Paragon Guides

Take A Llama To Lunch!

2011-06-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a unique afternoon with the

companionship of a curious llama!

We will introduce you to the gentle llama as you hike through aspen forests, wildflower meadows and take in the views of surrounding peaks. Your guide will enhance your adventure by describing seasonal flowers, wildlife, topography and geology as you enjoy this personalized hike and bountiful lunch, served amidst the spectacular mountain landscape. Great for families and groups looking for a unique day.

Based out of the Paragon Guides Backcountry Center Cabin at the Arrowhead Resort.

Cost: $79 per person for groups of 4 or more

($99 each for small groups.) Family discount available.

Hike includes:

Paragon Guides professional staff
Llamas
“Red Checkered Picnic” lunch
Group gear

Available June-September

Call for Reservations - 970-926-5299 or email: trips@paragonguides.com

(Sorry, llamas are pack animals and not ridden, even by children.)

Backcountry Fly Fishing

2011-05-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

by Donny Shefchik, Paragon Guides Field Director

Fishing in the Vail area has changed over the years. Many of us must be OK with “urban” fishing or at least a busier fishing hole. The popularity of fly fishing has brought smiles to Fly Shop owners and guides, and occasional frowns from those looking for a more secluded fishing experience. The rivers are fished earlier in the Spring and later in the

Fall and it’s not so unusual to see a bundled up fisherman standing mid-stream in mid-winter patiently casting to open water.

Our local rivers are in good shape considering the impacts of valley wide growth and the consistent parade of fisherman to the rivers edge to try their luck. I still visit these places but tend more often than not to fish these places off-season and off hours. There were places that I thought of as secret, or at least not popular, but these have been discovered or bought by someone who must have had an overstocked inventory of “No Trespassing” signs .

Now I find myself most often leaving the main roads and mainstream, heading for those small places that have not been discovered or purchased. There are plenty of places and I’m not saying that I eliminate all the people, but these places are quite, beautiful, sometimes rugged and many times “fishy”. The Backcountry Small Streams often provide a bit more adventure, your closest competitor most likely the resident mink or eagle.

I have taken many clients to the small streams and seen a variety of reactions. For many the smaller volume of water makes for more pleasant wading, reading the water and casting to a “fishy” spot seems simpler, and the fish albeit smaller, are as wild and beautiful as anywhere. The reward for fooling the biggest fish in the pool is delightful whatever size stream.

The sight of a rising fish, the calculated cast to the cut-bank or the bending of the rod are the immediate rewards for me. Longer lasting are the joys of time spent in wild places chasing wild trout sometimes with no one to celebrate with but me.

Backcountry Snowboarding - Part 2

2009-02-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

On some powder days I see a good snowboarder from the chair and often think how fun it looks, but for the backcountry I will stick with my skis. Recently, I had the opportunity to guide a group of snowboarders adventuring into the backcountry for the first time. The day was beautiful and experience, I hope for both myself and the group of snowboarders was enjoyable.

I was on skis but the group was on snowshoes with their boards on their back (having a backpack made to carry snowboards is recommended), one of the disadvantages of not having a split-board or skis. The hike up to Uneva bowl gave everyone time to adjust to the altitude and take time to look at snow-covered trees. Part of all backcountry winter travel is that you have to learn to enjoy the uphill as much as the down. Although following an old track for a majority of the time I still noticed the snowshoes sinking in further than the ski track I could break for them. However, once the track was in we had a couple of wonderful runs, of untracked powder. Along the way we did not see another person when there were 15,000 skiing at Vail only miles away, another highlight of the day.

To ensure that you can make the best of your backcountry snowboarding day, be prepared encounter some differences to snowboarding on the resort. Expert snowboarding skills like, holding speed on flat areas, following a track through trees with controlled speed, and techniques for getting up in deep powder will help you enjoy your day. I commend the group of snowboarders for hiring a guide to teach them about the backcountry, and hopefully more can enjoy the experience of the backcountry

Will Elliott
Senior Guide

BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARDING: DELIGHTS AND DILEMMAS

2009-02-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

Images of untracked powder, Spring corn snow, and beautiful blue skies will give most of us the urge to venture into the Backcountry to find the snow and the day we dream of. Far from the sometime crowded slopes and packed out runs of the ski area, the Backcountry offers the chance for solace and untracked snow. Reaching Backcountry terrain requires time and effort and this sometimes comes as a surprise to those unfamiliar with leaving the slopes and lifts of the mechanized ski world.

