Winter Wonderland
Snowy Shadow Mountain, with bright blue skies overhead.
It’s been snowing all weekend… So, here’s a shot of Shadow Mountain, from the morning after a big snow last year. Notice the clear bright blue sky. That’s how we like to order up our ski days here… big dump overnight, followed by a clear sunny day!
Taken 1/8/2008.
Concert On Aspen Mountain
Last year's Blues Traveler concert at the base of Ajax.
There was another great free concert on Ajax tonight, with Robert Randolph & The Family Band. It was to close out the women’s World Cup races over the weekend here, and to kick off the ski season. The night included fireworks up on the mountain too!!
This photo is actually from when Blues Traveler played the same concert last year. The stage is on the far left of the frame, with the gondola plaza in the middle, and The Little Nell hotel on the right (where I now work!). I love how the scene almost looks fake, with the snow and the lights.
Taken 12/8/2007.
Snowy Tree, Streetlight, Stop
Downtown Aspen at night, after a big snow storm last year.
Taken 12/1/2007.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Takin’ a day off here… I don’t have any turkey photos to share. 
Fireworks Over Aspen
Fireworks for the Food & Wine Classic illuminate the ridge ofShadow Mountain.
Feelin’ the need to celebrate Opening Day for the 2008 ski season here in Aspen, and of course, Thanksgiving! So, I thought I’d share a photo of fireworks from Food & Wine last year… which, coincidentally rang in the last day of the phenomenal ‘07 ski season. The Aspen Mountain ski area re-opened for the weekend of The Food & Wine Classic last year, because we still had SO much snow up there!
I was just outside town, right by the Maroon Creek golf course, so the fireworks lit up the Shadow Mountain ridgeline very nicely here.
Taken 6/12/2008
Snow Sculpture
Snow accumulates on a sculpture by the Aspen Art Museum and on the Rio Grande Bridge.
In hopes of encouraging the snowfall we had last year… here’s a shot of the type of snow which accumulated last winter, creating a balanced pillow of snow on this sculpture near the Aspen Art Museum, and on top of the Rio Grande Bridge over the Roaring Fork River. Notice how the snow on the top beams of the bridge has melted and refrozen repeatedly, becoming flexible enough that it’s hanging well over the edge, especially on the far side. This was my view as I walked into work every day, looking at the snowy, sunlit Aspen Mountain in the background.
Taken 2/22/2008.
View From The Sundeck
The top of Aspen Mtn provides some grand vistas of the surrounding mountains.
This is (part of) the view from the top of Aspen Mountain (Ajax). The Highland Bowl is on the right, and Pyramid Peak is the darker peak in the distance, center of the frame. The restaurant here at the top of Ajax is aptly named The Sundeck.
On my first day of work with SkiCo today, we went up to get the computers there at The Sundeck (and at the adjoining Aspen Mountain Club) ready for opening day on Thursday. Well, the gondola is not running full time yet, and we got “stuck” up there, so I was forced to sit outside and eat lunch with this as my view… Not a bad first day at work!
Unfortunately, I didn’t take a pic of the cloudless, sunny view there today—and I don’t seem to have any good wider-angle shots since I’ve been here—so, this is from a shot taken on my visit out here in Feb 2006.
Taken 2/26/2006.
Steaming Stream
Beautiful snowy morning, sunshine, and steam rising off the water.
OK, it’s actually a river—the Roaring Fork River to be precise—but I went for the catchy name! I took this shot from the Rio Grande Bridge, right by the Aspen Art Museum, on a beautiful snowy morning. A typical day here in paradise last year… tons of snow the night before, followed by a beautiful sunny morning! The sun illuminating the steam rising off the water was really quite inspiring and peaceful all at the same time.
Taken 3/3/2008.
Roaring Fork Sunset
Sunset from the Rio Grande Trail, biking home from work my first week in Aspen.
Sunset over the Roaring Fork River, from the Rio Grande bike path, biking home from work last year after I first moved here.
Taken 11/1/2007.
Suspended Cars
Two gondola cars pass each other above Aspen Mtn ski area, amidst stormy skies.
