“Closer to the sky”
“Colorado is an oasis, an otherworldly mountain place”
Every mile you travel feels as if it could be your last on the roads in the rockies. Fortunately every view in the mountains makes these life defining roads worth every heart skip. Just be weary of the falling rocks from the cliffs and the slippery sharp corners nearing the inevitable death defining cliffs. With warmer than usual weather even after one of Colorado’s biggest snowstorms in years, the road traction was not an issue. As the roads were clear and grippy but the mountain slopes were slick and covered deep under layers of fresh powder. Making the mounting side a treacherous wonderland of adrenaline filled fun and danger. So be weary of deep snow near steep edges, since each year avalanches take around 150 people's lives worldwide.
No shortage of fresh grilled bison burgers or an ice cold brew with a plethora of local breweries. Each pub or bar really giving you that Colorado backcountry esthetic. Endless choices of refreshing brewed ales, ipa’s and anything an explorer could want. You have heard of southern hospitality but in the rockies it's also very similar. Everyone is so upbeat, helpful and ready for adventure. You don’t think of Colorado as being such a sun shining place but there seemed to be no break from the sun glasses. Don't take sunscreen for granted either, even when it's 30 degrees, windy and even cloudy. Being a mile high up in elevation puts you much closer to the sun's rays as well as the fresh white snow acting as one big reflector. Might get surprised when you're shopping for aloe in the snow covered mountains of Colorado.
If you're looking for that backcountry fresh powder shredding, then loveland ski resort is your place. With wide open runs that look un-scaved to any other human. Points so high you will be gasping for breath just reaching down to bind up your board. Just as you thought you were in good shape, it humbley makes you feel quite pathetic honestly. If you wanna explore the whole resort you might need to set aside a good work week to have the time. With vast amounts of land and snow with endless opportunities of creative run ideas. The thick snow makes for a great crash pad for the beginner riders but quite exhausting for the fast and stylish riders paving your way through the deep heavy snow. It adds some overtime on the knees and calves. Loveland is the backcountry beginner's dream to explore the lifestyle and peacefulness of backcountry.
If you prefer the long, groomed and fast runs with a mix up of terrain parks then Keystone resort is your go to. With more of a family/friends on the weekend ski trip atmosphere. Might take you two full weeks to explore each run but well worth the time if you consider yourself a snow shredding connoisseur. With over a hundred different runs to choose and mix up, you will never run out of creative rides at keystone. Ride the backcountry, the massive terrain park or even take the long out skirt trials and practice your butters all the way down. Don't worry about hunger with several bbq shakes and bars scattered across the mountain. The vibes of cheering/supportive crowds waiting in the lines below really brings the whole rockies/Colorado experience together.
Don't leave hiking the rockies off the atenterary. With views that make you feel so microscopic to the world. A truly refreshing experience that shows you true natural bliss. Letting the cool fresh breeze flow in your lungs, giving you that second good wind to ascend another thousand feet. While every step making your ankles swell and your lungs tighten. No better feeling of exhaustion and pain when you reach the peak of a cliff or mountain side to a view of the rockies.
