I'll have to checkout Steamboat. Sounds like a winner. Although I probably won't fly in because I'm unfamiliar with terrain/area/updrafts/downdrafts/etc , that is, until I get some training

I've always heard great things about Steamboat and would love to go there sometime. It is a long drive from Texas so I've never made it.

We go to Crested Butte a lot and love it. CB doesn't get the I-70 crowds and is a friendly little ski town. We don't plan on flying when the dates coming and going are firm.

You could fly into Gunnison pretty easily. Only a couple of easy passes to get over. You could even fly to Santa Fe then up the San Luis Valley and only have to get over North Pass 10149'.

CB is a much shorter drive than Steamboat if the weather doesn't cooperate and you have to drive.

TxKiger wrote:I'll have to checkout Steamboat. Sounds like a winner. Although I probably won't fly in because I'm unfamiliar with terrain/area/updrafts/downdrafts/etc , that is, until I get some training

If it was summertime, you could go by bicycle! That's the way I've been to Steamboat several times, on the Ride the Rockies. I've also driven in many times. Curiously, as close as it is, I've never flown in. But fun town, with lots of good places to eat.

Cary

I throw in my vote for Steamboat Springs as well.

I respect your attitude towards playing it safe, that's a solid plan when you're in doubt. The 182 is a great mountain plane and should handle the flatter northern route with little issue (crossing along the CO/WY border).

I'm not sure how often you get to Colorado, but I would try to hook up with a local or flight instructor and bag Leadville.

Because it's the highest GA airport in the United States, I believe you can get a certificate for landing there.

58Skylane wrote:I'm not sure how often you get to Colorado, but I would try to hook up with a local or flight instructor and bag Leadville.

Because it's the highest GA airport in the United States, I believe you can get a certificate for landing there.

I don't recall what I've done with my certificate--went in there in September 5 years ago. When I left, the AWOS said that the density altitude was 12,100'. I climbed out at maybe 150-200 fpm max. Here's a pic, as I was departing on downwind, and it's obvious I hadn't yet reached TPA:




Cary