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Andy Wilcox
Black River, NY
clemtony@gisco.net

¹ú²ú³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Adviser: Since you’ll already be in Utah, I’d consider spending an extra week or two in the Four Corners region. Divide your time between a five-day hut-to-hut ski trip in the San Juan Mountains and a week-long romp through southern Utah’s canyonlands. Although the San Juan Hut System in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area is
designed to accommodate all levels of skiers, you’ll want to be familiar with changing mountain weather and have a solid understanding of the ins and outs of avalanche safety if you plan on going solo.

A better bet might be to sign on with guide Joe Ryan, who’ll lead you along intermediate backcountry ski trails and forest service roads from Telluride to Ouray, with stops at the five spartan huts along the way. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, food, and gear; the huts come equipped with padded bunks, a propane cook stove, wood stove, firewood, and all crucial
kitchen equipment. Depending on your skill level, you can use the huts as base camps and spend days skiing the expert powder terrain above the huts. Whichever route you take, a bunk will cost you $22 per night and Joe’s expert guide service $150 per day. For more details, call Joe at 970-728-6935.

From there, head due west to the Moab area, where–weather permitting–you might get in some early-season mountain biking. You’ll certainly beat the hordes of spring-breakers who flock to Utah’s fat-tire mecca in mid-March. For bike rentals and route suggestions, stop in at Rim Cyclery on West 1st North Street (801-259-5333). Aside from the perennial favorites–the
Slickrock Trail (watch for ice in winter) and Gemini Bridges–they’ll be able to direct you to a handful of great late-winter rides. While you’re in the neighborhood, plan on spending a few days exploring nearby Canyonlands National Parks, although be prepared for snow cover in higher elevations.