For die-heart snowboarders and skiers, nothing can surpass the sensation of spending days surrounded by towering mountains and unspoiled powder fields, all at 12,500 feet of height! But that’s just normal for Bridal Veil Backcountry Ski Camp. Located above Telluride, Colorado, this brand-new ski camp has kicked off its opening season on the 18th of February.

The Experience

This new Telluride backcountry skiing experience offers day-long ridings on fresh tracks across the snow-covered San Juan Mountains with hot meals and luxe camping. The experience includes three days of guided skiing with backcountry ski equipment and two nights of camping with meals. After spending the day skiing with AMGA-certified ski guides, you will retire to your high-alpine winter camp to enjoy a steaming hot meal lounging around the bonfire. At night, you’ll get rewarded with an unparalleled stargazing experience on one of the country’s amazingly star-studded darkest skies. This comparatively remote spot is all about enjoying top-notch riding, cozy comfort, and memorable moments.

The Camping

Sitting in the Upper Bridal Veil Basin at a remarkable 12,500 feet and located above Telluride, the ski camp takes its inspiration from expedition-based big-mountain Alaskan camps. It’s conveniently outfitted with luxurious goodies to keep the guests warm, such as heated Arctic oven tents containing heavy-duty down sleeping bags and sleeping cots. You’ll need to get to the backcountry gate at Telluride Ski Resort to access the camp.

The Endeavor

This new skiing venture is the result of a joint partnership between Telluride Helitrax and Mountain Trip. Being the original and the only full-service snowboarding and heli-skiing operation in Colorado, Telluride Helitrax has effectively made the whole experience much easier by arranging for most of the gear to be transported by helicopter. This ensures added comforts for the guests, like hot catered meals, camp-provided down jackets, and other extra add-ons. According to the co-owner of Mountain Trip, Bill Allen, the trips by this new camp are a great opportunity for pro snowboarders and skiers who desire a quieter and more comfortable backcountry experience.

Booking Details

The Bridal Veil Backcountry Ski Camp experience at Telluride is specially designed for proficient riders and skiers experienced in the backcountry. The trips will run every weekend from 18th February-2nd April. A private booking of the camp can house a maximum of eight people. Single riders or small groups can share the camp with other guests to balance costs.

Famously known as “Pancake Tuesday,” Shrove Tuesday is widely celebrated in Christian countries with tons of delicious treats. Much like most Nordic countries, Estonia also has a tradition of people consuming tons of mouthwatering buns with whipped cream on that day. Although the tradition may have its roots in religion, today, it’s seen more of a national custom rather than a Christian celebration.

Weird Old Shrove Tuesday Traditions

Since Estonia has never been particularly religious, the so-called Vastlapäev (Shrove Tuesday) has always been associated with entertainment and the anticipation of spring. Some of the old traditions on this day include sledding and dancing. According to custom, the longer the flax stem used as a sleigh, the more fertile the year ahead will be. People weren’t allowed to start a fire or to spin lamb’s wool on Shrove Tuesday. There were competitions for the best humming top made of pig feet and a number of other odd customs.

There were many dated traditions involving flax as it used to be grown all over the country. For example, aside from sledding, flax was also the main participant in other customs like drinking straight from the bottle to ensure long flax fibers. Since flax is rarely grown in Estonia these days, these were customs gradually left in the past.

Celebrate Vastlapäev Like They Do In Estonia

Back in the day, the cuisine for Vastlapäev was pretty rustic: boiled pigs’ trotter and a soup of peas and beans. Nowadays, the tradition has evolved to add delicious whipped cream buns that are also known as semla in Northern Europe. Baking this delicious treat isn’t going to trouble more experienced chefs, but if you’re feeling insecure in your baking skills, you can find semla virtually anywhere on Shrove Tuesday. Add caster sugar and feel free to add extra flavors with your favorite jam, and viola! Enjoy it like they do in Estonia.