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Holiday Cheer
December is my favorite month. It's holiday time, so there's plenty of reasons to call in sick. "Holiday Stress" is a good excuse. Who's going to argue? And the best way I've found to ensure holiday cheer is getting outside. There's little better than a cold, quiet morning as you approach a frozen waterfall. Your steps are the first marks on fresh snow, and the ice is green, blue, and in some places, crystal clear. The only sound is the clink of screws and crampons as you gear up, except for the occasional CRACK as the runnel of frozen water settles.
Another good sick day option is skinning up to the nearest snow-crusted bowl to grab the powder runs before the weekend crowd fills them with tracks. One of those days when you wake up and realize its dumped the night before . . . . Or, where it's snowless, maybe an afternoon bike ride, snatching the last couple of hours of daylight for your own selfish pleasure. It's all good. Here in the Four Corners we're blessed with more clear days than not, so even if the temperatures plummet at night the sun will warm our backs during the day.
Keep your eyes on the mountains. The first area to open to skiing this season was the steep, guided-only Silverton Mountain in October. The Front Range came in a close second with good pre-season snow - but Four Corners, we're up!
Last year's ice season was solid, but early snowpack might make this year's frontpointing even better. Look for some rare-to-form Â?sicles. It could be another form-up year for the awesome Ames Ice Hose near Telluride, featured on page 30 and written by none other than our own ice-climbing officianado Jared Ogden.
If you don't ski, snowboard, snowmobile or snowshoe, there's always the desert. Mountain bikers, hikers, horse people, wheeled fun hawgs and trail runners have plenty of opportunity for low-altitude fun, where the trails are drier and temperatures a bit higher during the day. The nights will be chilly but desert rivers are flowing too. The San Juan, Colorado, Green, and others that will remain unspoken, are relatively free of traffic but still amazing river trips (if you don't mind the chilly nights and sometimes days).
Where ever you go, be prepared! Here are our picks of great gear for December toys that promise a very jolly holiday season! Go ahead - go through you gear closet and see if you have what it takes to brave cold weather, steep slopes and frozen water.
Hot Chilly Salsa Jacket and Tight
Salsa Micro-Elite Brushed Women's Full Zip Panel Jacket ($85) is a fitted hip-length long-sleeve jacket with 2-way zip placket that zips through a high collar. It has open cuffs, two hand pockets, a straight hem and contrasting side body and top sleeve panels. The tightly knitted nylon face is durable and slick for easy on and off when layering. The fleeced back adds loft for cozy comfort and warmth. In the same fabrication, the Salsa Tight ($57) is a fitted ankle tight with a slight "V" front, plush back double-needle elastic waistband, small diamond gusseted crotch and contrasting side panels; (800) 468-2445, hotchillys.com
Tecnica Vento 10 Ski Boot
The Vento 10 is geared toward the expert skier looking for a more relaxed fit without sacrificing performance. This boot features all of Tecnica's exclusive technology including 3 Density construction, Rapid Access, Dual Cuff alignment, an adjustable and removable rear spoiler and so on for the ultimate in personal tuning to one's foot. The all-new HiPerFit liner from Tecnica offers the highest performance and customization with the use of three density, thermoformable materials and their patented Heel Adapter offering a secure and comfortable fit. Sizes 23.0-31.0. $565; tecnicausa.com
Völkl Supersport All-Star Ski
Völkl skis have always been at the top of the line. The Supersport All-Star is a high-performance all-mountain ski with an all new shape with a 70mm waist width for greater stability. Built with Volkl's Extended Grip Technology, this ski provides incredible grip on the slope for expert skiers. Standard equipment on the All Star is Völkl's latest advancement of Motion ski/binding technology - Motion iPT with Piston Control Oil Suspension. Internal Power Technology, or iPT, is a ski/binding interface that lies completely within the ski; there are no screws or external rails. This results in a more direct transmission of power to the ski. $1,115. Sizes: 154, 161, 168, 175, 182; volkl.com
Marker Helmet
For tunes on the slopes, the Marker Half Helmet -- models M2 and M3 (shown) -- has it wired with the availability of two "Audiorama Systems" as an accessory. The basic system features a standard music input that is adapatable to MP3 and CD players. The deluxe system offers music input, Bluetooth Wireless Technology built into the ear piece for hands-free phone use and an input design for the Ortovox avalanche beacon system. The helmets have removable ear pads, a hypoallergenic and antibacterial liner and a unique air flow vent. They're built with flex foam to withstand multiple impacts. M3 ($129.90), M2 ($99); Audiorama ($29.90), Audiorama Deluxe ($114.90); (800) 462-7537, markerusa.com
Columbia Oregomi Parka
This women's-specific parka is the perfect balance of fashion and function. Part of the Titanium line, the Oregomi is technical enough for skiing but decadent enough for an afternoon in Aspen. The coat is waterproof and breathable, with underarm zipper vents, and articulated elbows and sleeves. The faux fur hoot is detachable. $200; (800) 622-6953, columbia.com
Ibex Shak Jersey
The Shak is an indispensable piece of outdoor apparel that you'll wear nearly year-round. Although it is a down-and-dirty technical piece, it looks so good you'll wear it skiing all day, then out to dinner. The dense-knit merino is warm, breathable and has moderate wind resistance. The fit is loose and really comfortable. $125; (800) 773-9647, ibexwear.com
Black Diamond Contact Crampon
Sometimes you need just a bit more traction but conditions don't warrant full-on double plastic boots and technical ice crampons. The Contact Crampons are nice because they are light and compact for easy storage in a back- or fanny pack, and compatible with sneakers or trekking boots. The toe strap actually works, although anything over Grade 1 ice might be tricky! $99.95; (801) 278-5552, bdel.com
Kombi Women's Base Layer
The all new Kombi Featherweight women's crew base layer is made for 365 days of fun, from hiking and running to winter sports' activities. The Featherweight features a silk finish, bi-component, 100% polyester with a natural, odor free, antimicrobial silver yarn. $35; kombisports.com
Tubbs Altitude Snowshoe
Snowshoeing is a great way to get winter exercise. The Altitude Snowshoe comes in both men's- and women's-specific models (women's pictured). The new floral graphic is designed for women, and is offered with the women's tapered frame and women's specific bindings. The Bear Hug binding on the Altitude has a rotating toe cord for maximum articulation, and the SureTrac crampon system for superior traction. With the purchase of each floral Altitude snowshoe, Tubbs donates $5 to the Susan G.Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. $219.99-$269.99; (800) 882-2748, tubbssnowshoes.com
SmartWool Men's Boxer Brief
I never thought I'd be touting men's wool underwear, but these are all my husband will wear. The "up and out" fly design provides easy access yet keeps assets inside, even during exercise. The briefs are made from 100% Smartwool jersey knit - an airy Microweight fabric that is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. $40; (800) 550-9665, smartwool.comPost a comment
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