November 17, 2009, Pikes Peak (12,000'), Colorado
11/17/09
US elsewhere
4500
5
Day 7
11.17.09
Met two friends and drove the short 3 hour drive to Pikes Peak Highway. Who ever thought you could DRIVE to the top of a 14'er in the middle of freakin winter? Only in Colorado...
Somewhat reminiscent of the gate to Paradise, we waited until 9 am before we could enter the highway. $35 (for a carload) and 5,000 VF later, we parked at the end of the road where 70 MPH winds prevented a trip to the summit (Colorado, remember?). The end of the road, however, was conveniently at the top of the abandoned ski area.
A little mayhem ensued as our group merged with another car shuttle group, but all worked out in the end and we enjoyed 6 runs of 1,100 VF of skiing. There was two other main groups (locals) doing sessions, so we had convenient pick ups after each run.
The two upslope storms of the fall left about 30" of snow on the ground and we were able to find untracked powder all day long (Colorado, remember?). The snow snakes had very sharp teeth.
The road hits of the Devils Playground - car shuttle skiing at it finest - begged to be skied, so a return trip is in order when the road is open to the top.
Amazing stuff. Think snow.
11.17.09
Met two friends and drove the short 3 hour drive to Pikes Peak Highway. Who ever thought you could DRIVE to the top of a 14'er in the middle of freakin winter? Only in Colorado...
Somewhat reminiscent of the gate to Paradise, we waited until 9 am before we could enter the highway. $35 (for a carload) and 5,000 VF later, we parked at the end of the road where 70 MPH winds prevented a trip to the summit (Colorado, remember?). The end of the road, however, was conveniently at the top of the abandoned ski area.
A little mayhem ensued as our group merged with another car shuttle group, but all worked out in the end and we enjoyed 6 runs of 1,100 VF of skiing. There was two other main groups (locals) doing sessions, so we had convenient pick ups after each run.
The two upslope storms of the fall left about 30" of snow on the ground and we were able to find untracked powder all day long (Colorado, remember?). The snow snakes had very sharp teeth.
The road hits of the Devils Playground - car shuttle skiing at it finest - begged to be skied, so a return trip is in order when the road is open to the top.
Amazing stuff. Think snow.
nice!! those upslope storms are great! except if u live in summit\eagle county !
Car laps! That sounds pretty swank. Looks like a fun area.
Rusty Knees are you taking note for when you go visit the daughter?
Man - the Three Little Pigs run looks TIGHT 8)
author=Scotsman link=topic=14688.msg61481#msg61481 date=1259776729]
Rusty Knees are you taking note for when you go visit the daughter?
My wife just found $189 round trip to Denver. Whoohoo!
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