Sunday 01-31-16

This morning we had a blanket of new snow. The storm dumped between 9-12 inches overnight. This is part 1 of the snow storm that is targeting the mountains and Denver. The snow stopped for a couple of hours and then started again around 2pm. The only excitement for us and Benny was watching the snow plows and then going to Pug Ryans around 4:30pm for Happy Hour. The TV channels were covering the mass exodus of the skiers leaving the moutain resorts. Reports came in that the main highway RT 70 was closed east bound which caused a MAJOR traffic nightmare. Thank goodness we can walk to the local pubs. The storm is to continue thru at least Monday afternoon. LET IT SNOW. I have also included several additional pictures from the Snow Sculpture contest in Breckenridge.
  

Saturday 01-30-16

When I woke up this morning I was expecting to see the start of a major snow storm. But it was a partly sunny and very mild. Temps were climbing into the high 30s with no sign of snow clouds. After breakfast, we went onto the lake with Benny and watched the snow boarders with kites getting ready to ski across the lake. There were at least 10 kites waiting for the wind to pick up. Several of these boarders were there for hours. After lunch we decided to go into Breckenridge to see the snow sculptures.  It was around 2pm, when the clouds moved in and started to snow. However, the temps were still in the mid 30s and the snow was VERY wet. Judging for the sculptures was completed around noon so we were able to see the winners. Because of the warm temps however, several of the sculptures started to fall apart. It was a shame to see the hard work  of many of the people last only 1 day. By evening, the snow increased and we had several inches on the ground by the time we returned home. Lets hope the snow will continue thru the night.

Friday 01-29-16

Well we got 2 surprises this morning. It was snowing overnight and we received 2-3 inches of snow. But our biggest surprise was our hot water heater sprung a leak and started to flood the condo below us. At about 5:30am, we were heard knocking on our door from the neighbor below telling us about the problem. We quickly called the maintenance man and he was over by 6:30am but didn't have any keys to the locked room where the heater was. He returned around 7am an was able to shut the water off to the condo. Shortly after, the plumber came, was able to remove the old heater and around 10am,  a new water heater was being installed. By noon, the water was turned on and we were back in business.

We weren't able to go skiing but we cleaned up the mess and went to the store for groceries. In all it turned out to be a relaxing day and at supper time, we went to the Arapaho Cafe for happy hour and extra cocktails. WE are now awaiting the BIG SNOW STORM starting tomorrow. Lets hope it doesn't put a damper on the International Snow Sculpture competition in Breckenridge starting tomorrow.  

Thursday 01-28-16

It was about 10 degrees warmer this morning. Temps were in the high single digits under clear blue skies. The weather forecast sez we may be in for a major snowstorm beginning on Saturday. It may be a "East Coast " type storm. Until then, it remains mild during the afternoon and conditions are GREAT. We went to Copper Mtn this morning and again we were able to park in the first row next to the bus stop. We skied the Union Creek and Central Village areas of the resort and had the slopes to ourselves. Because of the sun, you needed to keep up the suntan lotion. After returning home, we got ready to go to the Dam Brewery to exchange and listen to everybody's experiences on the slopes. One more great day and then hopefully a MAJOR SNOW STORM. 

Wednesday 01-27-16

Another very cold start to the morning. At 7am, it was -4 degrees. The rising sun against the cold sky made the clouds shine with a red tine. Looking west, you could see the moon starting to go behind the mountains. We went to Copper Mtn because reports had it that it was much warmer with temps already in the high teens. We were able to park the car in the first row. Not much of a walk to the bus. At the Union Creek area of Copper Mtn. we had the runs to ourselves. At the top of the American Flyer life, they were getting the runs ready for a downhill skiing race later in the afternoon. It was a very enjoyable day of skiing. In the evening we went to Pug Ryans for happy hour.

Tuesday 01-26-16

It was one of the coldest mornings so far. At 7am, it was -7 degrees with a wind chill of -17 degrees. This under a clear blue sky. That goodness there was only a very gentle wind. We also received another 2 inches of snow that fell very early in the evening yesterday. After breakfast, we went to Breckenridge. The trails were all groomed and very few people on the slopes. We took the gondola to Peak 7 where we started our skiing and then continued to Peak 6. The scenery is fantastic. You are at the tree line. Looking up, you only see snow and the tops of the mountains, looking down is where the trees begin. After Peak 6, we skied to Peak 8 where we finished our day. Returning home we rested up before going to the Frisco Brewery for Happy Hour. Happy hour is much more enjoyable after a hard day of skiing.

