parks
Lo-Fidelity: Champagne dirt ™
By Lorenzo Semple Follow at Aspen Times
· July 17, 2026
· 4 min read
As the temperature spiked on the hot and dusty Rio Grande Trail last Sunday, I did what any rapidly-aging, ski-bum lunatic desperately seeking attention would do: I went skiing. Not just any ol’ skiing, but dirt skiing. Well, technically I’d call it “shale” skiing. We’re rather blessed here with ...
Key takeaway We’re rather blessed here with a skiable and fossil-rich Mancos shale formation, which as far as I can tell, cuts a diagonal swath across the valley from Snowmass to the Slaughterhouse Falls.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The allure of dirt skiing on the Mancos shale formation, which stretches from Snowmass to Slaughterhouse Falls, is a testament to the creative and daring spirit of Aspen 's outdoor enthusiasts. This unconventional pursuit also highlights the unique geological features of the Roaring Fork Valley, where the combination of steep terrain and loose sediment creates a challenging and unpredictable environment. As the valley's population grows and recreational activities expand, it's crucial to consider the potential impacts on the fragile alpine ecosystem and the safety of those who venture into these areas. The fact that dirt skiing can be detrimental to skis also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this activity and the need for innovative solutions to mitigate equipment damage. As the ADSA, a tongue-in-cheek organization, takes shape, it will be interesting to see how this group navigates the complexities of promoting a high-risk activity while minimizing its environmental footprint.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As the temperature spiked on the hot and dusty Rio Grande Trail last Sunday, I did what any rapidly-aging, ski-bum lunatic desperately seeking attention would do: I went skiing. Not just any ol’ skiing, but dirt skiing. Well, technically I’d call it “shale” skiing. We’re rather blessed here with ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lorenzo Semple Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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