Prefer Fresh

Nice shot of Breckenridge Ski Resort across the valley from us on this morning's skijor up & down Boreas Pass.

Nice views... of Jack & Rudy :)
Nice views of Breckenridge Ski Resort too.

We started the outing early, still in the shadow of Boreas Mountain, but the sun had come out across valley to show off the ski resort on the way up as well as the way down:

More of Breckenridge Ski Resort in the sun across valley from us.

We are thrilled to report that the "winter gate" for Boreas Pass has officially been closed for the season! That means no vehicles on this trail (not even snowmobiles) until May or June. Just ski and snowshoe tracks for the next 6 months (with the occasional moose, fox, coyote, elk, etc etc track)!

We found the "up track" on Boreas completely packed and used. But, what is different is that all the previous up skiers came back down the same packed trail. I can't blame them, cross country skiing is hard if you are propelling yourself. I'd certainly reuse a set track if by myself!

But, not Jack & Rudy! The prefer shallow powder, if it exists. Unless the untouched snow is too deep, they'll tow me up the set track (getting some anti-friction help from the packed trail) and tow me down the fresh tracks side of the trail. Fun guys!

"We don't need no stinking set track!!!" demonstrates the powerful sled dogs.

It was actually a bit humorous for me to ride behind. We be laying fresh tracks on the untouched right side of the trail. Then, for some reason, the set track would drift over to the right. No problem for Jack & Rudy, once the packed trail drifts right, they just hop in and speed up. When the set track eventually drifted left again, they'd hop back into fresh tracks on the right. Come along for a short video showing you what I mean.

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

Arriving back at the trailhead - wheeee!

Unfortunately Nancy's camera does not do well w/out sun. 
You can see Jack & Rudy's happy smiles, but not mine.
Guess I need to grow a white beard so my smile will show up like
it does on their white faces!

A quick, but very fun run up/down Boreas this morning: 5.8 miles traveled with 450 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 20 MPH.

2022/2023 Season to Date: 29 days on the trails covering 231.6 miles with 20,150 feet of elevation climbed.