Photos by:

Barb Carpenter

Enjoying Twirp Anderson's

3 piece country western band

Photos by:

Brian & Rob Dorn

Snowmass Ski Trip, By Barb Carpenter

48 ULLRs left for a 7 day trip at Snowmass on Saturday, February 4.  We flew to Denver via Southwest out of the Humphrey terminal – much less hassle and no baggage fees – yea!  The bus ride from Denver provided time to get to know each other (we had quite a few new members), enjoy the beautiful scenery, grocery shop in Eagle, and eat a really good bag lunch.  Our condos – the Top of the Village (TOV) – proved to be very spacious, nicely furnished with great views of Snowmass and were right on the ski run down to the six-pack chair lift.

The skiing was better than we expected given the previous reports about the lack of snow.  Aspen/Snowmass received several feet over the previous couple of weeks, so we enjoyed the well groomed runs, no rocks, no ice and no lift lines.  We had sunshine, overcast and snow.  Many ULLRs skied all four areas during the week - Snowmass, Buttermilk, Highlands and Aspen Mountain – however, it was so convenient to ski the huge area of Snowmass most of the time.

On Thursday morning 29 of us got up early for First Tracks.  We split up among three mountain pro guides to ski groomed runs, powder runs and the Powerline Glades (powder-covered bumps and trees).  It was a “mountain high” to get out before everyone else does, especially with 6-8 inches of fresh powder!  On Friday, Joe B. and Nancy H. went to the Highlands where they carried their skis on their backs, hiked up to Highland Peak (12,400’) and skied the 45 degree steep Highland bowl!

We had opportunities for the group to get together other than skiing: The first night traditional welcome wine, cheese, pizza and salad party in the TOV Gaterooom.  Sunday’s Super Bowl party in the Gateroom.  Après ski at the Aspen Tavern and at Snowmass’ Silvertree lounge where we laughed and listened to the fun western songs of Twirp Anderson and his three piece band (they use to travel with John Denver).

The group dinner at Snowmass’ Brothers’ Grille was fun and the salmon, prime rib, pork or chicken entrees were all delicious.  On Friday night we had the traditional “must-go” party in the Gaterooom – everyone brought their leftover food/beverages from their condo.

We were so thankful that there were no skiing injuries other than our sore muscles, a jammed thumb, a black eye from a ski pole handle and a boot died.  Berit R. was walking to the lift line the first day and her ski boot literally exploded open and disintegrated!  She ended up walking back to a table in her boot linings.

Joe and I would like to thank those on the trip for helping to make it so much fun!