Winter Park

Last weekend I ventured out of Denver and up the mountains a bit to Grand County and the small town of Winter Park. With a population of a little less than 700 people, Winter Park sits at about 9,000 feet in elevation and is claimed to be the highest incorporated town in the United States. Just add that on to another one of the Extreme Points in the US that I have been to which now include Kaalaulu, Hawaii, southernmost town in the 50 states, and Key West, Florida, southernmost city in the 48 contiguous states : ) The town of Winter Park is surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks covered in beautiful pine trees, and is home to the Winter Park Ski Resort - my main purpose in going there. Ever since I moved to Colorado I have been dying to get up to the mountains, and I was especially hoping to get up before the snow was gone so I could strap some wood onto my feet and fall in love with winter and winter outdoor sports.

It has been over 18 years since I have been on skis, and those so long ago 18 years I was only on skis for a total of 1 day. However long ago my memories of skiing may be, I remember loving it. My more recent downhill snow experience was when I attempted snow boarding in Breckenridge CO last winter and I destroyed my wrist, so I opted to go back to the skis. I had some great friends along for my "first day" on the slopes and they were patient with me and encouraged me along the way down. We skied mostly blue runs and for a first time on the slopes in such a long time, I felt like I did a pretty good job. I did fall a lot, had some nice bruises to show for it the next day, and realized my legs need to shape up considerably before next season. That's right - next season! I'm ready now and can't wait for more.

Unfortunately I do not have pictures of the day. I was afraid of carrying my camera knowing I would be ass-end over elbows more often than not. But I feel confident enough that after next season I will be flying down the slopes and taking photos all at the same time.