Light snowpack means early starts for golf, mountaineering

If there's any positive to be found in the agonizingly low snowpack in Colorado this spring, it's this: Summer activities like golfing and mountaineering are now in full swing.

The Breck Golf Club in Breckenridge opens Saturday, it's earliest opening ever.

In nearby Keystone, the Keystone River Course also celebrates (lamentably, I'm sure, for the skiers up there) its earliest opening ever Saturday.

Arapahoe Basin, the last ski area still open, will close Sunday, a month ahead of schedule.

Independence Pass, which is usually still snow-bound until Memorial Day or beyond, opens May 11, giving Colorado Springs easier access to the amazing hiking up there and the Aspen area beyond.

And the good news for mountain climbers is the state's highest peaks, which usually require snowshoes and ice axes through May are open for business. According to reports at website 14ers.com, many of the Collegiate Peaks can now be safely climbed without snow gear.

Of course, always confirm current conditions before heading up.