If you’re looking to avoid ski lift lines, now is the time for your backcountry skiing adventures. Always check with Colorado Avalanche Information Center and most importantly, be prepared with the proper gear when heading into the backcountry. Need avalanche gear? Outpost Sunsport has the necessary avalanche safety gear to keep you safe and prepared.
Here are the top five places to backcountry ski in Colorado for fresh powder and amazing runs:
Berthoud Pass
Since the resort closed, Berthoud Pass has become a favorite spot for backcountry enthusiasts. There are more than 60 trails on 1,200 acres of terrain with some accessible from parking spaces and others a hike up the mountain. Using old trail maps make it easy to figure out where the best lines are, too.This is a great area for group riding since some trails end below the pass requiring shuttling back to your vehicle, meaning it’s perfect for taking turns riding the slopes.Thanks to a road on either side of the pass, this is highly feasible.
Loveland Pass
Another popular backcountry skiing spot along the Front Range with a prime location is Loveland Pass. You can ski the back or front side, with the front being the most favored with tons of lines to choose from. Some routes are more prone to avalanche danger, be sure to assess the situation before heading down.
Hidden Valley
Another example of a former resort that turned into a backcountry area is HiddenValley in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This mellow area has lower-angle terrain that is mostly avalanche free but not entirely. Below the road in the trees has somegreat powder and access to more terrain off the closed section of Trail Ridge Road.You will need to pay to enter since it’s inside the park, but help support this great area that is enjoyed by so many in Colorado.
Torreys Peak
If you’re trying to cross off all the 14ers in Colorado, up your backcountry challenge by hiking to Torreys Peak and skiing or snowboarding down. It won’t be as busy with snow on the mountain and you can ski right down to I-70.
Cameron Pass
About an hour and 45 minutes from Fort Collins off of Colorado highway 14 isCameron Pass. Home to numerous backcountry skiing options and avalanche education courses, this is a northern Colorado favorite.Remember to check with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center before heading into the backcountry. These adventures are incredible and staying safe while assessing risk is key to continue doing so. What are your favorite areas to hit for some backcountry fun?
