By Colin Courtney

Winter seems to come and go in lower elevation communities like Durango and Cortez, but our snowpack (although low for the year) at Andrews Lake Winter Recreation Area keeps sparkling with life, offering many gifts to those who come to wander among its beauty. It really is a magical place up there, and San Juan Mountains Association is dedicated to helping people connect to the land, learn how to protect it and become stewards themselves. It is more important than ever that we the people work diligently to educate, protect and care for these special places.

From hot cocoa barista-ing to helping fit snowshoes for the first time, SJMA’s snow ambassadors take great joy in helping people recreate responsibly and enjoy their time among the magic. When people have a great time out in nature they are more likely to want to help take care of it, and protect it for generations upon generations. The societal world is a wild place right now, and the serenity, love and awe of Andrews Lake is still there just waiting for the next visitor to bestow its gifts on.

When we stop to catch our breath (physically and metaphorically), we are gifted with the opportunity to become aware of the magic. It is always there, always giving to us and lights up with joy when we take that moment to intentionally become aware. The Japanese prescribe these experiences in their hospitals. It’s called Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing. In their cities, they have designated nature areas and walking paths for people to go sit in nature, breathe, put their phones on silent and just be. We are so lucky to be surrounded by these places here, but we must be intentional to go be with them and help protect them. The nurturance that comes from nature flows like an infinite source, and all it requires to keep this flow happening is a little love and respect. Practicing simple Leave-No-Trace principles goes a long way, and a bit of education is paramount to keeping the flow going.

Just the other day a visitor came to Andrews Lake with a pack of dogs in the back of his truck. Our snow ambassador went over to see if he needed any doggy poop bags to pack out their droppings. The man seemed to have recently inherited these dogs and honestly admitted he didn’t know why he needed to pack it out. Education with love in the heart is the name of the game. Our snow ambassador thanked him for his honesty and went on to explain how E. coli is often present in dog droppings, and when left on the surface to break down, the E. coli works its way into streams, rivers and lakes, contaminating our local water systems. The man was taken aback by this knowledge and quickly asked for some bags and said he would absolutely be packing all of it out from the forest from now on. The interaction was positive, respectful and educational. This is stewardship. It is a beautiful thing when education comes from the heart, it sticks, and there is no reason to repel it.

Make some time to come practice Shinrin-Yoku at Andrews Lake, join us for one of the last couple of Snow Science & Social tours, educate yourself and others about the simple seven Leave-No-Trace principles to help keep our wild places beautiful forever; and remember the magic is always there.

Colin Courtney works as the snow ambassador at Andrews Lake Winter Recreation Area for SJMA and is passionate about protecting our natural places and spreading the joy of playing outside.

By Olivia Maclean

As winter blankets the landscape with its pristine coat of snow, adventurers of all kinds eagerly await the opportunity to delve into the snowy wonderlands. Weather-conscious locals make the most of new snow and blue skies as the parking lots along Wolf Creek and Molas Passes fill with visitors from afar who have been tracking the most recent storm; each snowfall a fresh invitation to explore.

For skiers, the season heralds endless opportunities to carve powder-laden slopes and explore the serene beauty of the snow-covered San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. From the adrenaline rush of downhill descents on Lobo Overlook to the tranquil solitude of Nordic trails at Big Meadows or Fall Creek, each outing offers the pure essence of winter.

Snowshoers, too, find their winter haven amidst the serene landscapes of the National Forests. Their snowshoes allow them to tread softly over the deep snow while witnessing the undisturbed wildlife and the intricate frost patterns across the landscape.

Snowmobilers from across the country keep a vigilant eye for snowfall to have a chance at cruising across vast expanses of Wolf Creek Pass with their machines; winter provides a playground waiting to be explored. While skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers share a passion for exploration, conflicts sometimes arise. Skiers and snowshoers, accustomed to the tranquility of gliding through the snow under their own power, may find the roar and tracks of snowmobiles disruptive to the experience. Likewise, snowmobilers, who relish the freedom to roam, are irritated at the thought of their terrain being diminished.

