The snow has been outstanding in Colorado and New Mexico this year. Here is the report from a couple of my favorite resorts….
Welcome back. I’ll start this week with the snow report from Angel Fire Resort in northern New Mexico. As many of you know this is one of my favorite areas of the country and this year the skiing is outstanding. They have had 198” inches of snow and all the lifts and trails are open just in time for spring break.
The ski area is hosting the “Fiesta del Sol” over break which includes contests and special parties. They have also installed a giant airbag for skiers and snowboarders who want to test their skills with special jumps and tricks. Angel Fire is a perfect family resort and an easy drive from my home base in Bartlesville.
I’ve often mentioned Cimarron, New Mexico in my column which is just thirty miles from the slopes. If you are unable to ski like myself, a stop at the St. James Hotel offers the opportunity to spend the night in an historic lodging dating back to the early settlement of the area. Philmont Boy Scout Ranch is just down the road as well and it is always worth a visit no matter what the season.
My friends at the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado tell me the skiing is also fantastic at nearby Wolf Creek ski area. Wolf Creek has had over 200 inches of snow and their entire 1600 acre ski area is open. This mountain offers trails for everyone from the novice to the expert skier.
The Springs Resort has some special lodging and ski packages for Wolf Creek and all of their guests have 24 hour a day access to the 23 soaking pools on the property which are fed by the natural hot springs there. The Springs encompasses the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring and is situated alongside the Pagosa River. I can tell you from experience that this is a wonderful place to stay and there is nothing like the hot springs to ease your aches and pains.
In other sporting news, I was able to attend Saturday night’s sold out professional boxing matches at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma and the boxing fans in attendance got their money’s worth. The promoter Tony Holden is well known in the boxing business and in 1990 with a world champion in his stable he was king of the hill so I knew it would be a good show. Always on the lookout for a story, I’ve interviewed professional boxer Kenzie Morrison both for the paper and on the radio and I knew his dad. Even if you are not up on boxing, Kenzie and his brother Trey Lippe Morrison are names I think you will be hearing frequently in the future. They are the sons of World Heavyweight Champion and film star Tommy Morrison whose story has been told many times before. Tony Holden was Tommy’s promoter and now he is helping Kenzie and Trey make a name for themselves in a tough business. In their early twenties Kenzie and Trey are rising stars in the sport and with Tommy’s blood in both of them, my scoop of the week is to catch one of their local fights while you can. Before long you’ll have to spring for airfare to a major venue and your seats will cost a whole lot more. If you haven’t heard, both boys won their fight with a knockout in the first round.
I’m wrapping up this week with a “save the date” reminder for your calendar. Each spring Elder Care in Bartlesville holds their annual fundraiser The Good, The Bad and The Barbeque at the Mullendore Cross Bell Ranch which is opened to the public just for the event. There is always great food and music and lively silent and live auctions with something for everyone.
This year the date is Saturday May 9th and the event chairperson, Virginia Sawyer, tells me that there will be new bands and other surprises in store for guests. Call Elder Care at (918) 336-8500 for ticket and sponsorship information.
Till next week, I’ll see ya down the road…..