Why can't they start out on the right foot?

The Telluride Ski and Golf Company is reporting 24" from the recent storm. I'm not saying this is impossible, but I do find it VERY hard to believe. Up in Ophir, we received about 10-12" in town ... maybe 14-16" up high (haven't heard any reports though); however, it was very windy so there are variable deposits which probably do total over 2 feet, but there are also spots with next to no snow at all. Maybe Telski measured a drift, or maybe there was a local cell which kept giving ... but I doubt it (too much wind).

Wolf Creek is reporting 14"
Aspen is reporting 16"
Red Mountain Pass 11"
Crested Butte's ski area website isn't publishing snow reports yet.

There was about SIX TO EIGHT INCHES (tops) of new on the ground in the Town of Telluride this morning! Typically, this would translate into about 12-16 inches up high on the ski mountain. I'd guess around 12-14 is probably realistic given the profile of this storm.

So, we're missing about a foot between reality and Telski's report. Again, I could be mistaken, or it could simply be a matter of where the snow is being measured (i.e. large drift).

I can't really prove this, but based upon the regional reports and from what I saw on my deck and around Ophir, I'm fairly convinced the Telluride Ski Company is doing quite a bit more than overstating things.

I've seen REALLY strange things happen in terms of snowfall differentials withing a 30 mile radius. I remember one storm where Rico received something like 3-4 feet, while Telluride (about 30 miles away) got only about 12". So, it can happen ... but this storm was just WAY TOO WINDY - most spots in the area will get about same amount of snow. The big differentials normally happen during a really wet storm ... where cells linger and just stall out over a spot and keep dumping. It was far from the case on Wednesday. Again, I think they're measuring a large snow drift.

Maybe there's a sense of pressure at Telski to make this season work out given the economic down turn (bookings for lodging were down 20%), capital expenditures (new lift), and high lift ticket prices ($92 per day). If I lived in New York and made travel plans based on this preliminary information and later found out it was simply not true, I'd be furious.

Ultimately, I hope independent website which report (or at least verify) snow via first hand assessment will keep the "official" snow reports in check.

Again, it could still be true.

Telluride Ski Area Lift Ticket Prices Now $92 For Single Day!

Lift tickets at the Telluride Ski Area will now cost visitors $92 per day! While there are certainly deals to be had on multiple day passes and via online purchases, this marks a new high (or should I say "low") point for skiing at Telluride.

Not only does this price out many locals and regional folks who would like to ski or snowboard at the ski area, it also smacks of elitism in so far as creating a barrier to utilize what is essentially National Forest lands.

When and where will it stop?

It's possible this coming winter season at Telluride will prove to be costly for both visitors and Telski (Telluride Ski and Golf Company): the ski company may actually suffer tremendously if the economy remains unstable and tourists don't have much in the way of discretionary income ... resulting in a significant decline in skiers. Accorinding to current data, bookings at loding establishments are already down 20% from last season ... and there's still plenty of options to book rooms over the holidays (a bellweather of sorts).

Telski has also recently invested a lot of cash into a new lift -- Revelation Bowl -- as well as two new on mountain dining options ... which probably puts them in a position of needing cash flow. Season passes were raised by 20%, up to $1,200 (early bird). On the other side of the equation, retro-bonuses for Telski employees were unexpectedly axed at the end of last season. So, maybe they'll have sufficient cash to cover the shortfall.

Nonetheless, it'll certainly be interesting to see how things pan out.

Another Telski Rant

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with (currently primary) Raynaud's disease as of this summer. I experienced many symptoms starting about a year ago, but they progressed and kind of leveled off this past spring. We'll see how things progress this winter ... since cold weather makes things worse.

As far as my ability to snowboard, I was definitely affected last season; however, it was more of a nuisance with an occasional severe flare-up which caused me to stay away from snowboarding for a day or two. Mostly, it would be one of my big toes which would incur some sharp pains ... similarly on my very lower shins.

I'm hoping (and praying) that I'll be able to at least be able to participate at this level for the upcoming season, but it's still a big question mark. Sadly, "career" may be over and my Bonfire shell may have to be raised up into the rafters along with all my boards ... only to serve as decoration and a memory of what once was!

However, my demise has yet to come to be. This is where the "problem" with Telski comes into the picture. I have 8 days left to take advantage of the early bird rate of $1,200 for a season pass. I just called their office this morning and asked if I was unable to continue (with a doctor's note) to snowboard at some point in the season could I get a pro-rated refund? The answer was yet, but it would be a CREDIT! This would be fair enough if blew out an ACL and knew I'd be back up next year, but if I can't make it this year chances are I won't be able to EVER snowboard again. I was told I could use the credit for golf.

I don't believe there was a "credit only" policy in the past. This seems very unfair to me, but I suppose there will be some who will tell me to quit whining and be glad Telski is willing to give me SOMETHING! There are actually quite a few Telluride Ski and Golf Company apologists out there these days with respect to bad policy ... it's unfortunate, but to be expected.

If I'm forced to play golf (and rub elbows with those who pass one another Gray Poupon), I may have to print up some creative custom t-shirts to exercise my first amendment rights.

How I am voting on local ballot measures

The upcoming election has four local ballot initiatives which ask voters to approve spending measures for various capital improvements. The short answer: I'm voting NO on all measures.

