This past week CKC journeyed to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for an epic week of skiing, reuniting with old friends and making new ones. With over twenty members in the group of alumni, current staff, friends and family, we had a fantastic crew to shred some powdery runs. Steamboat received over 50 inches of snow during our stay, which made for fantastic skiing and lots of hot chocolate consumption.
Our time started with a beautiful drive into Steamboat Springs through Rabbit Ears Pass where we saw rugged mountains, stunning wildlife (including a mountain lion!) and plenty of snow. Upon arrival at Steamboat we moved into our cozy condo. From the door we could ski right onto a green run called “Right O Way” that took us directly to the lifts and gondolas. Steamboat is a great mountain with plenty of scenic greens for beginners (like myself) and experts alike, as well as plenty of blue and black runs. The more advanced runs offer steep chutes, beautiful forests of aspen and spruce trees, and wide glades in between. After fun and long days skiing we cooked delicious group dinners and played games before hitting the hay to do it all again the next day.
Around lunchtime most days our group would meet at the Thunderhead lodge halfway up the mountain to catch our breath, enjoy the scenic mountains dusted in snow and regroup to see what runs we wanted to hit that afternoon. Almost every run I went down I stopped to take in how breathtakingly gorgeous the landscape was. Once, captivated by the scenery, I stopped so long that ski patrol came to ask if I was alright. The Blue Ridge Mountains have my heart, but there is something special about the jagged Rocky Mountains covered in a blanket of snow. But better than the views or adrenaline of rushing down a snowy summit was the chance to be with the CKC community. Current climbing staff member Joesph Duncan said,
I was stoked on the 50+ inches of powder but more stoked for reconnecting with the camp community.
There isn’t much better than new adventures with great friends, and Steamboat certainly did not disappoint. Being a ‘bama boy with little snow skiing experience, the winter landscape and sailing down soft powder led by good friends was sensational. If you’d like to come adventure with all of us at CKC keep an eye on our calendar for all the exciting trips we offer outside of the summer!