Aspen, CO – At first glance, all is well in Aspen, Colorado. Seats on the many connections from Denver are hard to come by, the airport is amongst the finest in ski country, real estate developments continue to snake down valley, and the town is alive with an unmatched variety of shops, nationalities, and cultural … Continue reading Aspen in the New Millennium: Destination Unknown
Aspen, CO – It all starts far out over the Pacific when pulsing rivers of cold, wet air begin swirling eastward. The vaporous waves wash ashore and then heave up against the mountains, cresting and breaking in a spray of fresh powder – crystalline grace for skiers and riders. Rich and I meet the waning … Continue reading High on Aspen
It’s hard to believe, but the modern telemark revival has been under way for a generation – enough time to see quantum changes in gear, not to mention in awareness and attitudes. n And we have come a long way. Some old-timers may even remember that back in the early days, telemark skiers were met … Continue reading Telemark Resurgence Continues
There’s nothing worse than putting on damp boots. So for years I dried my snowboard boots on the stove, letting the warmth from the pilot light do its job overnight. Then I visited my buddy Pete’s cabin in Whitefish. He had a Peet’s boot dryer. No more boots on the stove! PEET’S ELECTRIC BOOT & … Continue reading Ski and Snowboard Boot Dryers
Jay, VT – Back in 1947, James Thurber’s story about a chap named Walter Mitty was brought to life on the movie screen by the zany and talented Danny Kaye. Mitty was an ordinary man who got himself into trouble with some extraordinary daydreaming. Charles Schulz’ Snoopy was loosely based on Mitty, especially the “World … Continue reading Extremely Jay
Mavrovo, Macedonia – "How much is the bus to Mavrovo?" I asked the lady behind the counter. She looked at me confused, and answered dismissively, "The bus will come." "OK. I want to buy a ticket." "The bus will come," she repeated, then slid closed the window for talking and looked away. She would not … Continue reading Mavrovo: A Return to What Was
Story by Matt Duffy Photos by Marc Guido (February 2001) – It took a lot to get here, which says nothing about the easy access to Taos. Planning for a full season of features at First Tracks!! Online began while I was laid up and recovering from ACL surgery. I was in severe snow-withdrawal, and … Continue reading Taos: Tell It To the Mountain