Since I live in Ophir, I am unable to vote on the ballot item with respect to fixing the spur -- which is a Telluride specific item.

Across the board, while I believe some projects are more "worthy" than others, I do not feel this is the appropriate time to increase the tax burden of both residents and local area businesses. The world/national/local economy is currently on a precipice of sorts; we are in unchartered waters with an unknown outcome.

Instead of increasing taxes, I believe it's time to re-evaluate our priorities and tighten our collective belts.

Telluride Trail Closed To Mountain Bikers

According to a report by the Telluride Daily Planet published 7/25/2008, mountain biking will no longer be allowed down the Telluride Trail (dirt switchback access road from the top of the San Sophia gondola station down into town). There will be a forest service agent posted at the top to enforce this ban. According to the story, conflicts with hikers / Telski and general dangers are the primary reasons given for the closure.

If I had to bet a large sum of money, I'd probably say Telski is taking a conservative legal position on this issue and was able to pursuade the National Forest Service to this end. People who point it on a bike will undoubtedly be subjecting themselves to bodily harm, and some may even be a danger to others.

A more jaded possibility would be that this is the initial phase of a pre-meditated plan which ultimately sees mountain baking down t-trail rise from the ashes as a pay-per-use activity and another source of revenue for Telski.

As an avid hiker (who doesn't mountain bike a whole lot these days), I rarely have any bad encounters and generally support mountain bikers. I see Telski's (conservative legal) position, but would have hoped they found a multi-use solution; which I do believe exists.

New Waterfall Canyon Hike

... at least it's new to me! After running into Larry R. and Brian M. a couple weeks ago in Waterfall Canyon, we were looking at some elk way up high in the sunshine above tree line on the eastern ridgeline of the mouth of Watefall canyon. I asked about whether or not there was a trail to get up there, and they said yes & in fact was one of the best hikes around Ophir. I didn't get exact directions, but was told the trail head is on the east side of the Opus loop and actually dead ends; requiring one to bushwhack it along the ridgeline.

So, I first started out by hiking to the east Ophir bridge and took an immediate left ... I hiked about a 1/10 of a mile before approaching what was either a natural cave or old mine on the right with what looked to be tailings on the left (north) ... all near the beaver ponds. I couldn't find any distinct trails from this point on, so I backtracked and continued up the Opus trail. Eventually, I found smaller single track heading east. I stayed on that which climbed steadily along the mountainside. Eventually there was an old tram station with a mine probably very nearby (tailings present). I continued on another 1/4 mile or so and eventually came to the major drainage in between Swamp and Waterfall canyons. The intersection of the trail I was on and the drainage was basically just a wide choke with scree on either side of the water ... which I hiked directly up about another 1/4 mile or so (I believe continuing on the trail would've brought me to Swamp Canyon.). I reached a slight plateau and noticed what was either human or elk trail cutting back west. Knowing the switchbacks I was after were back west (and possibly on the west face of the target ridgeline), I proceeded. The trail is almost certainly an elk trail ... saw plenty of elk tracks as well as some bear tracks. I basically had to bushwack a traverse across the mountain side. Nothing too technical, but a fair amount of needling through relatively heavy foliage was necessary. I could look to my right (north) and occasionally see landmarks on the Ophir valley floor ... so I was able to track where I was east - west. Eventually I wound up on a very well defined elk track on the target ridgline: so I was now at the mouth of Waterfall canyon (the canyon now being to my left [south]). The elk trail decended quickly on to what was clearly an old mining road, even though it was fairly well grown over by foliage.

I finally found the trail I was seeking and proceeded up, but was fairly well spent in terms of my feet condition ... so only made it up a few switchbacks (which were fairly long). I was amazed to be able to peer downvalley and almost "around the corner" of the Ophir Needles! It's kind of the ultimate relief for the often claustrophibic feeling of living in the Ophir valley. I did not see Sunshine Mountain, but I imagine if I were to go up higher it would all come into view. Waterfall canyon was also seen from a different perspective; from the east, but much more immersed in so far as everything being "right there" in front of you. Jane's and the other popular backcountry routes were all visble as well. I imagine sunrise must be excellent; sunsets as well ... especially when there's a cloud ceiling which allows sunlight to pass through and illuminate the often colorful sky.

4th of July crowd has been steadily pouring into town

I'm not sure of the total numbers, but the 4th is typically a relatively large crowd for Telluride. Starting in the morning with the impressive military jet flyover, the festivities officially commence with the traditional parade down mainstreet. There's always lots of local kids in costumes & floats, as well as some of the protest variety ... which apparently have ruffled the feathers of some out of town visitors in the past who may be seeking a more sanitized brand of patriotism. Still, I don't think the politics of some will keep visitors from visiting the impressive box canyon which is home to Telluride. Immediately after the parade is the town picnic in Telluride Town Park, complete with all the hokey games (bobbing for apples, potatoe sack and three legged races, catching fish with bare hands in big pool, etc.). Fireworks usually start 9pm or so and is normally an excellent show. I'm particularly a fan of the sounds which boom, echo, and reverberate throughout the valley; they really go right through you. It's also particularly interesting to see the fireworks from up at a higher vantage point on Tomboy Road (north end of town). Many folks setup shop along Tomboy and are treated to almost eye level fireworks display.