All About Skiing in April

What is skiing in April like?

By April, many people’s attention has turned toward beach vacations, but not the die-hard skiers. Those in the know, know that there’s often plenty of snow in April across Ski Country. In fact, snow storms are typical, the days are warm and long, lodging is cheaper and there are lots of fun outdoor events to experience, making April a great time to book a trip. However, there are two caveats: 1.) it will likely be slushy (so make sure your skis are appropriately waxed and we recommend donning wider skis, as they tend to perform better in slush) and 2.) you need to know where to go.
As a general rule, resorts that are higher in altitude or more northern tend to stay open later, but of course, snowfall will also make a difference. Based on their orientation to standard storm tracks, some resorts just tend to receive more snow than others, so it’s good to keep those details in mind when choosing your April ski trip destination.

So, where can I go skiing in April?

If you’re on the East Coast and still feel the need for speed, head to Killington to rip up some fast groomers. Don’t miss the May Day Slalom on May 1, where contestants can sign up for free to test their skills on the Superstar Trail slalom course.
Where to stay: For all the comforts of home, including spacious living areas and full kitchens, Highridge Condominiums come well recommended. See photos →

Mammoth Mountain, California – 11,030’

This resort is almost always California’s last to close. Right now, Mammoth’s closing day is scheduled for July 7, but it’s likely that the resort will stay open later—thanks to a very snowy March.
Where to stay: Juniper Springs Lodge is your perfect Mammoth basecamp, offering the comforts of home with ski-in, ski-out convenience. The Eagle base lodge next door delivers all your ski resort need. See photos →

Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows, California – 9,050’

Cali sun and bumps combined with nearly 400” of fun, slushy snow make it easy to understand why Squaw/Alpine is dubbed the “Spring Skiing Capital.” Enjoying many of the same March snow storms as Mammoth, Squaw/Alpine is estimated to stay open until late May.
Where to stay: For convenient access to lively base village shops, bars and restaurants, the 3.5-star Village at Squaw Valley is an easy choice. Guests enjoy condominium-style lodging and a 50- to 300-yard walk to the cable car. See photos →

Snowbird – 11,000’

Snowbird’s ski season goes strong through May, and weekend skiing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays likely—once again—well into June this year.
Where to stay: Enjoy several topnotch onsite restaurants and ski in ski out access when staying at Snowbird’s flagship accommodations, the Cliff Lodge and Spa. See photos →

Breckenridge – 12,998’

During April, Breckenridge is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking warm sunshine, great late-season snow conditions and a laundry list of outdoor concerts, parties and festivals. This year, it is estimated Breckenridge will be open until May 27th, 2019.
Where to stay: Mountain Thunder Lodge offers well-appointed studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom condominium or two- or three-bedroom townhome. See photos →

Arapahoe Basin – 13,050’

Thanks to it’s high elevation along the Continental Divide, Arapahoe is typically the first to open and the last to close in Colorado. This season, “A Bay” as it’s called by locals, is expected to stay open until early June.
Where to stay: Stay in the Frisco/Lake Dillon area, located just 30 minutes from Arapahoe Basin, and you can enjoy more than just skiing. Historic, downtown Frisco offers an array of charming shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. For a home-away-from home experience opt for Mallard Court for a higher-end stay and Cabin in the Woods for a more budget-friendly mountain home experience.
See all Frisco/Lake Dillon lodging options →

Top Skiing in Europe in April

Zermatt, Switzerland – 10,800’

Boasting the longest ski season in the Alps thanks to its high elevation, glacier skiing and north-facing slopes, Zermatt offers skiing year-round! Ski across the Italian border to Cervinia through early May, and then schuss while soaking in the views from Glacier Paradise atop the Klein Matterhorn cable car.
Where to stay: Dating back to 1879, the historic Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is less than 250 yards from the lifts and provides a truly elegant, uniquely Alpine guest experience.

Verbier, Switzerland – 10,925’

This high-Alpine French ski area, which is part of the 4 Vallées, is known for awesome spring conditions, despite having a southern orientation. That’s because Verbier has invested heavily in state-of-the-art snow-making, particularly down low on the resort.
Where to stay: Perched at 1’531 meters, just steps away from the main Verbier ski lifts, W Verbier offers immediate access to more than 400 kilometers of ski terrain, plus 5-star amenities and services. See photos →

St. Anton, Austria – 9,222’

Most seasons, St. Anton is open from late November through early May thanks to its many north-facing slopes. But, if you want to ski on the southerly sunny slopes, you can do that too in St. Anton, as the resort is well-equipped with snow making.

