Snow Skiing

[Mark Anderson]

Does anyone have any favorite snow ski locations that are reasonable to fly into in the winter time? I live in Alabama and do not have a lot of mountain flying experience in a single engine without ice protection. Last year I flew to Sata Fe, NM and drove to Durango and Telluride. I really like Crested Butte but have never been into Gunnison in the winter. I realize any where will be weather dependent. I am thinking of flying to Colorado Springs or somewhere east of the Rockies and driving the rest of the way.

[N3322G]

Mark,

We've been skiing the Rockies since the 60s and have done all the permutations. Our personal most vivid memory was getting the twin de-iced in Aspen because we had to get home for work - only took 5 gallons. We had to wait 3 days to depart due to weather. It had snowed two feet while we were there, melted and iced underneath - hence the de-icing on a brilliantly sunny day. Flight home over the Corona pass was without incident. 5 hours after landing big ice storm into DFW area - timing is everything. If you have time limitations, I suggest landing on the front range and driving. If you have the time, mountain flying can be done safely - I would suggest taking mountain flying training while out there and reviewing the AOPA course.

No de-icing equip on our twin either - so we only go in VFR and out VFR. What has been most common for us is to fly into Centennial in Denver, park the twin and drive in or fly commercially anywhere into the front range and then drive. You can get flights all the way into Vail/eagle, Steamboat, Aspen etc but they are subject to weather too.

This summer we flew into Rifle for the first time and they welcome GA - big wide valley, nice new runway - short drive to Aspen as we prefer to ski Snowmass - others swear by Crested Butte or Steamboat. All have their benefits.

Hope this helps.

[Mark Anderson]

Pat,

Thanks for the great advice! I will check out those airports. I think you hit it on the head with going VFR. No clouds,no ice. I have gotten lazy flying IFR everywhere I go. Flying VFR is too much like work. But in the mountains in the winter with no ice protection it is the safest way. I will probably opt to stop short of the mountains and hoof it in. Unfortunately I too have to work and also have kids in school. I was wondering also if it would be better to hanger your plane in these areas to avoiding getting dumped on by snow on the ground or just de ice if necessary. I have priced some of the over night hanger rates in those areas and they are pretty pricey. I guess some of these place don't have any available anyway. Either way, I had rather stick pins in my eyes than have to go commercial air these days!

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Love Steamboat...been sking there since I was a kid. If you need to stop short, frontrange is the place, or Centennial. 3 hrs into pretty much anywhere.... The mountains are very unforgivving to the uninitiated, unless it is a beautiful day....

Zach

[N3322G]

Haven't had any trouble with leaving the twin outside on the front range. I just make sure it is tied down with a no tow banner on the nose - where it will not be moved while I'm gone. Nobody tows the twin without me being present - too much risk of nose damage as tip tanks makes unfamiliar handlers think it is a 310.

For lower hangar rates I asked the Rifle FBO this summer if they had a private hangar, he sent me to the county, the county gave me two other contacts. Lots of phone calls but had two weeks of a summer hangar at $15/night in a 40' enclosed t hangar. I was worried about hail - in the winter, I'm not sure it would be worth the effort or expense but it would eliminate the snow/ice risk of delayed departure.