Last week, I took a day and went up to a friends house near Hoosier Pass in Summit County, CO (near Breckenridge Ski Area).  I had gone snowshoeing for the first time!  I always spend all my days skiing when I head to CO for the winter, but now I've found another winter activity.

We left my friends house at around 11,500 ft.  There was probably 3-4 ft of fresh snow near his cabin. However, as we got up to 12,000 ft, just at the treeline, we were in 4-6 ft of fresh powder. Thanks to the snowshoes we rented, we had no problem.  It took us about 45 min to hike a little over a mile up to a small lake (Crystal Lake) at the foot of North Star Mountain (just shy of a fourteener).  It is near Hoosier Pass and just South of Quandry Peak (a true fourteener).  For those interested, a good link to hiking North Star Mountain, go to:

     Hiking North Star Mountain, CO

 As we approach Crystal Lake.  NorthStar Mountain Ridge is at the top of the horizon.

I had mentioned to my friend that I never had any interest in walking on a frozen over lake.  Much to my surprise, I had found myself smack dab in the middle of Crystal Lake.  I was comforted to know that the lake is only 6 ft deep and was entirely frozen solid this time of year.

Here I am standing in the middle of Crystal Lake

 Just another fun shot from skiing the trees in Breckenridge

Thanks to my good friend Barry and local guide, Tom for making this experience possible!  Can't wait to hit this same mountain in the Summer!