35 skiers from 14 CMSC clubs had 4 terrific days of skiing at Breckenridge Colorado in early April. There were 3 bluebird days of spring conditions followed by a powder day to end our stay. This trip was special because of the great snow, mostly warm temperatures, and visits from friends from the Chicago area who met us there to ski. Some of these friends had worked as instructors or volunteered as guides at Breckenridge for years and knew the area well. Mitch from ABSF, John from Inland Ski Club, and Steve and Brenda who were former members of Joliet Ski Club and now live in Summit County, led a group of skiers around the mountain each day. A handful of people, who usually attend the CMSC Europe or Chicago Week trips joined the fun in Breck. Other various participants and friends hooked up for beautiful ski days and some great après ski activities.

We began our Spring Fling with an early arrival at Denver airport. One lost piece of luggage delayed our bus departure, and a longer than planned stop at Applejack's and King Soopers resulted in a later than planned arrival at our lodging in Breck. This delayed a planned get together at the Breckenridge Brewery with the Boeing Employees Ski Club (a CMSC club that was staying in the same lodging as us). By the time we got to the brewery, it was too crowded for our 2 groups to be seated together. We still enjoyed our first evening in Breckenridge at our separate tables.

The skiing on Sunday, our first day, was excellent with bright sunshine and a dusting of new snow over an 85 inch base. It took a short time for the sun to soften the base from its overnight set up. It made for great skiing all day. Monday and Tuesday repeated the beautiful weather and skiing. After skiing Monday, we made up for the missed gathering opportunity on our arrival night with an après ski party at the Quandary Grill for happy hour. We enjoyed drinks and appetizers on the outdoor terrace in weather warm enough that no coats were needed until the sun went down.

Wednesday, the snow moved in and there was powder skiing for those who could handle it – a splendid end to our vacation. Unfortunately, most of those who drove out decided to leave the previous day to get ahead of the snow storm.

Most flights out of Denver were canceled on Wednesday, so there was some fear of the snow delaying our bus trip to the airport or our flight home on Thursday. Fortunately, there were no major problems on the road or with our flight, and we landed at Midway with only great memories of an almost perfect ski vacation. Breckenridge was an ideal destination for the Spring Fling ski trip, and I hope you can join us next year for an equally ideal Spring Fling trip to Lake Tahoe.

Larry Douglas, Trip Leader