Ashcroft
The isle of Maui has a dormant volcano, Haleakala, that is over 10,000 feet high. Starting at sea level and going to this high point is higher than starting at the base of any Rocky Mountain. Two world rated sporting events take on this height differance, Run to the Sun and Cycle to the Sun. Then there is an annual 13 mile off road run at 9,000/10,000 feet through the crater and some of us have even mountain biked from the top to sea level on unmarked trails. There is a 22 mile offroad run from the top to the bottom down an ancient Hawaiian trail. Many try to do these different events, but some get there Ash kicked by the difficulty.
A different type of ski resort residing in the proximity of Aspen will kick most peoples Ash, as in Ashcroft Cross Country Ski Resort, sitting at over 9,000 feet. “Where is the oxygen?”, is what your lungs will ask you. Your eyes will overpower any hurt that your lungs will cry about with the scenic beauty of this area. Numerous 13,000 treeless peaks will surround you, the ghosts of the old mining town of Ashcroft will spoke the timid, and the ultimate challenge will be to take a drink of water right from the ideal mountain stream.
Speak softly when you are in this area, as avalanches glue themselves to loud voices. Never mind you forgot to bring a snack, just ski or snowshoe to the Pine Creek Cookhouse and enter into a forest hut with a warm woodburning stove. The shortcut home will be the easiest, however allow yourself to burn those newly added calories and make it out to one of two warming huts, Hunley or a bit further, Kellogg. Upon your return, have a quiet conversation with Jed about life and you will be sure to leave with a fantastic feeling for Ashcroft Cross Country Resort.
Contact MauiSkiBus.com at mauistyl@maui.net
Facebook at Maui Ski Bus Steve