Vail Pass

Jack & Rudy running strong on the front side of Shrine Pass at Vail Pass!

Zoom!

We decided to bring Vail Pass back into our regular trails this season. For years, Vail Pass was a staple for Max, Zorro and I to skijor 10-14 miles. It has wonderful, endless terrain. But, we had to take Vail Pass off the trail list for a few years after Max passed away. First, we were training young Jack to skijor alongside Zorro. Well, Vail Pass is not very good for training runs. Then, we were training young Rudy to skijor alongside Zorro & Jack. So, again, not a good option for training. Then, once Jack & Rudy were over 2 years old, we were winding elder Zorro down (as he was over 11 years old). So, similar reasoning, Vail Pass was not a great option for going easy on Zorro and letting him run part of the outing.

Now here we are in 2022 and Jack is 5 years old and Rudy is 4 (soon to turn 5). Well, the kids are in the prime of their lives right now. As a result, we brought Vail Pass back into our main repertoire of trails; just as we did when Max & Zorro were in their prime. Fun memories today of Max & Zorro while running this great terrain with Jack & Rudy!

One thing about Vail Pass, you share the trails with snowmobiles. No problem, Jack & Rudy have no problem running near snowmobiles. But, it does make for some fun flirting opportunities. We came upon one group of 3 snowmobiles paused on the trail. Rudy proceeded to woo at each snowmobile we passed. Jack flashed his beautiful smile and swooshed his fun tail.

"Woo!" says Rudy to the snowmobiler. Silly kid.

A few moments after we passed this group, they restarted and passed us along the trail. Here's the thing: Max & Zorro HATED to be passed by anything. Zorro taught Jack & Rudy the dislike in being passed. Now, mature Jack & Rudy are the same - they HATE being passed by anything. So, once the three snowmobiles went on by, the kids launched into overdrive to try and keep pace. Funny kids.

"Oh no, you don't pass us!!!!" declares the monsters launching to chase
after the third snowmobile.

Jack & Rudy have done a few skijors at Vail Pass before. But these were all in May when we go to skijor the spring crust on the front side of the pass. The kids had never skijored the pass "in season" like this morning when you can go forever! Here they are on their first ever skijor on the backside of Shrine Pass.

New trail, same results. Zoom :)

We then headed up the Lime Creek Trail - another first for Jack & Rudy. Time to turnaround on a new trail. Well, new trail, old trail - same turnaround goofs!

"Turnaround! Roll around!" demonstrates the silly kids.
Nice face full of snow by each!

Finally, here we go coming to the finish of today's 11+ mile skijor. Impressive video especially when you consider Jack & Rudy had been towing me running & jogging for over 10 miles before this clip!!!

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

What a fun day on new terrain for the youngsters!

"We loved it! Now, how about those end of run treats!" says the
happy & focused pair.

11.1 miles traveled with 1100 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 22mph.

2022/2023 Season to Date: 40 days on the trails covering 334.1 miles with 28,950 feet of elevation climbed.