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SOTA is what it is, and it works pretty well.? We definitely have a tougher deal here in Colorado than in most other SOTA associations.? This is especially true in winter, but it is true in general.? Our state is still vast and wild to a considerable degree.

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The worst part of our deal is that most of the high-point summits are only available with reasonable risk for a short time each year.? Fortunately we have a lot of summits that are fun and more available.??

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Only a small fraction of amateur operators can activate very many - or any - SOTA peaks in our state, mostly because of age-related issues.? We also have various access problems with seasonal road closures, or no useful roads, private property, harsh winter conditions, and vast mountain landscapes much too large to cross.?

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Much of this is good, because what we have is rare, special, precious, and unusual within the realm of amateur radio.? Here it is possible - in one day - to hike up above 4000 meters, in relatively pristine areas, carrying tiny but capable radios, get on the air in minutes, make many contacts across our continent and across oceans, and anyone who cares can see it on the internet, as well as participate in our shared experience.?

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Look at the big picture and we've got an incredible deal - but SOTA here is more challenging, in so many ways.? It's also more rewarding, in my opinion.

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