david_z

I'm trying to put together a trip the first week of April - kind of a last minute thing - which would hopefully involve a little bit of mellow springtime snowboarding - trying to get my wife out for her first time on a "real" mountain... She won't be interested in going snowboarding every day, so I'm hoping that maybe there will be some good hikes and trails open, although it is very early in the season.

We'd be looking at intermediate or easy day hikes; both very active, but I understand the altitude is going to slow us down.

If hikes aren't an option, what other activities might we be able to do April 1 through April 7?

tekwriter

You won't be able to do any hiking on dirt at that time of year.. it's still mid-winter conditions in the mountains, which is why there's still skiing! However, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are definitely available and a lot of fun if you don't want to hit the slopes. Take a look at the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic Center activites: http://frisconordic.com/ Equipment rentals, lessons and tours are available.

fmpden

That is Easter weekend. Since the ski season unofficially ends on Easter, many resorts may be shutting down that weekend. But since Easter is early this year they might stay open another week so check to see what the tentative closing dates are for where you are going. Things will be winding down and crowds should be light. Skiing is a gamble at that time of year. Could be decent and could be swimming. As tekwriter said not much hiking -- either mud or snow. Most likely snow especially at Summitt Cty elevations. Should be good sales of equipment and clothing.

david_z

thanks both - as much as I really want to get out there to do some more snowboarding, I probably can't sell the wife on the idea of snowshoeing or nordic (I can't sell myself on the idea of nordic skiing) - she'd definitely be looking for something to do that doesn't involve snow so I may have to postpone the trip and sacrifice the snowboarding aspect...

fmpden

Give us an idea of what you think she would like to do? There is a huge outlet mall if shopping is part of her thing.

david_z

hmmmm, well i was hoping to get some outdoorsy things in the mix, just bought her a new snowboard and she's never been on a real mountain, so it would be nice to get a few days on the slopes somewhere. Other outdoorsy things like horse riding, biking, hiking, or rafting but probably too cold for that so early in the year. Shopping is certainly an option but I'd hate for that to be my only selling point . What's happening in the Denver area that time of year? Considerably lower altitude and more temperate climate usually, right?

My other option is to go PacNW like Portland, later in the year, and spend a few days at Timberline/Mt Hood, do some rafting on the White Salmon, etc., hiking near Mt. Adams, but the airfare to DEN is soooo good right now I hate to pass it up!

historytraveler

Impossible to predict what it'll be like a month from now but, so far, the snow pack is pretty good. Keep in mind that A- Basin usually stays open longer than the other resorts. You may well find that there is sufficent snow for your purposes. While the main trails may still be snow-packed, there is no reaosn why one can't still walk them. I do it all the time. Sensible shoes.

Gretchen

I don't suppose you would consider getting her a pair of skis instead of the board?!!! She might find it easier (and maybe not) and you might get a companion on the slopes.

david_z

Hi Gretchen - She's a better skier than she is boarding, because she's new to boarding. But she's got a new board coming in the mail soon that we'd like to get a day or two use before next winter.

Mostly, especially as winter is coming to an end here in Detroit, she doesn't want to spend a week on the snow. She'd have a blast on the slopes for 2 days out of a 5-day trip, but I can't convince her to spend a week on the slopes

Connie

I agree with walking in snow. I hiked the Grand Canyon in March a few years ago and the first mile or so down was snow/ice (glad I had Yaktrax!). I was worried about it but it was actually easier to walk on than the mud and then the dirt/rocks. I was glad when we got back up to it.

christy1

Can't you just go for the weekend trip then? It's hard (impossible?) to do a skiing/hiking trip. You mention Portland and Timberline later in the year, when you could also hike; while Hood is famous for being open most of the summer, it's not what anyone would call great conditions during that time, and it's blue terrain and up--no beginner runs. There's also not a lot of terrain open to the public because of the race camps.

If you are willing to move the trip from Summit to Aspen, I think you have better options. Snowmass and Aspen Mt (though Aspen Mt is not for beginners) are open until the 11th; there's biking in the Roaring Fork Valley that will be snowfree (we were there last March and it was in the high 50s and sunny in the Valley). Aspen has plays, movies, good restaurants, you could go to the Hot Springs in Glenwood Hot Springs, there is also a bike path through Glenwood Canyon, there might be some low elevation hike or walk you could do.

Or, read up on Denver/Boulder area sights and parks and see if there's 3 days worth of activities for you.

david_z

Thanks Christy - I've been to Timberline over Memorial Day a few years ago, so I'm aware of the mashed-potato conditions. Even though it's "blue" most of the terrain there she could handle. Didn't think about the race camps or Windell's going on though.

I will look in to the Aspen area, that sounds like it might work. I was keen on Summit for proximity to the airport really.

christy1

Another nice thing about Aspen/Snowmass as opposed to Summit Co--it doesn't get spring break crowds. I've heard Summit can be crowded for a number of weeks in March/April as families fly in from not only all over the US but Mexico and South America as well.