Steamboat ski trip, part 1

Here's the lovely home where we're staying in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The house was built by a prize-winning architect. It's unique. The lower level has a sauna, hot tub, steam bath, and a door out to a balcony where the very brave can roll in the snow.


Here's the view from the line for the gondola at the Steamboat ski area. The layout of the mountain is a little different than any other place I've skied. It takes some getting used to.


My first run at Steamboat. I had to go to the top of Storm Peak and then hike up another few hundred meters to get to this slope. It must have been the highest point around because the peak was dotted with radio towers like the one in the left of the photo. The snow conditions on the first day were not so great. Rain and wam temperatures combined to make the snow on the lower part of the mountain rather slushy. I stayed on the top of the mountain.


Our host Jev and I skied together for a while today. The weather was much better. The temperature stayed below freezing for most of the day and we even got some sunshine.


Here I am basking in one of those rare sunny moments. A kind passerby took this photo.


The top of the mountain was very windy. Wind speeds of up to 50 mph were recorded. The gondala and one of the express lifts were closed shortly after midday due to the high winds.


My place of frequent refuge today was the Four Points Hut. It's a tiny little cabin about 3/4 of the way up the mountain. It has a little fast food bar and restrooms with hot air dryers -- good for warming up gloves.


I did a few mogul runs today but not this one. Just looking at it made me tired.


I stopped in at the house for lunch, and to warm up my frozen toes. Ethan and Kelly had already set up the AirPort Express base station and were happily surfing the net.



On the way up Storm Peak Express lift. Four Points Hut can be seen in the distance.


The view from the top of Storm Peak looking back toward the top of the gondola.


The lovely town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.


Somewhere on the mountain.


Here's one more of those scarce sunny moments.


Ethan and Kelly built a snow-Mildred!


The last rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow throughout the house.


Naturally, the sun came out AFTER the lifts had closed.