We just got back from a great outing to the Continental Divide and got lucky with plenty of wind and snow. On Day 1 Scott aka "Mr Snow Mesa" and Tony aka "Master Splinter" rallied the sleds up to Snow Mesa with the rest of us hanging on for dear life bouncing off only a few rocks here and there. We found NW winds topping out 30-40 mph all day long. It was very humbling to be in that expansive place with the new found fury of winter bearing down at over 12,000 feet. It felt like the clouds were streaming past maybe 10 feet above your kite and the sun seemed no more than a quarter mile beyond that. The mesa has full coverage now so we cruised around looking for more powder and less turbulence. This was not the day to go venturing too far for fear of equipment malfunction, quick onset hypothermia, and an eventual devouring by the last descendants of the Alfred Packer clan. It was one of those days to work on your fundamentals, dial in your systems, and not screw up-
Day 2 was a distinct contrast. From the same rest area at the top of Spring Creek Pass, we headed west to Jarosa Mesa and found blue skies, steady light winds and soft deep inviting powder. Just what we came for! Up went the big kites and we worked up to a knoll with the best aspect and exposure. Soon we were whooping and hollering slashing up the goods and boosting big floaty jumps. This was the day to try any new trick you wanted due to the forgiving landing. Not to mention all the inspiration from the 360 degree views. I'm so stoked that winter is full-on in the San Juans!
This screenshot shows Jarosa Mesa in front, Spring Creek Pass on Highway 149, and Snow Mesa beyond. Roadside riding lower down at Rito Hondo Reservoir is also barely visible on the right.
The approaches are all in great condition now with more snow this week.
Dracop, if you're on the FRange or Summit County, your best bet is likely Dillon Reservoir. You can get a water-to-snow lesson from Anton at Colorado Kiteforce that could help with a few snow-specific skills.