Telluride PhotosPhotos of Telluride Ski Area, Snowboarding, Hiking

Yesterday I went up for my fifth day on the mountain and riding goofy, which is a consecutive day after my fourth day on the ski mountain in Telluride. I’m definitely feeling a bit more confident and have developed a decent rhythm on most advanced beginner runs, but am a bit hesitant on ski runs with a steeper pitch or variable snow conditions.

Nonetheless, I still believe that incremental progress will yield new breakthroughs & realize I just need to be patient … I’m just THAT good riding regular to expect an instant transformation! I’ve found that engaging specifically in “drills” which require a focus on a particular skill helps. For instance, trying to a quick sequence of 10 jump turns in a row on steeper turns helps to simply get in to a groove by linking together turns … even if they’re not picture perfect yet.

Otherwise, the big controversy in Telluride today is the closing of the access gate to Upper Bear Creek. The official line is that the regional administrator made a decision to try and stem the trespassing on private land by those who exit the access gates directly from the Telluride Ski Area. I’m not exactly sure what to believe at this point, given the apparent expansion ambitions of the current CEO of the ski area Dave Riley? It seems possible the ski area might be jockeying for position to only allow access to upper Bear Creek under the auspices of an official expansion … which could involve a larger “deal” with the current private landholders in Upper Bear Creek who are apparently seeking to enforce “no tresspassing” on their property.

… more on this later

Includes an item titled “9. Bear Creek & New Lift“, with subtext and question as follows:

Delta Chair Lift
This would expand the ski area, offering new intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain above tree line.

1. Should we add a lift in upper Bear Creek?

The survey question provide the following selection options:

Choose the level of importance to you:

Comments (with an input box)

First off, I need to say that this survey’s questions are probably not setup to solicit the most accurate responses. For those survey takers who are simply checking off selections and DO NOT enter comments, the questions are not posed in such a way as to ask whether or not the survey taker actually “approves” of the particular item, but rather asks about the “importance” of this lift. A beginner level skier who might be taking the survey might feel an expansion with a lift into Bear Creek is simply not relevant to him or her, since the respective terrain might be beyond their ability level. In which case, they might check off “Not Important” or “Indifferent”.

However, if the question were posed to be something along the lines of “Do you support an expansion of the existing ski area boundary to include a lift in to upper Bear Creek?”, it would be an entirely different question and might invoke an entirely different set of results … since there might be a significant population who opposes such an expansion, yet considers the actual terrain as not having ANY significant relevance to their particular world in so far as suitable accessible terrain.

The question also asks “Should we add a lift in upper Bear Creek?” … which essentially jumps ahead of itself in so far as not first inquiring: “Should we seek an expansion to our existing boundary to add more terrain?” … which of course is the sticky wicket question.

Other items in the survey I found somewhat disturbing:

Plans to add a tram to Palmyra Peak from the top of Gold Hill Chute 3. WTF? Talk about a MAJOR EYESOR OF THE MILLIONTH DEGREE!!! Apparently, there is a surface lift currently being constructed atop the Gold Hill ridgeline which will provide access to the tram. Hellooooooo …. not sure if they realize how darn windy it gets on the Gold Hill ridge and the top of Palmyra Peak?!?!!!!!! … let alone the cost to bring this system on line?!!!!!!? I can only imagine the engineering & construction costs of what would almost certainly require a line which is completely suspended in the air (minus the two grounded terminals). Yet, this tram might not be used very much … especially during sparse snow years … given the nature of the exposure of the terrain underneath. Let’s keep the cost of lift access down to what is actually necessary so as the greatest number of U.S. citizens can have a reasonable opportunity to afford access to the lift system which serves the ski resort; the vast majority of resides on National Forest Service (i.e. public) lands.

I almost wonder if this tram idea is a “foil” or “decoy” to divert attention away from a lift in Bear Creek? It’s just THAT hair brained … in my opinion.

There’s also an item for a Palmyra Basin lift which is apparently already approved byt he USFS. By the map on the Telski survey, it appears to start near the base of Gold Hill Chute 2 & traverses high up into the Palmyra Basin just below the cliffs. In additional to selecting the “level of importance”, there’s a secondary question which asks:

2. This lift could be considered an alternate to the Delta Lift in Bear Creek. What option do you prefer (choose one only):

-Build both Delta Lift and Palmyra Basin Lift
-Build neither lift
-Build only the Delta Lift
-Build only the Palmyra Basin Lift

Gee … where do I begin?!? (I selected (build niether lift”)

Wow, it keeps getting better, here’s the next question:

In lieu of a chairlift in upper Bear Creek, a tunnel would be built from the bottom of the proposed Delta Lift to the bottom of Gold Hill Express (14).

… again, it’s a “choose the level of importance to you” question.

and “better”:

1. Should we add a lift from Gorrono Ranch to the top of Gold Hill?

… looks like they’re raising the possibility of summer use for this lift too

Again, they’ve just totally missed the mark on how they’re asking questions. Here’s another:

“Should we upgrade Plunge (9) to a high-speed quad in the same alignment?”

