Big dreams!

http://www.elkmountaintraverse.org/index.html

Fruita came up there in early April and it was all biking after that but now reports arise that the white stuff is coming once again! This here is Berthoud Pass on 9/23/06...2 feet! Holy crap! Time to break those sticks out again and get 'em waxed up. We're upping the ante and getting Loveland passes this season + a couple new pieces of gear to make backcountry excursions better and looking to go after it hard this year!

Caribou!

Chainsaw starts heads up under beautiful skies. Snow was super-firm styrofoam but tough not to smile on days like these...

And up...

Break time!

Sheltered from the wind, well some of the wind, we take a breather on top.

Caribou townsite across the valley as we prepare for a VERY firm downhill...gorgeous! May head back up there next weekend in search of freshies if'n you're interested...

Double-blacks as far as they eye can see? No problem, my health insurance is current...

Chainsaw busts thru ORCS!

Chainsaw holding onto the sign for dear life before the terrors of Mirkwood!

I survived!

Sunday we hit out for Old Monarch Pass, a mere stone's throw from the resort boundary but worlds away in terms of untracked snow, silence and solitude. Whiteout conditions on the drive up there but quickly clearing to nothing short of beautiful. Tele rule #110, always head up!

How high did YOU get?

Chainsaw tops out in the furious winds!

We found this sweet stash of untouched freshies on the way back down, and had to lap it twice! First real powder tele for Chainsaw and Highroller led to perma-grin...and the beer and pizza waiting at the TH didn't hurt either.

Chainsaw pulls around the corner yesterday as we top out on Old Monarch Pass in complete solitude...nice!

...and I think I'll wreck right here.

Sweet sweet powder coming down from Old Monarch!

I'm fine. Nothing to see here. Post snow-mole Highroller shakes it off.