Vail, Dec. 21st thru 29th

Hi Bears. I'm heading back out to Vail for 9 days with Bazzer Jr. (aka The Kid.)

The Kid and I will be skiing from Dec. 21st through the 29th. He's 17, and would be delighted to meet some skiers/boarders near his age. We've got some friends in the area, but are always open to making more.

We've spent a fair amount of time skiing at Vail, and would be happy to show any visiting/wandering Bears around a bit. Of course, we'd be equally glad to learn some more about the place from any locals.

We may have reliable Internet access at our digs, but if anyone knows that they’ll be around and would care to hook up, let me know prior to our departure on the 20th and I'll send along my cell phone number via PM. Otherwise, I’ll just check the forums and make connections on the fly.

We almost always hit the lifts as soon as they open, and ski until closing time. Should be easy to arrange meeting time & place.

Only caveats; we’re flatlanders and this will be our first trip of the season. It takes me a while to acclimate to the altitude, so anyone who wants to spend the day charging hard may want to wait until the 22nd to hook up.

We may miss a day on the mountain as we want to pay a visit with some friends in Denver. I’ll try to arrange this day so as not to interfere with Bear hook-ups.

Hey friends.

Finndog, I try not to say "never" with any frequency. We'll see what pans out and keep the idea open. What are the dates that you expect to be in Steamboat? The Kid does not usually relish early wake-ups on vacation, but I'll see if I can cajole him. We'll have a car for a few days, but I am not at all happy about driving far or at night in snow, especially in a compact rental car. Never made the drive from Vail to Steamboat. Figure about 2 hours on a clear day?

segbrown, Any time you make the scene, with any or all family members in tow, means I'll have just a spectacular day. Got the 21st penciled in in your honor. Your son will of course relish the chance to play "scare the tourist."

COSkiGirl, Figured we'd keep our Major Christian Holiday tradition alive. Any other days that you make it out our way will just be added wonderfulness. 

My cell number is the same as last season, and I'll assume that your contact info. is the same as well unless you care to provide new numbers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finndog 

  You coming back in april?

Not certain about what will happen this season. Only plans that are carved in stone are this Vail trip, and ESA in Aspen.

Things are a bit complicated this year. Baz Jr. is doing the college application two-step. We'll see where he's accepted and plan to spend some of our ski travel time and $ for campus visits. Even his in-state schools require a bit of travel. On the up-side, he's been granted admission to Tulane with a substantial academic subsidy, so we get to visit New Orleans. I'll go there hungry.

Ideally I'd like to ski with him again during his Presidents Week break, (but his varsity lacrosse commitment may make that impractical,) get a week in with you and Fireball at Jackson, and also get back to Colorado this April for the Gathering. I may not get the chance to do all of that, but at least I'll be dreaming large.

Hey Brad. I can certainly understand the big hit for 3 day passes at Vail, but if you've never been, especially on a powder day, it's worth the price of admission.

Merrydog, great news about your winter home this season. Not certain about getting over to Breck, but as I wrote to Finndog, I try not to say "never" too frequently. We'll see if we can arrange another happy meeting at some point, this time hopefully featuring lots of snowy turns. BTW, do you still have the same phone number that starts with the 415 area code?

Bump for the weekend.

Got your PM Roadrash. Should be grand. Us southern folk have got to stick together and show that we can make passable turns even if we live where this thing of ours is referred to as "snow skiing."

Vail reported 9" yesterday and more looks to be on tap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attacking Mid 

My 3 boys and I are tentatively planning a Vail day on Monday,  the 20th.  Gotta knock off around 2 on Tuesday and get back to the Springs,  so prolly gonna do A-Basin on Tuesday.  I don't know my way around Vail very well,  but we'll likely be in the bowls most of the day.  My oldest only gets one ski outting per year,  so we'll have to pass on meeting up with others.  Any other time,  though,  I'd love to.  Have fun!

 

AM.

 

Seems to me that you've got your priorities in the best possible order. Time spent with you children is precious, and you seem to relish it. Good on ya. Have a great time, and perhaps we'll get a chance to meet another time somewhere down the road.
 

Hey Noodler.

What will be will be. Hopefully it's in the cards that we'll get to share some turns. Been in contact with Faisel via email too, and your name featured prominently.

If you're happy, I'm happy.

5:15 AM.

Just about to head out the door.

May well see you tomorrow Noodler. Got to give Segbrown a call tonight too. 

The Kid and I are usually at the Lionshead base when the lifts start turning. Read on the Vail site that lifts are open 8:30 thru 3:30 for the duration of the holiday season. Hook up should be easy via cell phone either tonight or early tomorrow. Don't think that The Kid and I will have the grit to hang with you all day on our first day of the season, but after we remember how to make the skis turn a bit, we should help keep you entertained for a few laps at least.

Ski fast and drive safe.

Just about to turn in after uneventful though long day of travel.

Meeting with Segbrown gang at Lionshead base at opening time tomorrow. Anyone else who cares to share some time, please feel free to join.

Raining here at the base at 6:00. Might be better if you stayed further east today.

Whatever you wind up doing, have a great day, and drive safe.