New Terrain

Who's excited about exploring some new trails today?

"I am! I am! Love new terrain!" exclaims happy Jack.
"Me too - woooooo!' adds wooing Rudy.

This morning took us to an area known as Elliot Ridge straddling north Summit County and south Grand County. We have known of this trail system for a while but never had the chance to use it (we did go explore it one summer to see that it should be in our "winter trail list"). Well, this morning found us driving nearby Elliot Ridge so we took a little detour to go enjoy some fabulous new terrain.

The main trail started amongst thick trees on each side. But, the trail went up quick and we found ourselves in thinning trees along a wonderful trail for miles & miles!

Perfect trail!

Near our high point of the outing, the terrain suddenly opened up into vast meadows on each side of the trail. We've been waiting for our first "spring crust skijor" of the season. We stepped off trail to test the firmness of the crust. Here's now Jack & Rudy test a crust :)

"Yep, it can hold our snow rolling bodies, safe to ski!" declares the goofs.

With the crust firmness confirmed, it was time to abandon set trails up high and swoosh through and across the open meadows.

Wide meadow, nice crust and fun views too!

Done with the crust at our high point and time to head back the way we came. A few stretches of trail really lived up to the name "Elliot Ridge" - check out this fun ridgeline skijoring:

The trail is the the best condition to the far right. So, skijoring the edge
of a ridgeline we go :)

Come along for the video counterpart to the prior photo. We were having a blast skijoring this ridgeline edge with steep drops to the right and great views ahead.

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

Perfect partners exploring new terrain this morning - time for some well deserved end of run treats:

"That was fun! Now dish them out!" says the happy, happy kids.

First time ever exploring Elliot Ridge; we'll certainly be back if the opportunity arises again: 9.3 miles traveled with 900 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 21 MPH.

2022/2023 Season to Date: 130 days on the trails covering 1159.0  miles with 105,300 feet of elevation climbed.