Where to stay: Located in the pedestrian zone and only a 5-minute walk to the cable cars, the four-star Sporthotel is known for its authentic Tyrolean hospitality, wonderful onsite restaurants and amenities. See photos →

Val Thorens, France – 10,597’

With high, snow sure slopes, Val Thorens is open through May most seasons and the lift-accessed Peclet glacier makes summer skiing possible. Val Thorens is so confident of its snow cover it offers a snow guarantee.
Where to stay: For ski in ski out access, traditional Alpine atmosphere and four-star services and amenities, book your stay at Hotel Le Val Thorens. See photos →

Tignes / Val d’Isere, France – 12,293’

Tignes and Val d’Isere make up 300-kilometer Espace Killy—one of the largest ski resorts in Europe—which is typically open until early May. Due to a high-elevation locale and the Grande Motte glacier, skiing is also possible nine months out of the year.
Where to stay: Charming only begins to describe the ski in ski out Hotel Village Montana at Tignes. This chalet-style hotel features rustic modern style with traditional Alpine details and atmosphere. Enjoy three onsite restaurants, bar/lounge and health spa, outdoor heated pool and much more. See photos →

Engelberg, Switzerland – 10,627’

Enjoy year-round turns on the Titlis glacier at Engelberg, which is convenient to Zurich and Lucerne. As you travel upwards to this year-round playground, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the central Alps on the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first rotating gondola. Once at the top of Klein Titlis, you can access the Glacier Snow Park via the Ice Flyer chairlift.
Where to stay: Hotel Terrace was built in 1903 and is just as lovely today as it was more than 115 years ago. Situated on the south-facing slope in Engelberg, the hotel is just a short lift ride from the village center as well as the bus stop for the free skier shuttle to the cable-car station. See photos →

Top Skiing in Canada in April

Whistler Blackcomb – 7,160’

Blackcomb Mountain shuts down on April 22, but Whistler Mountain has extended its spring ski season to May 27, 2019. There’s a short break in early June, but summer glacier skiing is expected to kick off mid-June to mid-July!
Where to stay: The Westin Resort and Spa provides easy access to the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, plus a host of world-class services and amenities. See photos →

Banff Lake Louise – 8,954’ (Sunshine Village)

Lake Louise ski area will offer daily skiing until May 5. Mt. Norquay will close as scheduled in mid-April, and Sunshine Village, always the last of the Big 3 to close, will celebrate the season with the 89th Annual Slush Cup on May 21.

The Best Summer Activities in Summit County

Slivers of snow still cling to a few of the ski runs that the blazing sun hasn’t yet melted. The green hills are begging to be hiked and the rocky summits craving to be climbed. The river is cool and clear with colorful rocks protruding through the rushing water and the lake is so calm it looks like a sheet of glass. It’s time to take in all the best parts of summertime in the Rocky Mountains. Strap on your hiking boots, tune up your mountain bike, and tie up your fishing rod, it’s time for fun!
Summit County is chalk full of great summer activities for every ability level and age. One of the local favorites that is great for everyone is hiking. Hiking in Summit County you can find beautiful mountain streams that snake through thick stand of aspens and pine trees, gorgeous wildflower filled meadows, and rocky mountain ridges high above tree line. There are endless trails all over the county and one of the best resources to find the perfect mountain trail is to look on is the Summit County Open Space interactive trail map. This well built map allows you to find the right trail in the right part of the county for you and your family. One of our favorite trails is the Peaks Trail that connects Breckenridge and Frisco. This is a great easy trail with excellent views of the Blue River Valley.
Another excellent and extremely popular activity in Summit County is mountain biking. There are tons of trails that leave right from town! If you’re a mountain biker, be sure to bring your bike along on your visit. If you’ve never biked before, consider renting a mountain bike or going on a guided tour! Just check out our Book Activities Page for more information on how to get rolling. One of the best rides in the county is the river path that goes right through Breckenridge and connects Breckenridge and Frisco. If you’re looking to get you tires a little dirty, give the B&B Trail a try.        
Looking to wet a line? Summit County has a number of places to fish including the Blue River right through Breckenridge! Some of our favorite guides are Breckenridge Outfitters. The guides at Breckenridge Outfitters will get you on the fish whether you’re a seasoned pro or if it’s your first time! Pro-tip: fish the Blue River below the Breckenridge Recreation Center. Summit County has done extensive work to improve the fish habitat in this section of the river and you can catch fish bigger than 20 inches! If you’re staying in Frisco, try fishing Ten Mile Creek that runs right through town. We even have some properties that you can walk out the back door and strait into the river! Check out this awesome Streamside Cross Creek Condo. It’s just a couple of blocks from downtown Frisco too!
Looking for something a little more low key? Take a stroll through the historic main streets of Breckenridge and Frisco! These main streets are teeming with family friendly shopping, activities and restaurants!