… yet were’re supposed select the level of importance without any indication of whether we’re FOR or AGAINST such a measure.

This survey just gets more and more off the charts … beyond the scope of “Save Bear Creek” … it should be “Save the San Juans” … lifts to Ophir & Silverton are apparently on the table.

and it goes on:

“Chairlift connection to Red Mountain Pass
Three chairlifts would connect Telluride to HWY 550 at Red Mountain Pass. A shuttle bus would connect the existing ski area to the first lift at the end of the valley.”
.

… at least for now, but the silence is almost deafening with respect to the potential implications regarding what wheels might be turning behind the doors of the Telluride Ski & Golf Company’s administrative offices regarding plans for a possible expansion into Bear Creek.

Earlier this spring, there was what appeared to be some high stakes jockeying for position for what might be crucial land for egress in Bear Creek by both Telski and an individual (Tom Chapman) who has apparently been involved in other high profile real estate inholding “controversies” (within National Forest Service boundaries).

According to a story which appeared in The Telluide Watch on May 14, 2010: “TSG Asset Holding, LLC purchased the 4.11-acre parcel known as the Dandy Lode from Fern M. Honstein of Grand Junction in early April for $24,700, according to documents recorded with the San Miguel County Clerk’s Office on April 5.”

http://www.telluridewatch.com/view/full_story/7435764/article-Telski-Buys-Upper-Bear-Creek-Mining-Claim?

Dave Riley, CEO of the Telluride Ski & Golf company, didn’t appear to be committed to an expansion, but also left the option open for his company to pursue and also went on record to state that this purchase and that which was related to Tom Chapman were coincidental.

Personally, I do NOT believe in coincidence as a general matter, let alone in this particular instance. I firmly believe there is “movement behind the curtains”. Moreover, I believe there is a clear intention which motivates such possible planning efforts; combined with an agenda which seeks to protect and further it’s own interests, it might be reasonable to assume such efforts might be presented to the National Forest Service in such a manner that provides the best possible odds to achieving the end goals of their particular special interests. This might be a long drawn out way of putting that Telski might seek the best pathway for approval of any plans they might have. In other words, the silence might very well be a tactic to insure public outcry doesn’t kill any plans before they get off the drawing board.

Regardless of any speculation, if you feel strongly opposed to an expansion in Bear Creek by the ski area, the time is NOW to talk with your neighbors, family, and friends … anyone who will listen …. since we might find ourselves in a position where there is not much time to talk and be heard!

Here’s a shot of a lower “gorge” like area in Bear Creek. Not exactly sure how it all came to be in geological terms; however, it appears to be a very narrow crevasse type rock formation which has highly constricted water flow and pressure which ultimately pools at the bottom of this drop of about fifteen feet. The pool area appears to go a bit deeper than the runout beyond. I’m guessing the pressure of the water flow somehow dug into the sediment.

I believe there are some things in this world which can’t be bought and sold, but rather exist naturally and entirely apart from any market created by human beings.

The spirit by which those who ride or ski unencumbered in Bear Creek is one such thing.

Bear Creek is easily the most moderate of hikes in the Telluride area which allows the widest range of individuals to leave pavement behind and access what is both a lush and dramatic excursion into the backcountry. There are easily a dozen waterfalls of various shapes and sizes which are either visible from out in the open or tucked away in some lost little nook or cranny carved out by ages of weathering and the force of water rushing through the canyon. I suppose some might retort the river trail hike is the easiest in town (which is true), it does not transport one to an almost immediate and close contact with the natural surroundings abound.

The “official” Bear Creek trailhead starts out on the very southern end of Pine Street (which runs perpendicular to main street), but one can also gain access to the creek from a variety of other lesser known trail heads and egress routes such as starting out from the southeast corner of Town Park, along the Gold Hill ridgeline (near electra), from Ophir and Bridal Veil Basin (or any of the other basins to the east) … all of which (except the entrance @ the SE corner of Telluride Town Park) are higher elevation routes. All of these routes are accessible year round; however, backcountry travel in the winter requires proper gear and the ability to use such in the face of an ever present danger of avalanche.

The main Bear Creek trail is probably 1.5 – 2 miles to the “main” waterfall (as well as the Wasatch trailhead) and for the most part is a very gentle trail in so far as it not being too steep at any one stretch. It is also wide and accommodating for those who like room from side to side. The point being, it is not uncommon to encounter a 7 year old child and a 77 year old adult enjoying Bear Creek from top to bottom.

Early this summer, I was struck by how easily one can see the Telluride Ski Area’s new Revelation lift from the main trail in Bear Creek. What’s done is done regarding this lift, but it clearly demonstrates the level of visual obtrusion which ski lifts impose upon those who are simply seeking to immerse themselves in a natural setting The higher one travels on the Ballard (east) side of the creek, the more noticeable the new Revelation Bowl lift becomes. This would also hold true for any new ski lifts which might come online down the road. If a new lift is installed in upper Bear Creek, then surely it will visually affect those who enjoy hiking on the Wasatch Loop … which traverses through an extremely unique and pristine high alpine setting.

