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Wrapping up the 2022 - 2023 ski season in Colorado

Posted Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Spring skiing at Vail, Colorado, when it was still chilly

Spring skiing at Vail, Colorado, in April when it was still chilly

Snowy view toward Gore Range from Vail, CO

Snowy view toward Gore Range from Vail, CO

Quiet chairlift ride in Vail's Sun Down Bowl

Quiet ride on a new chairlift in Vail's Sun Down Bowl

Mountain lion tracks in the snow on a Beaver Creek slope

Mountain lion tracks in the dusty snow on a Beaver Creek slope

Skinning up toward aspens and blue sky at Beaver Creek

Skinning up toward aspens and blue sky at Beaver Creek, Colorado

Quiet trail with lots of snow coverage at Breckenridge

Quiet trail with lots of snow coverage at Breckenridge (May 9)

Skiing above treeline above 10,000 feet in Breckenridge

Skiing above 10,000 feet in Breckenridge

Views of Breckenridge's Peak 7 and Peak 6 ski runs from town

Views of Breckenridge's Peak 7 and Peak 6 ski runs from town

I headed west recently — and of course I brought my skis!

I skied during Vail's last five days of the ski season in late-April. Despite the calendar, it was winter. I bundled up and enjoyed some freshies. Soft, swishy snow was only found toward the bottom of the mountain. The snow firmed up each night so we followed the sun (or partial sunshine) and waited for it to loosen up.

Then spring came in early-May. I skinned at Beaver Creek ski resort for a couple of super-soft outings. Luckily I had partially acclimated to the elevation by then. I also skied alongside bear and mountain lion footprints. (Here, kitty-kitty-kitty!)

Finally, I got over to Breckenridge for their high-elevation, late-spring skiing. I picked a gorgeous bluebird day and I scored big.

Very few people were riding the five lifts open on Peaks 6, 7 and 8 on a Tuesday. (This included a high-elevation T-bar — bringing back memories of skiing as a kid!) It was an awesome day of skiing corn snow and soft snow mostly above treeline. Fun stuff!

It was a fun way to wrap up the ski season. And I then enjoyed returning to Vermont’s lush, green springtime!

Time to enjoy the off season, y'all!

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Spring skiing at Vail, Colorado, when it was still chilly

Wrapping up the 2022 - 2023 ski season in Colorado

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I headed west recently — and of course I brought my skis! I skied during Vail's last five days of the ski season in late-April. Despite the calendar, it was winter. I bundled up and enjoyed some…

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