7 Clothing-optional places to go naked in Colorado

Whether it’s called going au naturel, rocking the birthday suit, or being in the buff, being naked can be a freeing experience. If you’re looking to add a clothing-optional adventure to your Colorado bucket list, check out one of these 7 spots.

1. Orvis Hot Springs

Orvis Hot Springs. Courtesy of Orvis Hot Springs.

Located in Ridgway, Colorado, Orvis Hot Springs is clothing optional spot that allows nudity at outdoor soaking areas and in the sauna. They do require nude individuals to utilize a towel, robe, or other modest covering in hallways of their main building. Find out more information here.

2. Strawberry Hot Springs

An iconic Colorado hot spring found at the end of a long dirt road near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Hot Springs is clothing optional after dark when no one under 18 is allowed at the facility. Find information about visiting here.

3. Mountain Air Ranch

A true nudist resort, Mountain Air Ranch offers the opportunity to hike, swim, and play paddle tennis while naked. Find their Facebook page here.

4. Desert Reef Hot Spring

The Rocky Mountains loom in view of the Desert Reef Hot Springs in Florence. The pool is a serene, clothing-optional soaking spot beloved by locals and Colorado Springs residents a 45-minute drive away. Photo Credit: Desert Reef Hot SpringThis clothing optional facility considers themselves “family-oriented” with a number of policies and regulations set-up tp “ensure the safety and security” of all patrons. Located within an hour from Colorado Springs in Florence, Desert Reef Hot Springs allows nudity during most times of the day. Note that men can not visit this resort unless they purchase a membership or are accompanied by their partner. Find more information about visiting here.

5. Orient Land Trust

Home to a “clothing-optional naturist open space” and Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Land Trust is another spot where clothing isn’t required. Located in Moffat, Colorado, this destination is also home to a large colony of bats known for their group exodus of a mine shaft. Find out more by visiting their website here.

6. Dakota Hot Springs

Dakota Hot Springs is clothing-optional every day of the week except for Tuesday. Keep in mind that this Penrose-destination is considered a family-friendly environment and that rules regarding nudity exist. Find out more information about this destination here.

7. Conundrum Hot Springs

Conundrum Hot Springs is allegedly a clothing-optional spot, often frequented by naked locals. That being said, check with local rules and regulations prior to planning a trip to this destination. Recent years have brought a number of new rules and policies, including a permitting system for camping.

How to Leave No Trace Mountain Biking (and Why It’s Important)

Leave No Trace & Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers have access to some of the most beautiful, remote, and scenic trails in the country.  But as you may know, with outdoor adventure comes responsibility.  “Outdoor ethics” or Leave No Trace Principles are critical to ensure that these remarkable biking destinations can continue to be enjoyed by many future generations to come.
Our tips below will help ensure that you know how to protect and preserve these incredible places.

Leave No Trace Principles

Even mountain bikers with the best intentions can sometimes unknowingly harm the ecosystems they explore and enjoy.  Leave no trace principles help people to minimize their recreational impact on the natural world.
Our biking specific leave no trace principles below encourage preservation and prevent negative impacts on the trails and ecosystems we all love.

• Ride Planning

  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts. com provides information on recent trail conditions, or you can stop in a local shop to ask about conditions and any trail closures.  Make sure you don’t ride if you see bad weather in the forecast.
  • Riding trails after a recent rain is not a good idea and can cause extensive damage to the trails. If you do encounter muddy sections on a trail, ride through it rather than walking around it to avoid enlarging the trail.

• Bike Maintenance

  • Tuning your bike regularly will keep you safe and help preserve the trails. Check components before each ride – leaking oil or broken bike parts can damage trails and harm wildlife, and cause falls and injuries.
  • Always carry a tool kit with you that includes a bike pump, spare tubes, tire changing tools and a multi-tool for on-trail repairs as needed.