Hiked Ajax just over a week after skiing there, for the late-season reopening during the Food & Wine Classic. Here, two gondolas cars pass each other, suspended high above Aspen Mountain. The stormy skies provide great shadowing and depth for the mountains and foothills down the valley.
Taken 6/22/2008.
Top Of The Bowl
Spectacular view from the top of the Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands (12,382 ft).
It really feels more like the top of the world! The first time, it’s because you’re above everything around you, you have an amazing 360 view, and you’ve just completed a grueling climb; which perhaps made you question whether you’d complete it without oxygen or assistance! (Well, that was my experience, as an out-of-shape flatlander still acclimating to the altitude here.)
After doing it a few times, the hike is not as harrowing, and once in shape I was able to make it up in 30 minutes from getting off the lift (*without* taking the snowcat, of course–that’s for those hypocrites who say they’re environmentalists, but take the diesel-belching machine up, because they want to take the easy way out and save 10 minutes of hiking! ask me how I really feel sometime…)
The view is always just as impressive: looking at the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and other 14ers and high peaks–even though it may not have the same impact as the first time–you still get that “top of the world” exhilaration when you reach the summit, and take a look around as you catch your breath, before heading down the long steep pitches below.
Each time you’re bound to recognize another peak or valley, or catch the lighting or clouds differently from previous times. At least, that’s my experience… And, that’s why you’ll see me on top of the Highland Bowl as often as possible this year!!! (click that link for a cool video)
OH… and the occasion for this longer-than-usual monologue here… I just accepted an IT position with Aspen Ski Co! So, I’m even more psyched for this ski season to begin, because my pass is now covered, and I’ll be working mere steps from the gondola at Aspen Mountain. So, come visit, y’all!
Taken 1/26/2008.
Spring Runoff
Hunter Creek running high on June 1st 2008, with Ajax in the background.
This view is just a short 1/4 mile or so hike right out my back door. With the huge snowfall we had last season, the resulting spring thaw made for some pretty high river stages. This shows Hunter Creek running quite a bit bigger than normal. And, you can still see all the snow left on Aspen Mountain (Ajax) in the background, even as the trees down in town were beginning to really green up. Such a beautiful backyard, eh?!
Taken 6/1/2008.
Independent Horse
a horse says hello on Owl Creek Road, on Independence Day.
This guy seemed eager to say hello, as I was driving between Aspen and Snowmass on the 4th of July; so I stopped to take his picture! There are often some very nice views back on Owl Creek Road, driving to/from Snowmass.
Taken 7/4/2008.
Snowmass Summer Concerts
Freddy Jones Band at Snowmass Summer Concert Series, on 4th of July weekend.
Today was beautiful and warm here… which made me recall some of the fun summer events, including the free concerts on the hill at Snowmass ski area! One of my favorites this summer was The Freddy Jones Band on July 3rd, as seen here. There was some rain in the distance, and you can see a faint rainbow right above the acoustic guitarist there, as the sun was setting.
Taken 7/3/2008.
Hockey At The Barn
Since I get to play my first Rec A Hockey game of the season tomorrow night, and I coached hockey this weekend, I thought I’d share a pic of Aspen’s version of pond hockey… We’re lucky enough to occasionally play at “the barn” outside of Basalt (about 25 miles from Aspen), which includes plywood boards all the way around, and a fully functional scoreboard/clock. The “fun” part comes at the end, when we take laps with shovels to clear the ice, and then manually resurface it, using a hose and pull-behind sprinkling rig; all of which really makes you appreciate the Zamboni! (Non-hockey players/fans, drop me a line and I’ll explain.)
Taken 3/11/2008.
Snowmass Sunset
colorful sunset from the deck at Lykins place in Snowmass
A great sunset one evening in Snowmass, when I was with my family, who were all visiting for their ski vacation. So much fun watching my niece & nephew skiing for the first time! This shot is looking at the ridge behind/above the Snowmass Center (on the right as you drive up to the ski area).
Taken 2/18/2008.
