Santa Fe Ski Basin Gear Test

[Rockin Roxxi]

Well folks, with the arrival of my new backpack and ski poles I was looking for some adventure to test my new gear. My budget kept me close to home so I chose to break in the new backpack and poles on the beautiful trails off the Santa Fe Ski Basin. It was a beautiful drive up to the mountain but I did not stop for photos wanting to get up there as soon as possible. It was snowing by the time I got to the Ski Basin so I knew that I was going to enjoy my hike for sure.

Map of the area trails


Santa Fe Ski Basin Trailhead


Cute Trailhead bathrooms


My new backpack and poles at the Windsor TrailheadPutting on the 40 pound + backpack at the trailhead was a strange experience...like carrying a 12 year old on your back. Weirder still was navigating the trail downhill without rolling on my back like a tortoise in the desert. I was laughing hysterically and grabbing trees to keep from falling. Thankfully no one was around. The new pack performed like a champ remaining dry and was surprisingly comfortable despite the weight. Even though I packed it to the gills it still had more room!


Closeup of my new backpack...I think I'm in love


Windsor Trail...not a soul in sight. It was snowing and all was quiet except the birds; they were chirping in the trees…I hummed along to their songs and I was completely in another world. It’s hard to imagine that these trails are less than an hour away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Fe. Elevation of the Santa Fe Ski Basin is over 10,500 feet but still has an abundant of large trees which I so love.


This Trail is made for Cross Country Skiers and Snowshoeing in the winter time


One reason I'm in my hiking boots...lots of inclines


It was getting late in the day so I hit the road to find the campground. One of the viewpoint areas along the road


One of the many Picnic areas on the mountain.


The snowy road


I Can never get enough of these big trees


I discover that all the campgrounds were closed for the winter. I decide to pull into a driveway off the main road to turn around only to get the Non 4x4 stuck in the driveway. Twenty minutes later after trying every conceivable way I finally give up. There was a log cabin so I went to knock on the door for help. Nothing…then I went to the back door and knocked…again nothing. I looked around for something I can use to put under the tire as the floor mats did not work. I saw the woodpile so I “borrowed” 2 pieces to put under the tire. As I was walking away, a young boy came out and I told him of my embarrassing situation. I’m now feeling like a total loser then the boy’s father came out and told me that I could not have picked a better spot on the whole mountain to get stuck…you see it was the Park Superintendent Joe Christopherson and his wonderful son Stetson that came to my rescue. If you are reading this gentleman, I can’t thank you enough for your help, the wood to keep me warm and your priceless advice. I took a photo of them but it did not come out

I ended up camping at the RV camp down the road as it the the only one open in winter. There were a million stars out and the moon was almost full so the forest had a wonderful glow to it.


View from the RV Campground


One of the many covered picnic areas


One with the trees


Sun Setting at camp


Spot the only car at the RV campground


Campground view


My frozen home for the night. I had a nice fire going and feeling mighty sore from the hike, I fell asleep in no time. It was the icy sleet hitting the tent that woke me up. The temperature had dropped like the titanic and I could not get back to sleep after that. I was shivering hard and remembered what the good ranger told me…get in the car and turn up the heat. I did just that and made a mental note to get a warmer sleeping bag or add a micro fleece cocoon for protection against colder conditions. By 6:30 AM, I was up and took my time to break camp. Everything was frozen and my tent was “crispy” with a new layer of ice.


Driving back down the mountain


Awesome views


It is still winter up here


Close to town winter dissipates


The drive back down to civilization was beautiful and serene and Santa Fe was just waking up to a new and glorious day below the mountain sans the heavy snow. This is what I live for this very moment is all that I really have. We cannot predict how long we are here for so for this moment, I am in paradise.

[ambidextrous]

Roxxi, We are the type who attacks the photos and attachments first. And it shows your attachments are invalid. Waiting for them to get fixed soon.

I hope this is the first skiing travelogue of this forum. Cheers! Great start!

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Beautiful photographs Roxxi

[Sheel]

Spell bound by the beauty, amazing captures there

[goodlookingrascal]

You live in a paradise Roxxi Ji.
Wonderful nature around you and some beautiful face you posted of it. Damn mesmerizing pix!

[ambidextrous]

Great snaps.

[kdacharya]

way to go, kiddo.

[beruoist]

...Ice Ice Ice..!!!

Great adventure trip you had...

[kdacharya]

hi kiddo, good going. Please be more careful, though, the stuff could be dangerous.

[ride_like_hell]

Hadd ho gayi, Khubsurati ki!! Amazing clicks of amazing nature Roxi!
Keep them coming...