3 Daring Things to Do in 2016
Resolve to do more mountain activities in the New Year
It may be hard to believe, but January is less than a month away—and that means New Year’s Resolutions. How about resolving to do something daring in 2016? And by daring I don’t mean you have to risk life and limb, but you may have to resolve to conquer your fear of heights.
Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado
If you’d asked me five years ago whether I would ever attempt ice climbing, the answer would have been, “Absolutely not.” I have had a lifelong fear of heights. However, two years ago, while on a magazine assignment in Ouray, Colorado, I went ice climbing with Dawn Glanc, one of the world’s top female ice climbers and a guide with San Juan Mountain Guides.
I’d never been climbing, let alone on ice, but I’ll do almost anything for a good story. I’m not a born ice climber, but it was an exhilarating day and I fully earned my afternoon soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. If I can ice climb, anyone can do it.
Ouray is home to the Ouray Ice Park, one of the country’s premiere ice climbing parks. If you’re interested in ice climbing, check out the Ouray Ice Festival in January. During this multi-day event you can watch some of the world’s best climbers or join in. Ice climbing clinics for every skill level are offered during the festival.
Zip Lining in Leadville, Colorado
That same winter, I did my first-ever, full-size zip line adventure at Top of the Rockies near Leadville, Colorado. And yes, there was a lot of screaming.
Top of the Rockies is one of the only zip line adventures in Colorado that stays open year-round. Zipping through the crisp mountain air at 11,200 feet above sea level merits a lifetime of bragging rights.
Their newest and most terrifying zip line includes six lines that quickly deliver riders to a 100-foot tall Sky Tower. I did this zip last summer and survived to write about it.
Top of the Rockies is a stellar outfit that provides day-long zip line excursions with lunch and also snowmobile outings, as well.
Snowmobile in Grand Lake
Snowmobiling may not frighten you, but before I had operated my own snowmobile, I was extremely apprehensive about the sport. My first experience was with On the Trail Rentals in Grand Lake, Colorado.
While I may not be a born ice climber, I was born to snowmobile. There are 33 miles of groomed trail at On the Trail Rentals, and I flew over nearly all those snowy miles with a huge grin on my face.
Ladies, don’t ride behind your man. Resolve to rent your own snowmobile this winter.
