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Paul E. Anna: High Points

Paul E. Anna
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado

Some say “Beware the Ides of March.” But me? I say bring it on.

March is the best month of the entire ski season. It is the month that traditionally brings us the most snow and, while it may seem incongruous, it is also the month that brings us the most sunshine. This past week we got a significant jump on the month when February storms lightly left 2 feet in their wake. And it looks like there is more to come today.

Yes, this is the first day of the third month, and for those who like symmetry it is 3-1-13, the only time in your lifetime on this mortal sphere that that collection of numbers will line up as such. Or, if you are European, the date will line up as 1-3-13 Perhaps a lottery ticket is in order.



Regardless, the 13s are lucky indeed, and if you don’t believe me, plan on getting up in the morning and hitting the slopes in the first chair or gondy car. The new snow we have had is expected to be followed by sunshine and spring-like 40-degree temps. It will be March skiing at its finest. Just like in the brochures.

If you are a skier and can spend one month in Aspen I would recommend that March be the one. It’s not just the perfect snow followed by the blue-sky days. There is a feeling, an attitude that floats in the air during March. It is the first month of spring and that has a tendency to make everyone feel a little more optimistic about the days to come.




And one reason we all feel that way is that the clocks leap forward one hour giving an extra hour of sunshine on the tail of our days. This year the blessed event kicks in on Sunday morning, March 10, at 2 a.m. I know it can be hard for those who toil in the early morn. But there is nothing better than kicking back with a face full of springtime sunshine listening to the snow drip-drip-drip off the top of the roofs as it melts in the 5 p.m. rays. And that, my friends, is right round the corner. One can only assume that we will be gifted with an extra hour on the lifts around that time as well. In fact, tonight the Elk Camp Gondola has new 6 p.m. rules. A sure signature of the season to come.

Then of, course, just 10 days later on March 20, March brings us the official first day of spring. Go ahead, if you wish, at 4:20 on 3-20, and do your thing to celebrate, as this will be the first spring day since legalization. Humans have celebrated the Vernal Equinox since the beginning of time. It is a sign of renewal as the days become longer than the nights and the light wins out over the dark.

Add to all of that March Madness and the great college hoop games we have to look forward to and it become obvious that March is the very best month.

At least the best month so far.