Photo: Julie Koivula Ski the Heart of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09425A Price: $1125 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 6 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Julie Koivula Cross-country ski from our cabin door at Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser Colorado. We will be situated on 5,200 acres with 100 kilometers of groomed trails with stunning views of the continental divide and possible moose. We will also ski backcountry trails, snow shoe and cross-country at the Rocky Mountain National Park, and an optional day to down-hill ski at Winter Park. Evenings we will enjoy home- cooked meals and relax by the fireplace. One evening we will take a sleigh-ride to the Cowboy Dining Hall. We will stay at Snow Mountain Ranch in heated cabins, with full
kitchens and fireplace. The first day we will ski from our cabin
door to groomed trails. We will ski near creeks, go through forested
areas, and take in the views of the continental divide. We will have
picnic lunches in the snow. We will then travel by van to
backcountry trails in the Arapaho National Forest and Rocky Mountain
National Park. When we return to our cabins you can ski more or
enjoy the large swimming pool and sauna at the YMCA facility.
Participants should plan to arrive on Saturday. You should plan to fly into DIA and take the hotel shuttle. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. and have a introductory dinner at a nearby restaurant (dinner and hotel are not included in trip price). If you chose to fly in on Sunday and miss our departure you need to arrange your own shuttle (Home James).  Photo: Julie Koivula Day 1: We will leave Sunday morning in vans and drive over Berthoud Pass to Snow Mountain. Rental equipment is available at the Nordic Center. After settling, we will ski from our cabins choosing trails appropriate for our group. Day 2: We will drive to Fraser Experimental Forest and do the Flume Loop. We will ski through forest of spruce, firs, and aspens. We will see St. Louis Peak off in the distance. When we return you can go for a hot sauna or just relax by the fire. Day 3: Option day. Take the 8:30 a.m. bus to Winter Park for a day of downhill skiing (lift ticket not included in trip price) and return at 4:00 p.m, or stay at Snow Mountain and cross-country more of the many trails. At 6:00pm we will take a horse drawn sleigh to Sombrero stables to have dinner at the Cowboy Dining Hall. We will hope for a full moon on our return ride. Day 4: We will drive to the east entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. We will take a two hour snow-shoeing walk and talk with a park ranger. After lunch we will then cross-country ski in the park. We will hopefully see a variety of animals in their winter habitat.  Photo: Julie Koivula Day 5: We will drive to Granby and ski Monarch Lake Loop or one of the several trails in the area. We will see old remnants from the logging era. We will have majestic views of the mountains in the Rocky Mt. National Park. We will circle Monarch Lake with views of the Indian Peaks mountains and valleys. Day 6: Ski two days at Snow Mountain, or second day at Devilīs Thumb or another day in the Granby area. Day 7: Saturday we will leave early and drop off everyone at the DIA airport. Flights should be booked for noon or later.
We will stay in very nice 4 to 5 bedroom cabins (two to a room) with full kitchen, full bathrooms, and fireplace and great views. We will all share in cooking breakfast and dinner. They will be delicious and nutritious home-made meals. We will pack lunches for picnics on the trail. Donīt forget our sleigh- ride dinner night. After dinner we can talk and play games by the fireplace.
Advanced beginner and up. Leaders will give skiing tips and private lessons would be available at the Nordic Center (not included in trip price).
You can bring your own skis or you can rent at the Nordic Center for $15 a day. They also have snow-shoe rental. Conservation We will discuss the impact of the pine beetle and other local environmental issues
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
|
Julie has been a Sierra Club member for more than 20 years. She recently retired after 34 years at Geneva High School in Illinois. In addition to teaching health and physical education, Julie coached tennis and golf. She also taught swimming, first aid, and CPR for the American Red Cross. She has her wilderness first aid certificate, and she loves to hike, bike, canoe, kayak, ski and play many other sports. She now leads and assists on a variety of Sierra Club outings, including backpacking, canoeing, service, biking, and archaeological survey trips.