Eldora Mountain is looking to update it's master plan this spring, and is seeking input into new features for the resort. One of the options being considered is "uphill access", which would allow telemark and Alpine Touring Skiers who skin up the mountain to access the resort with a special lift pass.
As a big supporter of the trails behind Eldora and Guinn Mountain, I think this would be a great addition to the resort, and make it one of the friendliest free heel resorts in Colorado.
Eldora is seeking our input into the plan, and if you would like to support "uphil access", please visit Eldora's website and let them know!
http://www.eldora.com/mountain.comment.html
Support "uphill access" for Eldora Ski Resort
Spring Skiing means don't forget the Glop Stopper!
There is absolutely nothing worse than skinning up to a hut or just being in the back country and then start having Snow accumulate on the bottom of your skins, making each step harder and harder. Once it starts, there is no stopping it, and it can literally ruin you experience, or make it impossible to finish. It is said that a pound on your skis is equal to 15 pounds on your back. Add to this the resistance created by the snow, and you've turned an enjoyable day into a nightmare you wish would end.
I am not certain about the specifics as to why this snow accumulates on my skins, but I suspect it has something to do with the variety of snow temperatures that you will encounter during spring skiing. My skins are pretty old too, but I have seen this happen on everyone's skis and skins regardless of the condition of the gear. I notice that is worst when I am skinning in areas with direct sunlight mixed with shaded areas, or there is a new spring snow without a well traveled trail.. i have tried every method to stop it, including keeping my skins out the night before I ski, carrying metal blades to remove the snow, not using skins at all, but there has been only one solution that has worked consistently for me, and I highly recommend it be in your bag during every spring hut trip or back country trek: Black Diamond's Glop Stopper Skin Wax.
Before every skin up in the spring time, I simply rub a little wax on my skins and know that my Snow Build up is effectively done. It also provides a nice glide to your skins, which is also much appreciated. Costing around $13.00, it is worth it's weight in gold.
Jenny Creek Ski Trail to Yankee Doodle Lake
The Jenny Creek Ski Trail is the second route that begins at Eldora Ski Resort and takes you deep into the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. While it follows the Guinn Mountain Hut Trail for a few miles, it will finally veer to the left and begin the steady climb up to Yankee Doodle Lake where you'll be surrounded by the Continental Divide, amazing views of St. Mary's Peak, and a view of Needle Eye tunnel, where the trains of old would cross over Rollin's Pass. You can easily Telemark, Cross Country, or snow shoe up the Jenny Creek ski trail, it has a very steady climb, and just a few areas with a steep grade, but nothing like what you'll find going up to Guinn Hut.
The Details:
With a distance of approximately five miles, the hike maintains a gradual climb until the end where you will make the final push to get to the lake. I was not able to find many of the familiar blue diamonds that you'll get on the other treks in the area, but it is a very popular trail. While the cars will drive up Jenny Creek in the Summer, we'll trek along side the creek for most of the way, diverting away from it every once in a while. The trail is also well protected in the trees, so you have ample shade most of the way up.
you can click on the map to bring up a full screen image of the hike:
Jenny Creek is a great hike to break up the monotony of the Guinn Hut. The views are much, much better than you'll find at Guinn Hut, and there is plenty of terrain available to explore depending on the snow conditions. It also looks like great spring skiing conditions could be had on just the right day.
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