Keystone
Saturday 1 January 2005

Weather

Conditions

Story of the Day

Chris and I arrived in Denver in the early evening of New Years Eve. After returning to the airport because of a problem with our rental car, we stayed overnight near the airport and got up bright and early the following morning to drive into the mountains.

We stopped for breakfast and then again for coffee in Silverthorne while we waited for the ski rental shop to open.

We got to Keystone just before 9am. Snow guns were blasting away and it was apparent that coverage was not great away from the main runs. We weren’t very impressed with their definition of "close in parking". It was quite a trek to the slopes, and at the end of the day when Chris was having some problems with his boots, it seemed an awfully long way.

Snow covered hills near Silverthorne	View from Wendy's in Silverthorne
The view from Wendy's	First view of Keystone with snow guns blasting out

We started out with quite a long groomed run from the top of Summit Express to warm-up our legs. The weather was fine, a little cold, the skis worked and our legs didn't protest too much.

The run under Summit Express was definitely not groomed	Snow gun hard at work
Early season cover	Groomed slope on top of Dercum Mountain
Looking down Flying Dutchman from the top of Summit Express	Chris near the top of Summit Express

We followed up with a more challenging run down to the bottom of the Peru lift. Challenging by accident, rather than by design as we got into ungroomed territory crossing the face of the mountain.

Montezuma Express in the shade	Snow covered mountains behind Dillon/Silverthorne
Looking down Schoolmarm run	Chris having some problems with his boots
Another view down Schoolmarm run towards Lake Dillon	The top of Peru Express

Chris was beginning to have some problems with his boots, which were fine when skiing, but not when standing still or on the lift, so we decided to stop for a cup of coffee to give him chance to try to adjust them. For the first time, we ventured down the backside of Keystone Mountain and the outdoor café on the way towards North Peak.

Stop for coffee at La Bonte's cabin	Mike at the coffee break
Ruby Express back towards the base area
Star Fire - The direct route down from North Peak	The direct run down
Chris getting ready to resume after the coffee break	Ruby Express 6 pack lift

After coffee, we headed towards North Peak and then down the long cruise of Anticipation and up to the top of Outback.

The view from the top of Outback Express is stunning, particularly towards the four peaks of Breckenridge in the distance. At this point, I made an error of judgement and got us into terrain that was far too difficult for day. Chris was not amused. The trees just to the left of the lift (skiing down) are widely spaced and rated blue-black. We started fine, but kept far too far to the left. Instead of rejoining the groomed trail part was down, we found ourselves in more densely packed trees an genuine black territory. We survived, but had no desire for a repeat. Verging on silly. Trees. Quite widely spaced at top but kept too far left and got into more difficult stuff.

Elk Run under Outback Express	Outback Express
The mountains of Breckenridge in the distance	The top of the Outback

After a couple of comfortable cruises on groomed runs, it was time for lunch. Our stop of choice was the Outpost Lodge near North Peak, where we were surrounded by Jays, venturing very close to pick up crumbs and rather larger leftovers.

Mike on Santiago Express lift	Poor cover under Santiago Express
Early season (lack of) cover under Santiago Express	Early season (lack of) cover under Santiago Express
Black Hawk run .. not yet open	Near the top of Santiago Express
Jay at Outpost Lodge	Jay at Outpost Lodge
The run down to Outpost Lodge	Outpost Lodge
Jay at Outpost Lodge	Jay at Outpost Lodge

By the time we had finished lunch, we were getting tired. Anticipation was a great cruise, so we promptly did it again. Likewise, we repeated Star Fire, the direct run down from the top of North Peak and then made our way back to Keystone Mountain and called it a day before our legs finally gave out.

The top of Star Fire run	Rocks below Ruby Express lift
Rocks below Ruby Express lift	Below Ruby Express lift
North Peak from Ruby Express lift

It was a long walk to the car and my new camera ceased working. Initially I thought it was just the batteries, but when I got to the hotel, I realised that the focus has stopped working. Chris drove us back towards the hotel where we planning to stay.

We booked a Sheraton. When we arrived it had changed into a La Quinta Inn. It was in the middle of remodelling. They were not ready for us when we arrived .. we had to wait almost an hour. Our room was basic but OK and there was a working wireless network in the room. We had a rather sleepy dinner of bar snacks and then fell into bed pretty early in the evening.

Distant snow guns at the end of the day

Runs

Last updated: 7th February 2007