The popularity of snowboarding has spilled into the backcountry but I think there may be some perceptions and realities of Backcountry Snowboarding that do not often appear on the pages of popular magazines, TV and internet. Behind many of these images may often be mechanized access. Snow-cats, helicopters, snowmobiles and often “Slackcountry” riding out of bounds from lift access ski areas. Although my experience with riders in the backcountry has been limited I have seen the Delights and Dilemmas firsthand. Perhaps by listing a few observations those who dream of riding in the backcountry can be better prepared for the experience.

To struggle whether you are on skis or a snowboard is easy. To find the right combination of skills, fitness, judgment and knowledge is the hard part. There are few shortcuts. I believe that a guide can make the process safer and far less frustrating, but you must find your place not only on the mountain, but also in yourself. Backcountry skiing or snowboarding must be looked at in its entirety, not its pieces. Enjoying only the downhill piece leaves out other pieces, most importantly the uphill piece, which will take up most of your time and your effort.

Always enjoy the Delights but anticipate and accept the Dilemmas. I, for one, make little distinction.

Backcountry Snowboarding Delights:
** The anticipation when standing at the top of an open slope or glade, then pushing off into untracked snow
** Although I have not done it, I feel it when I watch an accomplished rider arching turns in soft untracked snow
** That weary good feeling of a great day in the backcountry

Backcountry Snowboarding Dilemmas:
** Getting to the untracked snow – There are two common methods for snowboarders to access the backcountry, snowshoes or a “split board”. With snowshoes you earn every inch you travel with them on your feet, both up and down. In some circles a snowshoe track should not pack out an existing ski track so you may find yourself breaking trail sometimes. You either carry the snowshoes or the board on your back. There is a fair amount of preparation whether you are putting the snowshoes on or the snowboard. With a “split board” you use climbing skins as you would with skis. There is a minimal amount of gliding with the skins on and plenty of gliding with the skins off; however, edging and turning are additional skills to learn. Dealing efficiently with the “split board” takes some experience. Putting it together when you are ready for a descent, or taking it apart when the riding is over. Ski poles are recommended.

** Backcountry Riding, the descent – Choosing appropriate terrain is critical for Snowboarding. Backcountry Skiing is often fairly short runs, with a snowboard this can be challenging. All the time spent going up or over to a slope is rewarded with what seems to only be moments of descent. Many areas are not one long steep slope but can have benches or small gullies that need to be crossed or climbed. For a skier this may not present a problem, but for the snowboarder these small obstacles can be much bigger issues.

** Backcountry Snow Conditions – Most of us wish there was great snow all the time in the backcountry. The reality is it is not always so great. We deal with many types of snow and variable snowpacks. Sure there is plenty of powder but you need to know where it is and there may not be any. We are sometimes greeted with windblown snow, crusty snow, icy snow, slushy snow and all combinations imaginable. The snowpack can be shallow so we deal with buried rocks, stumps and fallen trees. The snowpack can be deep, sometimes bottomless, making any movement by walking impossible. In the event of a fall bottomless snow can make getting up very difficult.

** Recommendations – Get out there and give it a try if Backcountry Snowboarding appeals to you, but perhaps start off easy, don’t try to “bite off” too big a piece at first. Perhaps take a class or hire a guide. A guide or teacher can enhance the learning curve and elaborate on the Delights and Dilemmas, probably because they have past experience with both.

Donny Shefchik
Paragon Guides, Field Director

Hoarfrost

2009-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hoarfrost is one of the those added bennies of the backcountry (or any winter area) and mainly for those who are up early and observant. To see it, enjoy it, requires one to slow down and notice their surroundings. A key trip philosophy with Paragon, "start out slow and back-off".

Hoarfrost is best seen up-close and in the morning before the sun causes it to melt away. Here's a definitition from snowcrystals.com: Frost is to dew as snowflakes are to raindrops. When water vapor condenses into liquid water, you get raindrops and dew. When water vapor condenses directly into ice, then you get snowflakes and frost. Snowflakes are not frozen raindrops, and likewise frost is not frozen dew.  When frost forms as minute ice crystals covering the ground, we just call it all frost. But sometimes the frost grains grow larger and are called hoarfrost crystals. Good hoarfrost is not that uncommon if you watch for it. Hoarfrost grows whenever it's cold outside and there is a ample source of water vapor nearby. snowcrystals.com

Karen @ PG
(Photos are copyright Karen Peck)

2009-01-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
-- Our National Parks , 1901, page 56

As my 12 year old daughter embarks on a school research project about John Muir and the beginnings of the Conservation Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries old familiar quotes of a favorite backcountry hero come back to light.

