Rocky Mountain High

This is not an ad. Steamboat Springs, Colorado on December 16, 2011.

Left to right: Professional driver Gordon; daredevil Larry Hoff; me; and Kevin.

Today was great. I did well on the snowy driving challenge this morning--at least Gordon, the professional driver in the passenger seat, said so, and I felt it, too. But I was nervous at the start. You can see the caravan of GMCs in the third photo from top. Journalists were placed in cars with professional drivers, and we took turns at the wheel.

We drove up to an 8,000 feet altitude, climbing to and through gorgeous nature. We call this a local secret, Gordon said of the majestic mountains and the less-traveled road. On one straight, snowy stretch, he then told me to Floor the engine and now stomp on the brake, really stomp on it, make believe a kid just ran out in front of you, chasing a ball--so I could see how the ABS [anti-lock braking system] in the 2012 GMC Terrain works. After all, this is a GMC Terrain press trip. And it worked really well. The tires also offer really good traction. I felt safe, much, much safer than when I took the wheel of our Volvo wagon in a blizzard once driving back from Maine. The Terrain is about $33,000 and truly looks and feels way pricier and more luxurious than that, with heated leather seats and lots of bells and whistles. I think our 2005 Honda CR-V was in the mid $twenties. I would definitely switch to this if and when we need another car.

Colorado High-Country

Along the way, saw amazing Colorado things. Only peeked out of the corner of my eye because didn't want to lose control on winding mountain road. But when Larry took his turn at the wheel, I could study the scenery. Really liked:

• Sleeping Giant Mountain.
• The Clark Store in small town Clark--sells everything from liquor with holiday bows on top to deer game bags. 
• Aspen trees [like birches, Gordon said].
• Signs for Moon Hill Highlands; Elk River Road; Wheeler Creek; and Lower Deep Creek.
• Cows and cows and cows--horses, too. 

Back-to-Nature Beauty

It gets better. The journalists on this trip could choose a winter sport in the afternoon, and many headed to the hills to ski or snowmobile. But you could also opt for a facial or massage in the Rocky Mountain Day Spa here at the Sheraton, and several of us did. I loved the facial by Amanda. I even bought a bottle of Stone Crop Serum [organic skin care] and the awesome lip treatment Amanda put on me.

Dashing through the Snow

Then, a little rest, and meet in the lobby 5:30 P.M. for a gondola ride up the mountain, then everyone piled into a big sleigh that was pulled even higher up to Ragnar's, this cozy Scandinavian-style mountain-top restaurant, where we had red wine, cheese, really good flatbread crackers, comforting entrees and deep, dark chocolate fondue. The sleigh ride was amazing. I loved it. The snow-covered trees were beautiful. We had blankets to cover us. It was cold, cold under those stars.

Charity, our guide, said she's seen foxes and ermine up in the mountains. The little white ermine blend with the white snow, but you notice the little black tip of their tails, she said.

I saw a shooting star on the ride back down after dinner.

I wished my H. had been along to share it, too. So memorable, so once-in-a-lifetime.

Colorful Colleagues

I would love to write more, about the camaraderie, the smarts, the laughs, the bloggers and writers I met from California, North Carolina, Maine and Michigan. About Joe and Kelly, from GMC's Detroit office, and McKenna and Charles, from NYC. About the carols Mike sang on the sleigh ride back. About the older couple in the restaurant at a table for two, who were feeding each other spoons of food and stroking each other's hands like honeymooners. About the cowboy who sang us great old songs while we ate: John Denver's "Annie's Song" and a Cat Stevens tune, too. About Bill, who makes dry, funny jokes. About Gordon calling today's sunshine weather a "bluebird day," a phrase I plan to adopt and soon. About the warming cocktails, including the Brandy Alexander nightcap by the lobby fireplace tonight.

But I want to get some rest before flying back tomorrow. Good night.

Photos taken by Matt, hired by GMC.

TCOY

1. Lots of Colorado ice water.
2. Facial!
3. Nap with balcony door open, to breathe mountain air.
4. Stargazing from sleigh; so pretty.