtown Aspen. Cycling to Victoria's for coffee made up for it |
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| Early attempt at landlauf skiing on Long Shot fell short of expectations! |
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| My No. 4 bus at Town Park Station (otherwise Rodeo Lot). A quiet day. |
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| Rod at top of Buttermilk looking across to Highlands |
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| They don't get powder snow like this in Knaresborough. Rod " putting down ' fresh tracks. |
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| Cloud 9, Highlands. We passed on this Veuve Cliquot, but did get a good sit down lunch in a place renowned for 'tired and emotional' Brits who have difficulty with the subsequent descent. |
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| A day boarding at Buttermilk.... |
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| .... followed by a skin to Bonnie's on Ajax for breakfast the next morning |
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| The following week - nearing Gwyns. - pancakes beckon. Mary can just be spotted at bottom of Coffee Pot. Steeper than it looks. Keith will remember! |
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| Reverting to boards |
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| These 'flat' catracks used to give us trouble. Must be improving although often it doesn't feel like it |
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| This one for Barbara. Picture this scene when you're sipping a glass of Chablis on the deck in June and looking out on the fluttering aspen leaves |
