Taking Shape

The Steilhang Hut is taking shape. There is now a sense of the views from the windows and from the deck. This will be a very dramatic place. Watching it goes up gives me the chills - in a very good way.

 

Beavers Loop

Now That Wheels Up is complete, our Trail Crew and IMBA have started work on the Lower Beavers Loop. They began at the junction of the Pali Road and the top of Radical. They have built trail to the Northeast to just beyond the North Glade closure where they have built a switchback. From that point, the trail will cut back across Standard, Radical, Challenger, Scudder and Lower Powderkeg eventually reaching Black Mountain Lodge. This should be completed by the end of September.

 

First Ride

I got my first full Wheels Up ride in yesterday morning. It started with a good ascent of the Argentine North Fork Trail to Black Mountain Lodge. I wouldn't call that an easy climb, but it isn't a lung buster either, just a good fun climb with a couple of tight turns. Starting at the top of BMX, Wheels Up is pure fun. Lots of gliding. Lots of fun descending with big banked turns. Lots of variety to keep it interesting. It is a super cool loop that we will just keep making bigger and bigger.

 

No Barriers Summit

This morning more 300 people from the "No Barriers Summit" arrived at The Basin early. After a hearty Chef Rybak breakfast, they headed up the hill for a challenging journey. There were people with a variety of abilities and devices surrounded by eager volunteers making for a very special day at Arapahoe Basin. Check out this this very cool group's website at nobarriersusa.org. 

 

Obligatory Cute Puppy Shot

Meet Penny, Ski Patrol Supervisor Tim Walsh's new avalanche puppy.

 

Wheels Up - Update

The Wheels Up Trail is almost complete. The bridges are in place. The trail is connected top to bottom. We have some "final surfacing" work to do as well as the installation of signs. Thursday, Louis took our Forest Service Snow Ranger out for a misty trail tour to show off the almost finished product. Stay tuned over the coming week for an announcement about the complete trail opening. This is going to be fun.

Next up, the IMBA and A-Basin Trail Crew will head to the top of Radical to build the approximately .7 mile connection from that location across Standard, No Name, Radical, Challenger and Scudder en route to BML. By the end of September we should have an awesome 5 mile loop that tops out at the top of Radical.

More Snow Shots

Just about all of the snow has melted. That said, enjoy a couple more pictures a buddy of mine took on a hike early yesterday morning. Love those summer snow storms.

 

First Touch of Snow

Yesterday's moody weather led to last night's first touch of snow. The snowline was just about even with the base area. It gets me excited to see the snow season begin, but it won't last. Within a day or two, all of the snow will be gone. We still have 6-8 weeks of beautiful late summer and fall weather to go, but this morning is a bit of a wake up call. It is a reminder that the days are getting shorter. It was dark when I got up this morning. After a couple of rainy days and one snowy night, we have a gorgeous weekend ahead of us.