Yet, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers share a common bond—a deep appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of the champagne powder of Colorado. The majority of motorized and non-motorized recreationists understand the importance of responsible recreation, respecting the ecosystems that they traverse and minimizing their impact on the environment.

The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), in partnership and with support from the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, has employed two snow ambassadors this winter. Colin Courtney has been stationed at the Andrews Lake parking lot, where SJMA has been stationed for the 3rd consecutive winter season, and Olivia Maclean has served as our inaugural Snow Ambassador at Wolf Creek Pass.

Throughout the winter, SJMA offers educational programs centered on understanding our wintry world better. SJMA Snow Ambassadors have interacted with more than 2,300 winter recreationists – both motorized and non-motorized – to ensure that they understand daily avalanche and weather conditions and the importance of recreating responsibly. This partnership is essential in nurturing mutual respect among all individuals dedicated to maintaining unrestricted access to National Forests no matter how they enjoy the region’s vast public lands.

Many of us share a common love for the winter landscape. By recognizing and respecting each other's preferences and adhering to established trail guidelines (set in place by the respective Forest Service), skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers can coexist harmoniously, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the splendor of this region’s snowy wonderland in their own ways.

Olivia Maclean, SJMA’s Wolf Creek Snow Ambassador, cherishes both backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.

By Hannah Green

I stand on the edge of the Wilderness as the late afternoon glow hits the peaks. Clouds hug the tops of the mountains signaling the incoming storm. The wind is cold, and the snow blows across the peaks in delicate wisps. It has felt like a long winter, with weekly storms and more recently lots of wind. Durango Weather Guy calls it “snow fatigue” but in moments like these, deep into winter, the snow and its beauty are undeniable and not to be forgotten when the next blizzard hits.

As the Snow Ambassador for San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) this winter, I’ve watched hundreds of people take off into the hills around Andrew’s Lake. For some it is their first time out in the backcountry in winter and others have lost count. But no matter their level of experience they are just happy to be outside. Since visitation to the San Juans doesn’t stop during these snowy days, neither does SJMA’s outreach and education efforts. My role is to provide visitors with forest and backcountry information from winter recreation opportunities to daily CAIC avalanche forecasts. Most people are just wondering where to go, some are interested in what I’m doing, but most people, especially outside of the parking lot, are just looking for some quietude or a chance to catch up with a companion.

I hear the word “playground” used a lot to describe the mountains and the word “playing” to describe our connection to these places, but I think in many ways those words degrade the importance of this land and of our responsibility in protecting it. This isn’t a playground, but the lifeblood to the four corners. Without the snow to fill the headwaters of our rivers, we, as a species, wouldn’t be able to survive here. After all, the water that fills our cup and keeps our gardens alive comes from high in these peaks.

It’s easy to become apathetic these days but when I ask myself what else I can do to help the aching planet, the only answer is to show people the beauty of these mountains. We all together have to be stewards of the land. This is not just my job, it’s everyone’s who steps out into these mountains.

I’ve criss-crossed the San Juans many times by foot: long ridgelines, big peaks, even bigger fields of wildflowers, and hundreds of miles of untracked snow across the wilderness; and have developed a relationship with the topography akin to the closest friendship. Through the highs and lows of life the mountains continue to inspire and motivate me to keep moving forward. This land gives me so much- and in an effort to not just take from it-I hope I can give back by helping people find their own relationship with this landscape.

And back to all the snow this season, if you too are experiencing snow fatigue right now just remember that the spring skiing, river season, and wildflowers come July will be incredible. The snow will keep us afloat for another summer as our climate changes and our weather systems vary greatly. A reminder to myself that we are lucky to have such regular storms and they will surely blossom into a magical summer.

Hannah Green is the Snow Ambassador for San Juan Mountains Association.