This trip started off slow with lots of tumbleweed and weather related delays.

The way out was similarly slow because it just would. not. stop. snowing. The patience payoff was great!

The smallest amount of snow we received was six inches in a day… two days were into double digits! Thirty some inches over the course of the trip made this the best snow we have seen in our Colorado trips by a long shot.

Also amongst the marvels of this trip, I was assured there is coffee in that cup. Somewhere.

We did a little bit of hiking this trip.

Jen experimented with different styles of transportation before settling on the backpack carry method.

We rode on the engagement gondola at Vail.

And skied some of the front side chutes that are rarely open when I am out there. Steep tight aspen trees.

Beaver Creek cookie chefs delivering the warm cookies. All ski areas should do this!

We spent a lot more time in town because of close proximity. One of Vail’s ice rinks.

We did a little shopping while we were there. Jen found a hat, a coat that only costs four times what our trip did, and even a classy work bag for Shale.