View From Snowmass Creek
Looking at Snowmass Ski Area, from Snowmass Creek valley
I helped a friend move today, from her place off Snowmass Creek Rd, and this was the view from her front porch! That is Snowmass Ski Area, looking at Sam’s Knob & Campground. So, now her place is available for rent too, and cheaper than where I am now. Hmm… I’m considering it, but it’s 20 minutes out of town. What a great view though!
Taken 11/14/2008.
St. Mary’s And Smuggler Mountain
St. Mary's Church, City Hall, with late spring snow and cloud on Smuggler Mtn.
Continuing the theme with churches and mountains… This late spring snow and cloud hanging on Smuggler Mountain provide a good backdrop for the bell tower and steeple of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, on Main Street in Aspen, and City Hall (at the far right). Smuggler Mountain houses an active mine, former superfund site, as well as one of the most well-traveled hiking paths in town.
Taken 5/14/2008.
Chapel And Shadow Mountain
after a fall dusting of snow on the Aspen Chapel and Shadow Mountain
The Aspen Chapel is one of the first picturesque buildings you see as you come into Aspen, right at the roundabout. It’s located such that there are great mountain backdrops in every direction, when photographing it. This particular view shows Shadow Mountain in the background; the front of which is part of Aspen Mountain ski area, and the Trainor’s double-black ski runs. There was good contrast provided by the fall colors and one of our first snows of the season. This was taken the same day as my earlier “Snow Is Coming” photo.
Taken 10/12/2008.
Last Run Ravens
end of day at Highlands, sunlight through clouds, ravens in lone gnarled tree
This lone, weathered tree really stands out, on “Deception” ski run at Aspen Highlands (double-black in Oly Bowl), and it’s usually a good spot for a breather after the first pitch of pretty steep moguls there. This was my last run on this particular day (happy bday, sis!), and the sun was breaking through the clouds and really lighting up the snow where I was skiing, contrasting the darker areas all around me. This pair of ravens up in the tree squawked when I first came down–and helped draw my attention to the scene–but then they seemed content to let me hang out too, and take it all in… another good day on the hill! (ski day #13 of 52)
Taken 1/19/2008.
Spring Glaze
early evening sunlight reflects on the way up Tiehack at Buttermilk Mtn.
Keeping with my anticipation of skiing theme… this was also taken after the end of last season, when the lifts were no longer running. In fact, this was the day before my “Highland Bowl From Ajax” photo (posted two days ago).
As I skinned up Tiehack on Buttermilk Mtn. in the early evening, and noticed how the thawed and refrozen snow created a glaze which shimmered as the sun sank lower in the sky. That “glaze” also made the telemark turns a little more interesting on the way down; not as bad as a true crust layer, but definitely not like powder either!
This was also the same day as my “Empty Chair” photo. Again, very cool having the entire mountain to myself… didn’t see another soul on the way up or down (just their tracks… but I took another route down, to get some fresh turns, of course!).
Taken 5/3/2008.
Stormy Sopris Glow
Mt. Sopris at sunset during/after a late spring storm
A late spring storm created a reflective glow on Mt. Sopris at sunset. This photo was taken from Aspen, not far from my place, on the path I take when walking into town, on the hill above the Aspen Art Museum.
Taken 4/24/2008.
Highland Bowl From Ajax
view of Highland Bowl from Aspen Mtn, at Buckhorn cabin
Since I’m chompin’ at the bit for ski season to start, thought I’d post a pic of where I’ll be skiing many days this year! The Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands (across the valley here) provides one of the best inbounds skiing experiences in Colorado. A 30-45 minute hike from the top of the lift-served area leaves you with a choice of numerous long, steep runs.
This shot was taken from Aspen Mtn near the Buckhorn hut, on one of my last ski days last year, when I hiked (skinned) to the top of Aspen Mountain (Ajax) after the lifts had closed. It was really cool having the whole mountain to myself!
Taken 5/4/2008.
Alaska Views Again
near the summit of Steamroller Pass, backpacking in Alaska
Well, when I was going through the Alaska pics, I saw this one too… It’s too cool not to share. This was toward the end of our first day, coming down Steamroller Pass, headed down to Archangel Lakes. The terrain in this view was just otherworldly, and the clouds hanging on the peak made the effect even more striking.
Taken 7/18/2006.
