"This drive from Taos to Durango
could not be over fast enough", I thought, as I drove through some of the
most beautiful and roadless country in the southern Rockies. Skippy was talking
about possible descents pointing out powder filled lines over both Cumbres and
La Mangas Pass. We remarked at deserted summer homes, fully buried underneath
the deepest snowpack we could remember in our short lives, while elk and deer
lined up along the road to eat the small amounts of grass growing there. I
buzzed through the wildlife traffic jam often found in places such as these,
and kept on driving, hoping for snowflakes around every turn.
Cat skiing in Silverton, Colorado.
We had a destination, El Diablo Cat Skiing, in celebration of Jesse's upcoming wedding. Jesse wanted to do something unique, different from the dirtbag trips of our younger years, so we decided on El Diablo Cat skiing. The forecast was for snow across the southwest, but so far all we had seen was wind. Jesse and I stayed up late watching the weather channel, hoping for good tidings.
When we awoke and drove over Coal Bank and then Molas Pass we saw around 2 inches of new snow everywhere, not in the epic amounts we had hoped for. The day could be tough and firm we thought as we drove into the parking lot labeled "Ice Pirates". The parking lot was empty except for the small tent and snowcats parked quietly in the back. A lone figure wandered around with a energetic red - heeler type of dog tagging his heels closely. I asked if we were in the right place for El Diablo and his response was something like "What gave it away, the big kitty cats?"
Jesse and Chris
Embarassed, I managed to keep my cool and get ready for the ripping. I excitedly put on my boots and gear, and all 3 of us began to buzz with excitement of riding fresh, untouched snow. We met up with the other clients, a mix of snowboarding locals, fast talking Euro's with outdated pieps , and us, the dirtbags from a little place called Pennsyltuckey. Our guides, Kevin and John and Todd welcomed us and prepared for the day. After a brief safety talk about respecting the Snowcat and beacon checks, we were off, setting out uphill with high expectations and hopes for deep turns.
The first couple of runs were spent feeling out the group and the tough conditions. Dust on crust is the best term, and each member of the groups showed their riding prowess dicing up the frozen terrain. John led us through lightly treed terrain and showed us the protocol we would follow for the day. Guide first, then clients one by one as terrain permitted, then the 2nd guide would sweep. A neat and efficient way to lead people into the backcountry. The 3rd guide would drive the Cat around to the pickup spot and await our arrival.
Skippy feelin it.
As we skied through the morning John, Kevin and Todd talked about the peaks in the distance, the forest that had burned here 100 years ago, and the management of zones in which each genre of outdoor recreation was represented. We were operating on a Forest Service lease set aside for snowcats, bordering an area set aside for snowmobiles. The terrain lent itself to long fluid turns as we dashed in and out of forests and meadows.
When we stopped for lunch it began to snow hard. About time, we all thought as we ate and discussed the upcoming afternoon. Almost 3 inches in a hour or so and we were off .The guides talked about safe zones and what aspect had skied the best earlier and still the flakes fell. The cat was quiet as we ascended to a new ridge and glimpsed a break in the clouds. We all got out excited as we skied into the ferocious wind and snow. The snow stopped by the time we finished our run. Each person in the group looked frozen and cold, but excited as we loaded up for more.
Jesse laying it down.
By the time we reached the top, the sun had come out. The next couple of runs were snowy and bright as we all rushed downward in search of that next turn. The group went from tired and cold to energetic and fast as we spent the rest of the day lapping the fresh snow and enjoying the views. Kevin, John and Todd all took turns skiing, sweeping, and driving the cat down. They were awesome guides and just as enthusiastic as we were to rip up all 3 inches of new snow.
Tracks.
As we finished our last run, I looked back up at the tracks. Our group had every type of turn possible, big fast snowboard lines, tight and controlled tele turns, and a little of both mixed in by alpine skiers and the smooth skiing guides. Each person had left their own unique mark on the mountainside and was all the happier for it. We skied back to the parking lot and basked in the alpenglow as the day ended. Beers were had all around and everyone talked excitedly about the next day. I took the time to wander a bit, and look up at what turned out to be a fine day in the mountains. All it took was a little patience, and snow of course.
Next: 
Here comes the Sun
Previous:
Tourist Appreciation Day
Having trouble with your ski boots?
The Boot Doctors have got your AT and Tele gear here - and on sale for springtime! Come get fit.. Located in Taos, NM and Telluride, CO, check out their website,http://www.bootdoctors.com, for more info.
Kylie Verona wrote on 04/03/08 at 08:27:05 am pst:
Love your enthusiasm for skiing dust on crust! Sounds like the day got better in the afternoon. Congrats to Jesse!
gripinrip wrote on 04/03/08 at 3:03:22 pm pst:
we took a trip with those guys a couple years ago, it was a good time for sure. glad you had fun.