Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Sunshine + fresh snow = great spring skiing

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Created on Tuesday, 10 May 2011 17:02

Written by Dena Rosenberry

With the mountains swollen with record-setting snowpack, there hasn't been a better spring in recent memory for skiing, writes Jason Blevins in the Denver Post.

(OT note:  And forecasts for a storm sometime tonight and into Wednesday may bring up to a foot of fresh powder to the high country! / Dena)

Sure, the sunshine down low can be tempting for pedaling or gardening, but if you notched 30 days on a sliver of manmade snow last fall and ripped gouges into your skis dipping into the trees after a mere 12 inches of October snowfall, this is your spring to remember.

Just 50 miles west of Denver, Berthoud Pass is boasting a snowpack 194 percent deeper than last year and 134 percent above average.

The cadre of skiers who frequent Berthoud have dubbed this month "Mayuary" for the "midwinter blower," said Shan Sethna, executive director of Friends of Berthoud Pass.

(OT note:  Photo courtesy of Friends of Berthod Pass.)

"I've been skiing Berthoud Pass since 1987, and I've never experienced it like this," Sethna said.  "It's midwinter blower in May, with everything just plastered with snow.  We've skied some Berthoud test pieces this year that I haven't skied in many years."

Of course, Arapahoe Basin resort is the last still turning its lifts, and with a 94-inch base, A-Basin should maintain solid conditions through its scheduled June 5 closing.  With live music every Friday and this Saturday's seventh annual Red Ball Beach Bash, A-Basin offers a lift-riding party that rages all month.

Aspen Mountain Powder Tours is taking advantage of Ajax's ridiculously deep base with weekend tours of both the front and back of Aspen's steep hill.

Read more about snow fun still to be had in the high country.

WARNING!  SPRING SKIING CAN BE DANGEROUS DUE TO THREAT OF AVALANCHES.

Follow this link for Avalanche Safety Information: