| OCR Text |
Show December 20, 1996 Cross Currents imf Vum.lfrrfit.mfci'ic cacaacK jUxtivi conditions but can also increase avalanche dangers after heavy snowfall.The current snowpack needs to be considered, particularly in relation to wind conditions, which may have a profound effect on your pleasure and safety. On any ski trip, dress warmly with layered clothing. cross-count- Carry high-energ- ry foods, and be y prepared for the worst so you can have the best time. DurangoSilverton area The San Juan National Forest contains numerous back country ski trails, but knowledge of snow and avalanche conditions is essential. The trails around Haviland Lake, 17 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, are good for beginners who can ski near the campground area. Check out some of the hiking and jeep trails listed above for other ideas, or consult with Forest Service for area personnel, 970247-487ski and conditions. updates 4, Foremost, consider the weather. It can turn from clear to stormy before you know it, . . . The Silverton area offers many more miles of diverse and challengski terrain. ing Avalanche dangers are usually high, but there are certain areas known to be safer to ski. There are numerous trails fanning out from Molas Pass, six miles south of Silverton on U.S. 550. One fairly easy trail leads to Little Molas Lake, on the west side cross-count- ry of the highway and a half-mil-e up a road. South Mineral Creek Road (near Silverton), from U.S. 550 to the Forest Service campground, offers five miles of easy terrain. snow-cover- Ouray There are hundreds more miles ski trails around of Ouray and Ridgway. Ouray has formed the Ouray County Nordic Council to coordinate a system of trails in the IrontonRed Mountain Pass area south of town. Easy to challenging terrain is available. Get information and equipment rentals from local sport shops or the Ouray Visitor Center, Box 145, Ouray, CO or 800228-18781427, 970325-474cross-count- 'r ry a. but lacking in the extreme avalanche danger found on other routes. Its a lot easier coming down than going skiing around Lizard Head Pass can also be splendid, but hazardous, along backcoun-tr- y trails. Avalanche danger is low if you stick to the huge open meadows on either side of Colorado 145. Cross Mountain Trail starts on the west side of the highway, two miles south of Lizard Head Pass, and is a mostly uphill trail for 1,200 feet. It is four miles to the recommended turnaround point at a level clearing. Avalanche danger increases beyond this point, but the eight-mil- e round trip is a good d 15-3- 1 (minimum $20 purchase) Jo Pyne, Owner SAT M-- IWJO 2415 E. 2Cth Farmington, NM (505) O Ik J2W1M intermedi-ateadvance- route. Boggy Draw Norwood Road, north of Dolores, offers up to 20 miles of gently rolling terrain along unplowed roads and open fields suitable for family outings. Follow Forest Service Road 526 north from Dolores to the intersection with Forest Service Road 527. Ski north on the Norwood Road or east on 527. Mesa Verde National -- rllW Orange Julius' Making Spirits Bright ParkMancos The entrance road to Mesa Verde National Park is plowed in winter, but other park roads are not. You can drive up to the empty Morefield Campground and ski around there on a mile or so of easy terrain. Alternatively, continue up the main road for 20 miles to Chapin Mesa. Atop the mesa you can ski around the parks Ruins Road on the Balcony House Loop. Snowfall is generally not too heavy here and may not remain on the ground terribly long. Call the park, six-mi- le 970529-446- 1, 970529-447- 5 or for snow conditions ) and required permission to ski. Chicken Creek Canyon, 1.5 miles north of Mancos on Colorado 184, then three miles farther on Chicken Creek Road, offers 20 miles of maintained trails for all levels of skiers. These include six miles of double-trac- k and skate lanes, as in well as five miles of single-trac- k and various loops spurs. These are the only groomed trails in the area. Detailed maps are available from stores in the town of 970529-4465- Mancos. al II Sc!o OFF Dm. 25 y (This article was adapted from Adventure Guide to the High RidgwayTellurideRicoDolores Southwest by Steve Cohen, Hunter East Dallas Creek Trail is five Publishing, 1996. Cohen, of miles west of Ridgway, off Hesperus, is the author of more Colorado 62, to County Road 7. You than a dozen books on travel, and his writing and photography appear can drive up the county road for a it in dozens, of domestic and interna-tionfor few miles, then ski fajljiei; up R . publioaiioHS. ) another five.miles. is fairly-M steep Ir. I I 1 I - I - & TKvte " Holiday Storcrdda up. Cross-countr- Paxtox Stefr :S')t 6. 6, Page 11 T Crange Julius Animas Valley Mall Orutf jultus of Amcnci 199) Reg Ui. ht Off OmjteJultujof Arena. Printed m USA. gS? |
