by Luna Sandoval
With winter comes winter sports, and what better way to spend those snowy days than gliding down a mountain with a couple of friends? Snow comes at the most unexpected times here in the San Juans. One thing that we have learned from living in Ouray is that once the snow starts falling, it just doesn't stop. But many students have been worried this year, when even in early December there has been little accumulation.
That has made this year difficult for those who love to shred. It is a big upset, especially because we have learned to expect good snow by October. The late and limited snowfall has caused some ski resorts to push back their opening dates, including Telluride Ski Resort, which finally opened a few trails December 3.
Junior Ava Choate believes that “one of the biggest things about living in the mountains and especially in Ouray is the outdoor sports culture which revolves around snow and ice. Without that it just feels so bleak.” Ava starts skiing as soon as she can, depending on snow conditions and if skiing is possible. “It’s something that I love and look forward to every year,” she said. “I am just really freaked out.” While Ava has not gotten the opportunity to go out and ski yet this season, she is hopeful that she will soon.
Sophomore Mary Jane Cervone has mixed feelings about the lack of snow. She is a member of Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club which is supposed to start the weekend of December 11. It is a competitive ski club, although she will not be competing because it is her first year. She will have the opportunity to develop and improve new skills. Moving into her 11th year of skiing, she hopes to start competing soon. Snow is necessary in order for her to reach that level.
Yet, while early season options have been limited, with a little bit of driving and grit, the season has started for some. 7th grader Jeep Demuth, who in normal snow years can be found every day after school at the local ski hill snowboarding, has been trekking up Red Mountain with his folks this November and December, and shredding backcountry routes. After 5 years on a board, Jeep has flown off ramps up to 18 feet in the air. He is currently working on landing a double backflip, with hopes to send it by the end of the season. Being in the air, he said, makes it so that “you almost feel weightless.”
So many students live for winter in Ouray and are afraid to contemplate more winters with late and limited snowfall.