Kongsberger Ski Club

Trip report by Joy, photos by Joy and Leah We stepped out of the car to meet perfect 65-degree morning temps and an alpine breeze filled with all the scents that make early August in the mountains so wonderful. It was Leah and I this time, and we were looking forward not only to the hike, but to getting to know each other better. We jumped into deep conversation so quickly that we didn't really register the big signpost near the start of the trail that forked between Esmerelda Basin and Ingall's Way. (What's Ingall's Way? We were looking for Ingall's   Lake !) Thus began our day hike to Esmerelda Basin (including the side trip up to the ridge above Lake Anne) which neither of us had hiked before, and a day of beautiful sights.     The forecast the night before was for hazy skies, which might have kept larger crowds away, but we had crystal clear air, which was perfect for seeing the mountains in every direction, especially Stuart and Glacier. When we were on the rid

August.  Time for vacations, trips out of town, visitors from out of town, heat waves.  Kudos to every one of you who is fighting the doldrums and getting in the training.  Ski season seems impossibly far away, but winter is coming, so they say, so don't give up!  Here are some August training ideas from your anonymous KSC partners, including a new post from a professional running coach/marathon ski racer.  Big thanks to all of our contributors who take the time to share their perspectives; hopefully you can find yourself somewhere in this range of racers! Front of the pack, overall and age group podium, all distances My focus in August is continuing with strength, getting in climbing/backpacking trips and slowly starting to run again - 3 miles at a time.  I am still trying to get in at least 2,000 ft of gain doing the stairs at GG each week and then, if not on a climb/backpacking trip, I'm doing a local hike with 4000 ft of gain (or close to it - think Mailbox or Teneriffe).