The Minturn Mile starts in a wide-open bowl, where with any luck, you’ll be making untracked turns in deep powder. From there, drop into the trees and follow the forest all the way to the Game Creek drainage and the infamous Beaver Ponds crossing. Mid-season, skiers can slide across the Beaver Ponds no problem. Snowboarders will have to hop or walk. Early and late season, take off your board or skis and hoof it across the creek. In afternoon sun, this is a nice spot to pause for a brew (which you tossed in your pack, of course). Then buckle up for the infamous luge, two miles of fast turns along what feels like a bobsled track or a natural halfpipe. Keep your knees bent and hope there’s nobody around the corner. About halfway down the luge, look out for a waterfall that ices over the trail. Be careful not to come in too hot or you might wipe out. The end of the trail can be fairly rocky. To save your skis or snowboard, consider walking the final steep pitch to the Game Creek Trailhead.
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