If we were hiking today.....we would probably be up at Crystal Mtn. Ski Resort. Today might very well be similar to a winter hike in 2004....blizzard conditions!! This week it's been snowing heavily in the mountains for the first time in a month. Before the new year, there were record snows, (just before the giant snows in Denver hit). So the fresh powder of THIS week is sitting on a huge pack...much like the conditions in these photos. And...judging by the winds down here, I'm sure it's really windy up there. Oh, fun, fun, fun!!! On this day in 2004, the sustained winds in the open were 50 mph, with gusts to 70 mph....not so bad in the trees. We were dressed for it, but snow stung our eyes and faces. More than a few times we would have to turn downwind until the gust subsided. The resort really isn't set up for snowshoing but they don't care if you do, at your own risk. There are service roads, away from the ski slopes, that are perfect for snowshoeing. The only tracks here are ours in 8 inches of FRESH POWDER!!! Just ahead is a large avalance chute....in an unmaintained area. Soooo, we decided to turn around here and have lunch. The one good/bad thing about hiking by a resort is that cell phones work just fine out here. She's on the phone in a blizzard!!!! Thanks for coming... :)