TJ Burkefest, Mammoth April 10-11, 2010

It finally happened!  The 2nd, 1st annual TJ Burkefest!  As the fest's name implies, we had a little trouble getting off the ground last year but this year was definitely a success.  The only 80's ski weekend (that I know of) dedicated to the legendary TJ Burke of Aspen Extreme fame, this year's fest consisted of the blistering schedule as listed seen below and all proceeds from Tshirt sales were donated to the U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center www.usarc.org

11:00am - Meet at the entrance to the lower Gondola

11:00am to whenever - Shred the mountain 80s style and pub crawl

Whenever - Apres ski on the deck at Main Lodge to soak up some sun

4-5ish until you collapse from too much awesomeness - Apres Apres ski for T.J. Burkefest awards, hottubing, BeerPoleDisk, pizza and impromptu 80s dance party

I don't think I really need to explain so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

See you at T.J. Burkefest 2011!

Vail, Colorado, March 3-7, 2010

Spring kicked off with my first ever trip to Colorado this year, courtesy of a super fabulous Christmas present, aka a place ticket to Vail from Ryan.  A group of our friends have gone every year for some time but being the lowly two-year post graduate that I am, this was my first.  

Though I can't begrudge the lovely icy hillsides back home who taught me fabulous survival techniques that could keep out a -20 degree day, Mammoth has really been the only actual Mountain I've ever skied.  So, I was excited to get out a little and Vail didn't disappoint.  There could have been more snow, but what lacked in base depth Vail certainly made up for in size - I will never doubt the distance from one end of a back bowl to the bathroom across it after two gatorades again.

What was not super far away was our condo, thanks to the wonders of one Mr. Woods.  We stayed in a gorgeous place overlooking the whole village AND right over a fabulous open late pizza joint.  And when the day finally ends, what better way to relax than in a rooftop hot tub?

We did get one day of powder - all 6 inches of it while multiple feet were falling back home - but I have to say it was the lightest fluffiest stuff I've ever seen.  No Sierra cement to be found :)