• Single-Track

  • Keep singletrack single! Stay on the trail and don’t venture off-trail.  Riding off the trail damages fragile ecosystems and confuses wildlife.
  • If you are camping, make sure you camp in established campsites and don’t start fires outside of an established fire ring. Check your local Forest Service office for any fire restrictions.

• Share the Trail

  • Trails are used widely not only bikers, but horseback riders, hikers, and wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other trail users. This includes slowing down, especially on downhills.  Going too fast can startle or injure other trail users and yourself.  Many times speed leads to collisions with wildlife that can’t get out of the way in time.
  • Horses always have the right of way – always dismount when approaching them. Because horses are prey animals, they are frightened easily and bikes are no exception.
  • Ride in small groups to respect wildlife and other trail users and reduce dust and noise.
  • Respect wildlife and observe them from a distance. Do not ever approach, feed or disturb animals.  Respect that you are in their home.

• Pack it out!

  • Leave the trails the way you found them (or better). Take all waste with you and dispose of it properly after your ride.
  • Clean up after others before you who may not have followed leave no trace principles.
  • Use the bathroom before you start your ride. Carry a small shovel or trowel with you for if you are camping or have “to go”.   Make sure you bury human waste at least 6 to 8 inches below the surface and at least 200 feet from the trail and any water source.
  • Leave cultural, geologic or historical artifacts for others to enjoy – do not touch or disturb them.

By following these simple leave no trace principles, you’re doing your part to ensure that your recreational impact on the natural world is minimized.

Guide to Choosing the Right Hiking Boots

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Getting to those lesser-seen views, unplugging from the stress of daily life, and reconnecting with nature and ourselves—the most essential thing to get there is what you put on your feet. Your hiking boots have the power to ruin the experience, as well as give you the power to complete a difficult, strenuous hike that you might not have thought you could accomplish.

This is why selecting the right hiking boots can lay the groundwork (literally!) for a great time on the trail. This can be especially true when you are planning on hiking for several days or weeks. Choosing the right pair for you is completely individual, since even recommendations from friends aren’t always a sure bet when it comes to your feet and needs.
Selecting the right hiking boots is key, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing your boots:

• Are they comfortable?
• Are they durable?
• Are they water-resistant?
• How much support and stability do they offer / do you need?
• How much do they weigh?

Which Style is Right for You?

The first thing you will notice when you go to find the right pair of hiking boots is that there are a number of different styles to consider. Most of how these are designed have to deal with which type of hiking you do and what kind of terrain you’ll encounter. There are a few main types of styles, though hybrids are also common and can be a good option if you are planning on trying a few hiking styles.
DAY HIKING
If you plan on heading out on a trail that is well-maintained and might only last a few hours, then low or mid-cut boots are ideal. These all-around boots are meant to take on many different types of terrain, making them extremely versatile. However, they offer more stability than typical walking or running shoes. Keep in mind that, depending on your climate, you may not need to select waterproof boots.
BACKPACKING
For the backpacker or more intense day hiker, you’re going to want something with a bit more support and structure. These types of boots are typically waterproof and may offer additional ventilation for hiking in hot or humid areas. Look for a mid-height boot for extra ankle support and stability shanks for midfoot support and to help balance the weight of a backpack.

FAST HIKING
For upping the pace and turning your hike into more of a workout, Think less structure, more flexibility. Lighter weight boots with a flexible outsole will help you move faster. Look for anti-abrasion toe bumpers, which keep your feet safe while moving quickly, and a heel-capture system that creates a locked-in feel for more confident footing.

