At first, there are only a few. In the dim glow of predawn, shy beams of light steadily move up the shadowy white slopes of Aspen Mountain. These are the diehards, the ones who start skinning by 5am either because they have a job to get to or, more likely, they’re trying to squeeze in…
In Praise of Resort Skinning
Easy access, high reward. When the spigot turns off, the local resort uphill route soothes the mind, builds community, and pumps the blood.
Dawn at the Sundeck. Early morning skins are rewarded with quiet slopes and fresh corduroy. Photo: Bryn Brendamour
Responses
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After resisting resort skinning I have to say that I now enjoy it as a great trip out, easy access, safe routes and something that can easily be fitted when time is short. The access in Europe is easier as well – no charges for up hill skinning, the ski area owns the lifts not the slopes. It is becoming well established now with all areas putting in tracks https://movementskis.com/pages/touring-tracks.
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I, too, used to dread the uphill effort at the resort… unusually steep here (in spots), not exactly wilderness, etc. But now, on days when I have limited time, I look forward to it. And for the time being, it’s free.
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I’ve really come to love resort uphilling. While there is some overlap, I think it ticks some different boxes than a day in the backcountry. So I’m glad I have both.
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