January 31, 2005
After a brief hiatus, Penelope is back on her beat, investigating the truth behind local ski resort reports. This week she has discovered a hitherto unknown ski resort that she feels could rival the best that Colorado has to offer. It’s the Santa Fe Trail Ranch Resort and Nut House. Located conveniently close to the Colorado and New Mexico border, the SFTR Ski Resort reports a 46” base with at least 2’ of fresh powder, two freshly groomed runs, and lifts constructed to provide skiers with excellent cardio vascular training.
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| Lopey finally found a base worth monitoring |
As I drove into the ski area, I thought I saw several vehicles stuck in the high drifts along the roads but realized later that they were merely ski enthusiasts who had come early to grab good parking spaces for the ski events that occurred on Monday, January 31st. In fact, one local resident Stan Obrey decided to park his jeep at a convenient road junction the night before the event and sleep over to be sure that he would have a good viewing spot on the 31st.
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| One of several newly groomed runs – Driveway Slalom |
One special highlight of this new ski area is that skiers can bring their dogs and ski with them rather than leaving canine pals in their cars all day.
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| Fred and Annie prepare for a downhill run |
I was pleased to see local ski enthusiasts Fred and Harriet Vaugeois with canine pals Annie and Rico suited up and enjoying the fresh snows on some of the more spectacular runs.
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| Harriet in the “take-off” position |
Rivaled only by the X Games at Aspen this week, Harriet competed with Rico on the driveway triathlon slalom course, coupling downhill skiing with uphill hiking and cross country forest trekking.
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| Rico on the left and in the lead, but Harriet carves some nice S-turns! |
An interesting related story I unearthed during my extensive interviews of SFTR skiers disclosed a heretofore never told story. Many SFTR skiers began their careers under the tutelage of topnotch ski instructors Mary Jo and Michael Shelton. In common, these developing skiers complained that no matter how hard they tried; they have never been able to catch Mike and Mary Jo on the slopes. The two have incredible speed. Since the Sheltons decided to forego the early ski season and languish in the warmth of Arizona, SFTR skiers have had to turn to others to handle the waxing of their skies, a service previously part of the Michael Shelton ski school. What has this change disclosed? Mr. Shelton was routinely waxing everyone else’s skies with BACKWARD WAX!
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| Rico (barely in the picture) made it back to Cabin Run for a quick downhill with Fred |
My next winter wonderland report will focus on the daring ice fishing feats of Doug and James Chatelain who feel that 3” of ice is plenty to support them on the Fishing Pond of the Santa Fe Trail Ranch. Stop by the pond any weekend evening to watch this delicate balancing act.
This is Penelope Shagnasty signing off after a far too lengthy report.
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