begeman@milano.UUCP (02/11/86)
I've just returned from 5 days (Feb 6-10) in Aspen/Snowmass. Weather: Everyday the same pattern: Mostly clear in the morning until about 10, then clouds build rather quickly. Snow starts about 1:00 and is coming down good by 3:30 (when the lifts close), and continues all night. Temp never got above 20, morning temps on the mountains ranged from -10 at the top to 15 at the bottom. I dressed for the weather and was never cold. Only problem was that Aspen Air and Rocky Mountain were unable to fly into Aspen airport in the afternoons. Stapleton (Denver) was backed up as usual also. I'd suggest flying in in the AM (12-1 latest) if possible. Snow conditions: Absolutely great! Due to the weather, we had 2-3 new inches of powder at the top every morning. Powder was dry, and quite a few people were heading up Independence Pass for some XC work. As for the best powder, (do I dare tell them?) head to Snowmass and go to the top of Elk Camp on lift 10. Turn right off of the lift and stay on the edge of the ridge. For some unknown reason, nobody was skiing that area and there were 8-14 inches of powder (and more among the trees). For those who like powder, this is the place for you. Crowds: Things were very sparse on the 6th-9th. No lift lines at all (really). On the 10th, things got crowded (Mardi Gras week in Snowmass) and there were long lines at the bottom. As usual, things were less crowded on the lifts to the harder runs (5 min wait, max). Nightlife: Available upon request. We (2 single men) hit almost every restaurant and club in Aspen/Snowmass. Let me know (Email) what you're interested in, and I'll give you pointers. ------- Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. Michael L. Begeman Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp Software Technology Program Austin (where the sun always shines) Texas uucp: {ihnp4, seismo, harvard, gatech, pyramid}!ut-sally!im4u!milano!begeman arpa: begeman@mcc.ARPA