Have definitely arrived in Colorado, with snow everywhere !
Was a tough drive up to Silverthorne, dark & snowy, and navigating our way. I drove for some of the trip, first time in a right-hand vehicle. We were lucky to be upgraded from a sedan to a Nissan Frontier (crew-cab truck).
Lots of snow on the ground when we arrived at the cabin, but couldn’t really see much (11 pm). Straight to bed – and slept – after a 30 hour trip from Melbourne.
Next morning, I had a look outside :
Very cold – but some amazing scenery. Today was skiing day – at Vail.
Quick stop at McDonald’s (McSnow ?) – and onto the interstate (I-70).
Was some treacherous roads, we saw three accidents in about 3 miles, with one car on it’s roof in a ditch. Just people going too fast, and icy roads. Even semi-trailer trucks had stopped to put chains on.
Was a rush to hire some snow gear (skis, boots, poles, pants) – and up the gondola for group ski lessons.
The rest of the guys all had their own gear, and are experienced skiers – and went off to some trails – with a “see ya later”.
Here’s the view from the Gondola ride up the mountain :
Met up with group lesson at Eagles Nest (P-5 on map) – was 8 people in total, mainly from USA – Florida, Kentucky, California.
Dunno if the ski bunny looks suits me – what d’ya think ?
Spent a few hours on techniques, and skied down a short section to a chairlift. Up again, and more discussions with the “ski coach” (as he called himself) – and zoomed down again, through some powder, repeat x20+.
Here are some more shots of Vail – heading back down the mountain, and the view from the “village” at the bottom :
Was pretty knackered by the end of the day – sore & a bit sun-burnt – and cold too ! And had a headache too – a bit dehydrated, and from the altitude also – 11,500 feet (3,800 metres) !!
The tallest mountain in Australia is Mt. Kosciuszko – only 7,310 feet (2,228 metres) !
Mt Buller is 5,600 feet (1,707 metres) – and Falls Creek is about 4,500 feet (1,500 metres).
The town we’re staying at the moment (Silverthorne) is at 9,305 feet (2,754 metres) – and Denver is 5,280 feet – nearly as high as Mt.Buller.
They call it the “Mile-High City” – as it’s a full MILE above sea level.
After getting back home from skiing, 6 of us bundled into the huuuge Chevy Suburban – and went for dinner (11 people in total) to a Mexican place, some margarita’s, and home to bed about 10.30 pm (exhausted).
Today (Monday) is just a hang-out day, four people with laptops out on kitchen table, working away. And drive down to Denver this afternoon – with a mixer tonight to kick-off the K2 Insider Conference.
Has already been some great networking, and discussion with folk, over dinner and in the car. A rowdy & fun-loving Kiwi (who greeted me with the obligatory “who brought the fvcken Aussie ?!?”) – and my driving buddy from England, who is originally from South Africa. And a bunch of American’s (of course).
More to follow – been a busy few days !
Grumpy Wookie 
Looks like you’re having a ball – I’m jealous as all hell of course. Some of those shots look like the front cover of Kyuss’ “And the circus leaves town” – very cool. Have an awesome time, and keep the updates coming!