ADVENTURE

By Julia Clarke

The Valley might be home to two world class ski resorts, but that doesn’t mean skiing is the only thing to do here once the snow arrives. Winter hiking in and around the Eagle River Valley gets you away from the bustle of ski crowds and the stress of trying to find a parking spot and gives you an all-access pass to some of the best snow stashes in the rugged Rockies without having to fork out for a lift ticket. Grab your snowshoes or ice grips, and check out three of the best winter hikes in the Valley this season.

Starting at the eastern end of the Valley, Vail Pass is a high-altitude playground for winter sports and will deliver hands down the best views of the surrounding mountains. Shrine Pass was originally a Ute Indian trail until it was taken over by silver miners, and the Shrine Ridge Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Sawatch Range, delivers all the gifts of a high alpine hike without much climbing at all. Because this hike is a little more remote, it’s a good one to pack a picnic for.

Take exit 190 from I-70, and pay the small day use fee at one of the fee stations in the parking lot. Begin on the well-signposted Shrine Pass Road, and at the first switchback, join the snowshoe track and head up for about two miles to reach Shrine Pass. From here, look out for the trailhead on the left to join the trail to Jay’s, Chuck’s and Walter’s cabins, which together make up Shrine Mountain Inn. From the cabins, the trail then winds through the forest to Shrine Ridge, with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Holy Cross. Retrace your footsteps to return to the parking lot.

Minturn’s Meadow Mountain is a favorite amongst locals, but its popularity with snowmobilers can make it a little less tranquil for those adventuring on foot. Just a little further down Highway 24, however, you’ll find the Grouse Creek trailhead on the right, and from here, West Grouse Creek loop gets you away from the hum of snowmobiles and into dense, peaceful forest.

Pick up the trail from the trailhead, and go straight at the first junction. At the second signposted junction, bear right to stay on the West Grouse trail, and after about 1.5 miles, you’ll come across an old, unsigned logging road. You can turn back here or take a right onto this road and follow it along the hillside to the retired ski slopes of Meadow Mountain and splendid views of the Gore Range. To complete the loop, head down the ridge keeping the valley you just ascended on your right, and when the trail begins to flatten out, you’ll see a signpost on the right to return to Grouse Creek via a wooden footbridge. Follow the trail back to your car, and head into Minturn to warm up over a hot meal and a cold brew.

Over in Eagle-Vail, Paulie’s Plunge/Stone Creek is popular with both snowshoers heading uphill and skiers and snowboarders leaving Beaver Creek for some backcountry chutes. This 2.2-mile trail begins with some gentle walking before serving up some more strenuous uphill terrain as you wind through quiet alpine forest and aspen groves along a babbling brook from Eagle-Vail all the way to the resort. Though it doesn’t provide the same wide-open vistas as the other hikes here, you’ll get a real feel of seclusion in a lovely forest setting without having to travel very far at all.

From 70, take the Walmart exit and turn left on Highway 6. Turn right on Eagle Drive, and follow the winding road uphill to the small parking area at the cul de sac. The first mile is delightfully flat, and the snow will be well packed down. At the fork, go left (the route to the right heads down to the golf course, so take a moment to gather your bearings here for your return journey), and you will cross the creek and now start climbing — keep your eyes and ears open for skiers leaving the resort. The snow here is often untouched, and you will climb steadily through deep forest before emerging onto a ski run on Beaver Creek after a couple of miles. Return the same way you came, and then you have your pick of lunch spots between Eagle-Vail, Minturn, Avon and Beaver Creek to refuel. +

By Jennifer Weintraub

The stoke is high in Blue Sky. On the far outer edge of Vail Mountain, Blue Sky Basin’s Belle’s Camp embraces the energetic atmosphere of a ski town emerging from a long, cold winter. On a sunny spring day, the grills are fired up and filled with food, while the lawn is packed with people playing frisbee, beer ski or wiffle ball.

It’s BYO food, beverages and lawn games in this beautiful destination located seven-miles back and up on Vail Mountain. So, why plan a boring lunch in an epic location? Adam Weinberger, owner of Double Diamond Chefs, believes that a BBQ in Blue Sky is like nothing else in the world.

Weinberger is used to cooking his meals over an open fire. As a private caterer and chef on luxury overnight horseback trips, he’s skilled at making great meals in unique destinations. When he’s off-duty, he’s either chasing deep snow to ski or cooking for a crowd. Grilling in Blue Sky Basin combines his two worlds and passions.

A meal is never a small affair with Weinberger. His favorite way to spend the day is serving up multiple courses with panoramic views. “The most important thing is to have the best-looking food on the mountain,” he explains. Over the years, he’s made a ridiculous culinary scene at Blue Sky with steak Oscar sandwiches topped with crab hollandaise, cheese fondue and grilled seafood such as scallops, whole fish and lobster.

So, what should you bring to Blue Sky if you’re looking to step up your grill game? He shares a few tips to ensure you are the envy of every table around you.

Once you arrive at Belle’s Camp and claim your spot, dig a hole in the snow to keep beverages cold. Then, it’s time to assemble your first course — charcuterie. After a few morning runs, your guests will appreciate a table full of snacks. A large charcuterie board filled with pre-cut cheeses, meats, crackers and dips can be assembled quickly and eaten immediately.

Moving onto the second course, grilled crostini is an easy appetizer with endless possibilities. Top sliced bread with any combination of cheese, meat and/or fruit you have on-hand. A few of Weinberger’s favorite combinations are ricotta, prosciutto and arugula or brie, pear and honey.

Grilling in Blue Sky is a group affair, usually planned around a birthday or when friends or family are in town, so the main course should be easy to feed to a crowd. One of Weinberger’s go-to menu items is an enormous steak sandwich that is then cut into portions. As a main course, it’s easy to cook and share while eliminating the need for individual utensils.

Grill space is limited, so a larger cut of meat such as a tri-tip or flank steak works well. Not only does it take up less space, but it’s less to worry about when there’s a party all around you. Arrange sliced steak and toppings of your choice on a ciabatta loaf, preferably from Hovey & Harrison. Some of his past favorite sandwiches include steak topped with chimichurri, roasted peppers and mozzarella or a classic Philly cheesesteak with onions, peppers and melted American cheese.

For a vegetarian sandwich or side dish, toss vegetables such as asparagus, broccolini or zucchini in a foil packet on the grill with olive oil and seasonings.

Everything tastes better outside, especially dessert. Cookies, brownies or other sweets can be packed in Tupperware, so they don’t get crushed while skiing. The Tupperware can then be used to take back leftovers (if there are any).

Preparing ahead of time is the key to pulling off such an elaborate affair. Slice cheese, cut vegetables and make dips and desserts the day before. Bring a large knife, cutting board, grilling tongs and olive oil. It’s a good idea to grab a frisbee for some lawn games and a small portable speaker to set the vibe.

A Blue Sky BBQ is an unforgettable lunch with unbeatable views. It’s worth the effort and planning to have an easy, yet elevated meal. So, what’s on your menu? +