Monday 01-25-16

Well for the next 2 weeks, the only headlines in the newspapers out here will be - Can Denver beat Carolina and What is the weather forecast for the mountains. Overnight we picked up about 3-5 inches of power snow. It was cold this morning, around 5 degrees an it warmed to only 15-18 degrees this afternoon. We went to Copper Mtn where it snowed off an on. There was plenty of fresh power to guide thru. With the beginning of the work week, very few people took off to enjoy. We skied til 2pm and called it a day. It has continued to snow in the mountains Maybe tomorrow it will be another power day.

Sunday 01-24-16

Today it is all about New England vs Denver playoff game. Here in the mountains it is overcast with snow on the way. But down in Denver, it is sunny with temps near 50 degrees. I think everyone is watching this game.  Yesterday after playing with Benny on the lake, we went to Copper Mtn to watch the Fat Tire Bike race. There were certain categories of races but the children's race was the best. Between races with had cocktails at Jack's Bar and listened to music of Lefty Lucy. Today will be a long day of football.

Saturday 01-23-16

Well it is a beautiful morning. Temps at 8am already near 20 degrees. I wish we were getting the heavy snow that the East Coast is getting. It will be a mild day in the mountains with temps in the mid 30s. Great day to go snow shoeing and walking on the lake. The first roads that are cleared are the bike and jogging paths. The lake became an area to let your dog run with other dogs. Benny had a lot of fun. I haven't seen any kite-skiing because of the lack of wind.

Denver will be having a Pep Rally downtown near the stadium. It will be near 60 degrees this afternoon. Tomorrow for the game, there may be some light rain or snow in the afternoon. Lets go New-Den

Friday 01-22-16

With the clear skies at night, the temp drops to the low single numbers and sometimes below zero. This morning it was 3 degrees with crystal clear skies. However, the temps are suppose to rise to the low 30s. We went to Copper Mtn. and found a few more weekend skiers. We encountered about 3 minute wait times for the lift lines. Not to bad. Walking by the buildings you had to watch out for falling ice above. The warm afternoon temps have created a lot of hanging icicles.

We skied into the back bowl of Union Creek. The scenery is breath taking. The bowl is the gateway to taking the Snow Cat to the top of the mountain. Only black runs down. After skiing back to the lift, we returned back to the top and skied our way back down to the lodge. At the end of the run, both of us were really tried, had lunch and went home. After a quick nap, went meet our friends for dinner at the Arapahoe Cafe. We exchanged our experiences and returned home for a early bedtime.

Thursday 01-21-16

After another 4" snowfall overnight, Thursday was another "Power and Blue Bird Day". The clouds cleared away early and it was total sunshine. You definitely needed the sun screen. And for whatever reason, the locals didn't come up from Denver to enjoy the day. The snow board park had few boarders, the Half Pipe had fewer people using it and we had the trails all to ourselves. We skied til 2:30pm, and then returned home to get ready to go to the Dam Brewery tonight. The local forecast calls for more of the same for tomorrow.

Wednesday 01-20-16

Unlike Tuesday, the day remained overcast, windy with occasional light snow in the morning. With these conditions, we decided to go to Keystone, which is the closest of the resorts. There were no lift lines an as long as you stayed on "somewhat" groomed trails, the skiing was OK. Around 11:30am, the wind really picked up and caused a lot of blowing snow and sometimes, white out conditions. We skied for about 1 1/2 hours and went home for lunch. It was the right decision. By 2pm, the snow picked up intensity, to the point we couldn't see the lake across the street. According to the weather forecast, we are suppose to get 5-6 inches of snow. Tomorrow should be another "Power Day"

Tuesday 01-19-16

It was a "Power Day" of skiing today. With 4-6 inches of snow overnight, the groomers at the resorts didn't have time to groom the ski trails. When the snow ended around 8:30am, it also turned into a "Blue Bird" day. Total sunshine by 9am, allowed the skiers to totally enjoy the fresh fallen snow. From Keystone to Copper Mtn reports came in that it was the "BEST" skiing of the season.

We went to Copper to enjoy the snow. In the parking lot, a local ministry was giving out bagels and coffee. When we arrived at the lift, there were no people waiting to get on and we quickly ascended up the mountain. The trees were all covered with the fresh snow and the runs had booth high power. It was very easy to ski thru the power and we had a "Great Day". After about 3 hours of this fun, we returned home and took a long nap. Tomorrow is suppose to be much the same. Lets hope so.