Backcountry Areas in Colorado

zoinked

zoinked

Member
I just moved to Denver a few months ago and was wanting to get into some entry level backcountry skiing this season. I don’t know to much about the ski areas out here but I found some good stuff about Loveland pass, berthoud pass and Indian peaks wilderness.
 
- Sign up for a local AST course, they'll usually take you out somewhere easy and you can ask the guide what are some good spots. even if you have done it previously. it doesnt hurt to brush up on any of the skills they teach.

- find a fb group in your area for BC skiing

- go tohttps://avalanche.state.co.us/observations/field-reports to find areas you might be into. Be weary of what people are posting tho. The public is notorious for sandbagging, or trying to keep "their spot" quiet.

Sorry, im not actually from Colorado and this is a pretty generic reply.
 
also this book looks right up your alley. see if you can find something similar at a gear shop near you.
https://beaconguidebooks.com/product/light-tours-of-colorado-atlas/

LT-of-CO-Run-List.jpg


**This post was edited on Nov 4th 2022 at 9:04:16am
 
topic:zoinked said:
I just moved to Denver a few months ago and was wanting to get into some entry level backcountry skiing this season. I don’t know to much about the ski areas out here but I found some good stuff about Loveland pass, berthoud pass and Indian peaks wilderness.
Click to expand...

Rocky Mountain National Park has a ton of backcountry. Never been and I don't live in Colorado but I read a book on it. Maybe not "entry level" but there was some stuff that looked pretty easy that you could do, plus there's probably a lot of people there in case you get in trouble. They do have crazy 13 hour mountaineering routes and shit but there's a lot of glade zones as well. Would look into it.

The book is called Backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering in Rocky Mountain National Park by Mark Kelly if you're interested.
 
14476198:SteezyYeeter said:
Rocky Mountain National Park has a ton of backcountry. Never been and I don't live in Colorado but I read a book on it.
Click to expand...

way to be bold and publish judgement.

The way 'in' is to take any avy course, a real one, not some free info night bs, and go from there. That will allow you to meet people too.
 
East portal of Moffat Tunnel in the Indian Peaks has some really nice touring. Some more advanced and exposed areas but plenty of mellow lines.
 
14476570:snomaster said:
way to be bold and publish judgement.

The way 'in' is to take any avy course, a real one, not some free info night bs, and go from there. That will allow you to meet people too.
Click to expand...

No one asked. Literally. He asked for areas so I gave him one. Not here to give him the old "take an avy course" lecture.
 
I’m also wondering this. Not tryna tour but wondering where a good place to set up a nice 30-40 foot kicker would be that’s relatively close to the front range
 
14476663:Farmville420 said:
I’m also wondering this. Not tryna tour but wondering where a good place to set up a nice 30-40 foot kicker would be that’s relatively close to the front range
Click to expand...

Loveland pass, Vail pass, Berthoud...
 
14476625:SteezyYeeter said:
No one asked. Literally. He asked for areas so I gave him one. Not here to give him the old "take an avy course" lecture.
Click to expand...

btw, you suggested an area that takes a ton of effort and skill to succeed. you suggested this after reading a book. and not from actual experience. so yeah, I talked back on that. and courses save lives. and you can meet people in them.

14476663:Farmville420 said:
I’m also wondering this. Not tryna tour but wondering where a good place to set up a nice 30-40 foot kicker would be that’s relatively close to the front range
Click to expand...

this is much easier to respond to: berthoud. if it snows lots, your options open up lots. just be aware of what's around you.
 
14479609:snomaster said:
btw, you suggested an area that takes a ton of effort and skill to succeed. you suggested this after reading a book. and not from actual experience. so yeah, I talked back on that. and courses save lives. and you can meet people in them.

this is much easier to respond to: berthoud. if it snows lots, your options open up lots. just be aware of what's around you.
Click to expand...

lmao you're dumb as shit.

OP, Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent place to ski backcountry as a beginner. you don't need any experience to ski at hidden valley there. its also below treeline so there is almost no avalanche risk. There's also tons of approachable stuff off of the bear lake trail. you might want to go with a buddy or carry a garmin inreach or something if you're planning to ride the trees.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top