The Un-Powder Days of Denver

I have failed as the weekend adventure examiner. I haven’t been able to write because I’ve been bombarded by emails – 5 new inches here, 6 more there, 6-12 on Thursday, 32 at the top of Loveland. I’m not saying I don’t want it to snow… after all, snow will only benefit the overall season by creating a decent base. But here’s the thing, it is so overwhelming when you know there is powder to be had, and you can’t touch it. I can’t even turn on my blackberry because every two minutes I get a message from Copper, Winter Park, A-Basin, Steamboat, Taos, that says “MORE POWDER!”

And then there are my friends, all who are planning to “hit it up” this weekend – they won’t shut up.

There are no friends on a powder day. But it seems there is family. I will be traveling to California this weekend, just in time to get the beginning of the chilly rains of winter, and just late enough that getting in a bathing suit is completely out of the question. Hurray for me.

Last weekend, I spent my time playing touch football in Albuquerque with my 11 year old cousins – which was awesome – but that blackberry wouldn’t stop blinking. I wanted to tell you all about this slide-proof trail up on Berthoud Pass, which is up to my knees with fluff. But alas, I am writing about my weekend adventures yearning to be on skis.

Here’s my checklist for how to get through those un-powder days – the ones where you envy those jerks living up in Summit, skiing A-Basin in the morning before work:

• Go see a movie. There are some really good ones out right now, like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It’s a holocaust movie, so it will certainly take your mind off your powder-woes (and make you feel guilty for griping).
• Plan a trip for the following weekend – the one you can actually make it to the mountains. There are some great deals early season in Copper and Winter Park. Plus, if you come then, I’ll have some people to hang out with!
• Cut off all ties with ski-bum friends. At least for the week.
• Buy gear on WhiskyMilitia.com. It comes in about four days, so there’s four days of anticipation to help you pass the time.
• Research the Acai Berry. It’s supposedly this super food that makes you lose weight. Oprah and Rachel Ray endorsed it, so you know it’s good. This research will take up at least three hours – you won’t believe what they’re saying. Finally, a miracle pill to make you lose weight! (Can you say tapeworm?)

Denver. You are so far from the powder, it hurts. Why do I have to have a job?! A family?! Responsibilities?! Because I like expensive Pinot Noir, that’s why.

For more people I hate: Teton Gravity Video
Credit: Thanks for the video HeyItsDaver on YouTube! (whoever you are…)

Email Me.You know you want to.