How to find the right pair

The right-sized hiking boots can make your adventure blister-free and can help you avoid additional issues such as blackened toenails, sprained joints, and more. These are all things that can ruin your hike instantly.
Before you start trying on new boots, think about which socks you are planning on wearing. Your socks are the padding between your feet and the material of the boot, so they play a key role. Heavier socks can provide more support, but they can also cause blisters if your shoes are too tight. Thinner socks can minimize this, but they might not insulate your boots as well as they should be.
FITTING YOUR BOOTS
The first thing to do when you go in for a fitting is to completely disregard the size you normally wear in street shoes. Hiking boot sizes can vary widely, and you might find that you need a larger size than you would typically wear because you’re sporting heavier socks and your feet often swell while hiking. It’s better to have a little bit more room just in case. You’ll also want to pay attention to the toe of the shoe, and give your feet enough room for your toes to splay naturally.
Hiking boots are designed around a wooden mold called a “last,” which is used to shape the boot. If this last differs from your foot, then you’ll automatically feel if that pair of boots won’t work for you in the long run. This is why it is essential to having your boots fitted in-person to identify pressure points you are likely to have problems with based on the shape of your foot.
The insole can be another consideration when you want to get the right fit. An insole that doesn’t fit can lead to pains in your arches, your heel slipping, and sore heels and balls of your feet. If you have high arches, you might want to consider replacement insoles for better support. You can get a good idea if you need extra support from how the soles of your boots have been worn down. If you notice the treads on either the outer or inner areas of the sole are gone, then it might be worth looking into.
MATERIALS AND DETAILS
Of course, what materials your boots are made of can also affect your hiking experience, as well. Shape, padding, and why a type of fabric has been used in order to make the boots are all factors that should be considered.
For starters, see how well the tongue fits against your ankle. It should provide plenty of padding between your skin and the laces. This can help to avoid that “cutting” feeling that comes from when your laces are too tight.
Ankle padding should be secure, but not too tight as to cause any blisters or rubbing. The back of the boot should be fairly secure, while the front should be a little more flexible so you don’t run into any problems with chafing. This can also help with heel friction, which tends to be the major cause of blisters.

Whether you choose leather or synthetic materials is up to you and the type of hiking you are planning on doing. When in doubt, go lighter and choose waterproof. You never know what kind of conditions you might run into on the trail, and wet shoes and socks are a recipe for blisters.

How to keep your boots in good shape

A good pair of hiking boots can last for years if you take a little extra effort to maintain them. If they’re leather, you can use a leather conditioner to make the leather suppler , which allows you to break in your boots faster and more effectively.
Anytime you come across water, make sure that your boots properly dry afterwards. After your hike, place your boots in a dry, clean location. Open your boots up so you can increase airflow and insert newspapers or another absorbable material in order to dry out any sweat. This can help you to avoid any mold or mildew that might occur thanks to the damp interior of your boots. Do not place them in direct sunlight or by a radiator or fire, as they can end up shrinking slightly.

Your Top E-Bike Questions Answered

With a full Shimano STEPS team on the road covering dozens of events, there is a common theme of questions we get from riders interested in the evolving e-bike technology. Below are the top 5 most common questions answered.

How long does the battery last; what’s the average distance?

This question is relative to each individual riding the bike, the conditions in which you’re riding, and the level of assistance each rider is using. For example, you could have a 5’4 female weighing 125 pounds versus a 6’0 male weighing 180 pounds. The smaller, lighter rider will always go further than the heavier rider if they are using the same level of assistance throughout their ride. On a perfect day with little wind and relatively flat terrain, the 6’0, 180-pound rider can travel roughly 90 miles if he is using his lowest level of assistance (Eco Mode). If he uses his highest level of assistance (Boost Mode) he will be able to travel a shorter distance, roughly 50 miles. Hills and poor conditions will make this range decrease, so for mountain biking expect a shorter range.

How much weight does the system add to the bike? 

Our STEPS e8000 system, mostly utilized for e-MTB and off road e-bikes, adds 6.34 pounds for the motor and 5.84 for the battery; totaling 12.18lbs. Our STEPS e6100 system, utilized for city and commuting e-bikes, adds 6.08lbs for the motor, and 5.84 for the battery, totaling 11.92 lbs. When you take the assistance of the motor into account, you’ll realize this additional weight doesn’t affect the feel of the bike when you’re pedaling.

Where can you ride e-bikes?

Electric bike laws are currently different in each state. However, the bike industry is hard at work in conjunction with People for Bikes to create a unified law throughout all fifty states. Here is a map of where each state currently stands in relation to our efforts.

Where can I buy one? 

A lot of traditional bike shops now carry a line of e-bikes in store, with some even carrying demo bikes so you can try before purchasing. Look for the dealer locator on your favorite brands site. Or, visit the STEPS dealer locator for partners who carry our products. To see which of your favorite bike brands sell STEPS equipped e-bikes, visit our partner page here.

What does an e-bike cost?

This depends on what type of e-bike you’re looking for. A reliable commuter bike with good components from a reputable bike brand begin at roughly $2,399. A hard tail mountain bike with the same criteria begins at roughly $2,999. Finally, a full suspension mountain bike with the same criteria begins at $4,000. Just like traditional bikes, the price of these bikes will go up as the frame materials get better (from aluminum to carbon), and as the components get better (from brakes to group set and beyond).