It seems to me, Bear Creek is without question a national “jewel” in every respect and rests partially within the National Forest Service’ jurisdiction. I have hiked and traveled extensively throughout the state of Colorado and can say with absolute certainty there are not any clones of Bear Creek in existence and very few areas come close to approaching it’s natural stark beauty and rugged landscape. Since Bear Creek is already accessible (to ski or snowboard at one’s own risk) via an access gate from the Telluride Ski Resort, it seems we’re currently at a “build out” of the “best of both worlds” situation: skiers and snowboarders are able to indulge in all of the adventure offered, while other non-skiers can enjoy the most natural of experiences possible. I also believe access to the general public to a Bear Creek which is not built out or mechanized ought to trump ANY ambitions the Telluride Ski Area may have.

The Telluride Ski Resort is apparently moving in the direction to request a consideration of an expansion of the Telluride Ski Area into Bear Creek (beyond the newly installed Revelation Bowl lift) and has already initiated a “snow/avalanche study” last season to harvest information on route to such an goal.

According to the Telluride Ski Resort website, the following is a breakdown of “Trail Difficulty”:

23% Beginner
36% Intermediate
41% Advanced / Expert

Too bad the Telluride Ski Resort doesn’t qualify or break down the “Advanced / Expert” category further; however, I will go on record with a first hand anecdotal account that Telluride offers up a wide selection of single and double black diamond trails — ranging from long sustained steep bump runs to very steep runs embedded within a wide array of extreme terrain. Most recently, the Telluride Ski Resort has opened up most of the upper Gold Hill chutes and all the terrain along the prospect ridgeline up to Palmyra Peak. The newly opened terrain is hike-to access and requires extensive avalanche control work by ski patrol. In fact, the Telluride Ski Are recently invested in a howitzer to assist to this end. In other words, for the expert skier or snowboarder, Telluride is ALREADY THERE in terms of having more than enough variety and acreage to satiate even the most die-hard enthusiast.

Currently, there is an access gate into Bear Creek above the Revelation Bowl lift which allows skiers and snowboarders, who are prepared to assume individual responsibility for their actions (and potentially their lives), to venture out into the back country. The terrain in Bear Creek past the access gate is not controlled for avalanches nor is it policed by ski patrol for safety. While the snow safety conditions are much more risky, snow quality is often of a much higher level … even in light of an ever increasing back country visitor population.

All in all, it seems there’s currently (and for the foreseeable future) a great balance between the amount of expert inbounds terrain which is controlled vs. expert back country terrain which offers higher quality snow conditions and an unparalleled opportunity for adventure.

So, the question about expansion into Bear Creek by the Telluride Ski Resort becomes a loud and resounding “Why?” when there already exists an overabundance of expert terrain of many different varieties. Moreover, the new Revelation Bowl lift now provides visitors an opportunity to simply “experience” the perspective of skiing in Bear Creek with many of the grand views you get from actually being there. The answer to the question of “why” may involve much speculation which I will devote ample time to in subsequent postings. However, on the face of it, I’ll leave it for now to simply say “enough is enough” … since most people have more than they need of controlled expert terrain. The cost of intruding upon a pristine high alpine environment is simply not justified! Additionally, it appears that despite the best efforts of ski patrol, they are already stretched very thin in so far as controlling expert ski terrain which is currently available and are often slow to open up pods or areas in a timely manner due to lack of resources and the vast amount of terrain which requires avalanche mitigation activity. Increasing the amount of such terrain will only stretch resources further and most likely increase operational costs (new personnel hires and equipment) … which will further increase what are currently high fees for lift tickets and season passes. Many — if not most — of the expert skier and snowboarders who I’ve talked to about this are very much opposed to any sort of expansion into Bear Creek.

The previous line of reasoning is from my perspective as a die-hard snowboarder (who will venture just about anywhere) and does not even begin to scratch the surface of a broader rationale for opposing an expansion by those who have never even paid the Telluride Ski Resort a dime, but independently enjoy National Forest lands in Bear Creek via public access points and egress routes.

My guess is the Telluride Ski Resort has probably been very methodical and deliberate in their apparent pursuit to expand the boundaries of the ski area, yet most of us in opposition have simply been huffing and puffing around town or writing the occasional letter here or there. In other words, the expansion effort is being propelled by a well oiled professional “machine”, while the opposition is simply a loose association of individuals who simply know in their hearts this is simply not a good idea (on many fronts). In the middle of all of this is the National Forest Service, who has seemingly acquiesced to most of the Telluride Ski Resort’s requests in the past. So, those who are strongly opposed to such an expansion ought to collaborate to put forth a cohesive and strong set of arguments to the NFS as well as on a public relations front. Such an opposition effort really needs to gain some traction as soon as possible given the professional and abundant resources of the expansion endeavor. I will be writing further upon this subject in the future and welcome all comments from any perspective.