Karen @ Paragon

Getting to PG's Backcountry Center

2009-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Once a small homestead cabin sitting near the junction of McCoy Creek and the Eagle River, next a bunkhouse for ranch hands at the turn of the 20th century. In the late 1980's Paragon reclaimed it's original hand-hewn log character and moved it up the mountain creekside to create a cozy 'first hut' for our adventures. As the staging area for our trips, you will meet our guides here and be outfitted for your adventure. Whether trying on ski gear or meeting your llama sherpas, this little cabin in the woods is your first taste of hut life.

So how do you get to our little cabin in the woods? Well, these days although tucked in a quiet, woodsy nook, this homestead cabin is surrounded by the Arrowhead Ski Area (part of Vail Resorts) and the Country Club of the Rockies community, off Hwy 6 between Avon and Edwards in the Vail Valley. Taking the exit at either Avon or Edwards off Interstate 70 will connect you with Hwy 6 and our location. See the attached map.

Our guides will meet you in the Day Skier Parking Lot and commence their 'first guide' with you taking you to our secluded spot. The cabin is located off a ski run as well, making it convenient for our Pre-trip Orientation Ski Lessons.

One writer described our Backcountry Center as a 'fitting portal' to the backcountry. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

What About Avalanches?

2009-01-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

PARAGON GUIDES THOUGHTS ON AVALANCHES

The recent storm system that has moved through most of Colorado has left the Vail area with a deep blanket of snow that has the early season skiing about as good as it can be. Cold temperatures and dry powder snow have greeted all the guides each day they have been out. Reports of avalanche activity come in often, and our own “poking around” in the local Backcountry shows a common pattern for the Colorado snowpack.

Colorado’s renowned snow is a blessing for all of us, but it often comes with it’s own inherent problems. It may come as a surprise to many, but our snowpack is often not that deep compared to other Western areas. We are fortunate to have months of cold, dry snow, but these conditions can produce or maintain weak layers buried beneath the powder. With a normal, relatively thin snowpack, especially in early season, we must always be alert for variations in what may appear to be a stable homogeneous slope. Weak spots can be scattered across a seemingly stable slope. Some of these “spots” can help trigger an avalanche.

That said, what could we do about it? Especially as guides, what can we do about it?

A consistent source of information regarding avalanche activity and recent weather patterns is necessary to stay informed about what is happening around the Vail / Aspen / Leadville area. We receive daily updates from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC – www.caic@avalanche.org). Our own guides are often in the field with personal observations and this information is regularly shared and discussed. A local “network” of backcountry skiers is a valuable informal source for the latest local happenings and reports.

Knowledge of the terrain and the avalanche history of specific areas is vital information. Our Guide Trainings often focus on area reconnaissance, terrain features and past avalanche activity are major sources of conversation amongst the guides. This shared knowledge from maps and past experiences is vital to our route planning and ski touring choices.

A conservative approach to backcountry ski touring is perhaps our most reliable tool. In a ski culture that continues to promote the “extreme”, we do not. We rely on good decision making, a special respect for early and “mid-season” conditions and above all we take seriously the commitment to those who choose to join us that our choices will be made with safety our number one concern. Although we cannot take all risk away (nor do we want to) we can minimize our exposure to avalanche prone areas and most often avoid avalanche terrain when conditions warrant a prudent approach.

There is plenty of great skiing out there with minimal or no risk from avalanche. Countless times after finding out the avalanche danger is “High” we have gone touring and skied wonderful snow on good terrain. It’s all about choices. Choosing the conservative “line”, staying clear of “terrain traps”, and avoiding steep open slopes. There are many wonderful opportunities for good skiing on terrain that is not avalanche prone. Remember, a lot of great runs at Vail Mountain Resort are lower angle than most avalanche slopes.

