—Pete Swenson, founder,
Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup
To Tom and Andrew, for their inspiration, motivation,
and, oftentimes, perspiration
Powder Ghost Towns: Epic Backcountry Runs
in Colorado’s Lost Ski Resorts
1st EDITION 2008
2nd printing 2010
Copyright © 2008 by Peter Bronski
Front and back cover photos copyright © 2008 by Peter Bronski
Interior photos by Peter Bronski, except for the following by Kelli Bronski:
Maps: Peter Bronski
Cover and book design: Lisa Pletka
Book editor: Marc Lecard
ISBN 978-0-89997-466-8
Manufactured in the United States of America
| Published by: | Wilderness Press | |
| 1345 8th Street | ||
| Berkeley, CA 94710 | ||
| (800) 443-7227; FAX (510) 558-1696 | ||
| [email protected] | ||
| www.wildernesspress.com |
Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.
| Cover photos: | A skier’s solitary tracks in the main bowl at Little Annie (front, main); the author, taking another lap at Little Annie (front, top inset); buildings lay dormant at the base of Cuchara Mountain Resort, while the ski runs beckon on the mountain beyond (front, center inset); looking back into the Ragged Mountain Wilderness from the slopes of Mount Daly above the Marble Ski Area (front, bottom inset) | |
| Frontispiece: | Looking down a run at Mesa Creek, on the north slopes of the Grand Mesa |
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.
SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a route is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that route conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions and know your own limitations.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As with any book, Powder Ghost Towns was the result of so much more than my individual effort. It was possible only through the support and assistance of many people.
First, my thanks go out to my editors, Roslyn Bullas, Marc Lecard, and Eva Dienel, and everyone at Wilderness Press, who believed in Powder Ghost Towns and its potential.
I’m also indebted to my friends and family who willingly and happily joined me in the backcountry for research, work, fun, powder days, and whatever else you’d like to call it, and who were infinitely patient as I photographed them skiing: Sara Anderson, Jeff Braucher, Kelli Bronski, Tom Hudson, Andrew Jones, Karla Terry, and Josh Wilkin.
I am also grateful to the many people and organizations who contributed in ways big and small to the historical research of the ski areas: Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests (especially Nicole Branton), the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance (especially Brian Holcombe), Sue Brandl, George Brodin, the Colorado Mountain Club (especially Nina Johnson, Doug Skiba, and Jan Robertson), Colorado Ski History (especially Brad Chamberlain), the Colorado Ski Museum (especially Fred Brewer, Justin Henderson, Lynn Link, and Pat Pfeiffer), the Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol, Bill Fetcher, Huerfano County, Los Animas County, Medicine Bow and Routt national forests (especially John Baumchen, Tom Florich, Kacey Hull, and Vern Bentley), Michael Miner, the Moose River Visitor Center (Colorado State Forest), Chris Roth, White River National Forest, and Bill Whittaker.
Most of all, thank you to my wife, Kelli. You have continued to show unconditional love and support for me and my writing career. When I needed to research yet another lost ski area, you without hesitation grabbed your skis and asked, “Where to next?” As manuscript deadlines approached, you ensured that I was able to focus on nothing more than the writing. As ever, I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you, and I love you.
CONTENTS
