Bye Bye Bike, Hello Skis!

From biking to skiing in two days - the life of a local in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

November 12th: A glorious last day of biking.  The sun was out and despite the chill in the air, it was warm enough for a final spin.  The burnt amber fields stretched out in every direction.   Winter seemed far away as I gazed at the rainbow trout in the crystal clear Yampa river.  I secretly wished for just one more day of Fall to enjoy some final fly-fishing and one more hike.  We watched red tailed hawks fly overhead and soaked in the warm sun.   I leisurely pedaled back to town enjoying every moment on my bike.  A winter storm warning was in effect for the following day and it was doubtful I would be on my bike until the spring.

TWO DAYS LATER

November 15th: With a foot of new  snow, Steamboat was suddenly transformed into a winter  wonderland.  Overnight the groomers took to the trail and prepared Bruce’s Trail on Rabbit Ear Pass for cross country skiing.  Armed with strong coffee and freshly waxed skis,  my friends and I navigated the icy roads to enjoy the first real day of winter.   And we weren’t disappointed.  It felt wonderful to glide on skis amongst snow flocked trees.  In-between runs ,we caught our breath and socialized with friends.  The trail was packed with locals and the familiar red jackets of the US Ski Team enjoying a training session.  In true Steamboat style, everyone was smiling and excitedly talking about winter ski plans.   It was hard to leave but after 4 loops, exhaustion set in and it was time to head home and soak our sore muscles in the hot springs.

The snow is here and with temperatures dipping into the minus digits for the last couple of days, the snow isn’t going anywhere.   Winter has finally arrived.  The Steamboat Ski Touring Centre is open and the mountain is hoping to open on Thanksgiving Day.