Some days may warrant close examination of purpose. Must our purpose always be to ski in or near avalanche terrain? We think not. As guides our focus is to evaluate many aspects of a day in the backcountry. Personal and client expectations need to be evaluated along with the day’s avalanche report. Assessing group strength, fitness and ability are as valuable as snowpits and shear tests. Knowing when and how to change not only a proposed route, but also an intended purpose is as important as a beacon and shovel. Accepting the tour for all it has to offer rather than looking only for steep turns will always spell success. Learn to love the meadows as much as the steeps.

Donny Shefchik, Paragon Guides Field Director and Senior Guide

Paragon's Ski Rentals

2009-01-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Paragon's Rental Ski Program has the:

Atomic Diran Ski - (106-72-98) We believe the Diran is a good "all around ski. It's light weight provides a nice feel on the trail. Combined with a medium flex,

the ski turns easily and handles well on trail descents. Lengths range from 15--190 cm.

G3 Targa T9 Cable Binding - Combining stainless steel for durability and

aircraft aluminum for lightness, we think the Targa binding is the most efficient backcountry, free-heel touring cable binding available. The cable binding provides additional torsional

stability for turns and trail descents.

Garmont Excursion Boot - The 2-buckle Excursion is the lightest and softest plastic touring boot available. We believe that the balance between efficiency and stability are well matched with this boot. Tours and turns are maximized as well as comfort.

Black Diamond Ascension Climbing Skins - the "Backcountry Chair Lift". Best glide

-to-grip balance of all the brands we have tried. The nylon nap is durable yet supple enough to provide maximum glide on the trail.

Leki Adjustable Poles - light weight aluminum can be adjusted to fit height and purpose. Powder baskets help with deeper snow conditions. The touring handle is comfortable with

adjustable wrist straps.

Winter Travel - Before and After a Hut Trip

2008-12-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

Just getting here can be a great adventure. Often I have said that I would rather be skiing the trails in a snow storm than driving Interstate 70 over Vail Pass.

While our Colorado Department of Transportation works diligently to keep the roads clear during a storm, conditions can change very quickly and delays are not uncommon.

So here's few tips for getting here:

• Plan a couple days + ahead of time to arrive. This allows for a good time cushion if roads conditions are bad to wait it out in Denver or factor a slower drive to the High Country. The drive from the Denver Airport to Vail / Avon is approx. 2 1/2 hours on good roads and longer according to conditions. Not kidding - I-70 was closed 70x last winter due to storms and accidents. If you can, look up www.cotrip.org before your drive to check on conditions. They even have webcams to show what some of the passes and other areas look like.

• Take it slow! If you are driving up to the Vail Valley, even if you have rented (or own) an all-wheel / 4 wheel drive, please drive slowly if conditions are icy and snow packed. Many, many incidents can be avoided by going slowly.

• Arriving a couple of days ahead of time will also allow time for acclimating to a mid-level elevation of the Vail Valley before we take you up above 10-11,000'.

• Plan also to attend our Pretrip Orientation Session at the Arrowhead Ski Area the day before the trip departs. This is a great time to meet your guides and other trip participants, to discuss the gear and the route, to get outfitted in any rental gear you may need, and to spend a bit of time on the mountain skiing as well. It is always good to ski on your rental gear and be sure that all is working right before you head in to the backcountry with it.

• At the end of your trip, please plan to fly out the following day or later. A tight travel schedule will likely be shattered by snow conditions for driving. If you fly out the following day or later after your trip, you have that 'time cushion' to factor the 3+ hours it will take to get to the airport. Also remember, you have been backcountry skiing without a shower for 3+ days. While you smell like the rest of your ski group, you won't be too pleasant to your fellow shuttle passengers or flight mates. A shower and a nice group dinner at the end winds up your great hut experience so wonderfully, who would want to miss that?!

Does Your Guide Service Have a USFS Permit?

2008-12-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

Over-use and abuse of National Forest Service areas have taken their toll on many trails and backcountry routes. The USFS strives to protect these areas and manage their use in such a way that still leaves these public lands of ours beautiful and accessible for all of us.

Paragon Guides has held Special Use Permits with the USFS since our inception and work with the USFS each year to partner in the protection of these lands and trails that we love. Making sure that your Guide Service holds a USFS permit ensures that the company that you have booked your backcountry adventure with has environmentally responsible policies and oversight in their travels, safety and procedures (such as campsite set-ups).

As our guide training is going on now, much is discussed of how we move, travel, behave, and care for these areas that we take you into and we hope to pass on these values to you on the trail as well.

Karen @ PG