If you want a fairly long ( 7 to 10 miles ) climb ( 1500 to 1800 ft ) on new, smooth, uncrowded pavement, try the climb out of Firehole Canyon at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area south of Rock Springs. The area is stunningly beautiful and the skiing is great.

I always leave running shoes at the top of the hill, stash my ski gear in the brush, and run trails back to my car at the bottom of the hill. One could accomplish the same thing with a bike or a friend driving the car. I imagine that there are those that wouldn't balk at skiing back down the hill -- I'm just not one of those. If you need more information I'm at: CATHOUSEL@aol.com