Backcountry Skiing

No boundaries in the backcountry

Backcountry skiing, snowboarding or splitboarding can be dangerous based on snowpack conditions. Before venturing into the backcountry for skiing and snowboarding, be sure to understand the risks.

COAL BANK PASS

For good spring skiing on firm snow, Coal Bank Pass is your place. Though the main run isn’t steep enough for fresh powder, the wide-open, low angle slopes make it good for backcountry beginners. The total length of the trail is 1.75 miles and begins at 11,000 feet. location: From Durango, 34 miles on Highway 550 North

IRONTON

For easy backcountry skiing close to the road, visit Ironton. Usually, cross country skiers explore three to four miles of groomed trails that lead past the ghost town. However, there are plenty of ungroomed, marked trails to follow, and many more miles of potential ski terrain. location: 7 miles south of Ouray on Highway 550

LIZARD HEAD PASS SKI RESORT

For deep snow and fun descents, look no further than Lizard Head Pass. At a peak elevation of 11,700 feet, Lizard Head Pass receives more snow than the nearby town of Telluride and holds fresh powder all season. The terrain is remote and best explored with a local or a guide. Travelers can stay at High Camp Hut during their backcountry adventure. The two-story cabin sits on the flanks of Sheep Mountain. location: 16 miles southwest of Telluride between Rico and Ophir on Highway 145

OPHIR PASS ULTIMATE SKI

Cold, dry snow falls on Ophir Pass located between Telluride and Silverton. Ophir Pass traverses North to Red Mountain Pass or South toward Lizard Head Pass. OPUS offers access to low angle glades and open slopes. The hut, perched at 11,600 feet, is a three and a half mile hike from Highway 550 on the east side, or an equal distance from the town Ophir on the west side. location: 8.8 miles northwest of Silverton on Highway 550, turn west on Forest Road 679

Snow is essential for winter recreation. It provides more opportunities for exploring remote wilderness areas and the beautiful backcountry. But avalanches are a serious threat for recreationists in the mountains.

HOW TO ASSESS AVALANCHE RISK

Mountain communities typically accumulate snow in layers. To avoid avalanches, recreationists should understand the various factors that contribute to avalanche risk. For a slide to occur, there are three things to assess: snow, terrain and triggers.

Of course, the weather contributes to avalanche risk with heavy snowfall, high winds and fluctuations in temperature. In addition to the weather, the type of terrain and the quality of the snowpack structure contributes to avalanche risk.

As snow accumulates in the Colorado Rockies, experts analyze this weather data and routine field observations to assess conditions in the high country. The terrain plays an important role in these observations. Steep terrain, connected slopes and other geographic features, like cliffs and gullies, can contribute to avalanche risk as well.

People and natural forces, such as snow, wind or rain can trigger an avalanche. So, it is important to make decisions about traveling in the backcountry based on the data available and knowledge of the terrain.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Education and equipment are the most important tools for outdoor recreation in the winter season. Always check the avalanche forecast for information before every adventure.

Take an avalanche safety course to learn more about emergency procedures and winter camping skills. Remember to carry necessary survival gear at all times, including an avalanche shovel, beacon and probe. Be sure batteries are full and equipment is not damaged.

Last, when wandering into the backcountry for recreation, consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card to cover the costs associated with search-andrescue efforts.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center provides daily mountain weather and avalanche forecasts available online at www.avalanche.state.co.us.

STONER SKI RESORT

With untracked snow, endless powder and no lift lines, Stoner Ranch is a hidden skiing paradise in the Southwest. There are three main descents – The Face, Sunshine and Shadow Valley – which offer a 1,100-foot plunge into the Dolores River Valley. This spot is perfect for someone with the “earn your turns” mindset, as private lands separate the road and the ski area, which leads to a strenuous hike to reach the destination. location: 19 miles northeast of Dolores on Highway 145

RED MOUNTAIN PASS

Connecting Ouray and Silverton, Red Mountain Pass is one area particularly popular for experienced skiers. Elevations range from 8,900 feet at the base of Engineer Mountain Road to over 13,000 at the summits of surrounding mountains. The ski area is steep, complex and offers many different tours for levels of backcountry experience. Parking is limited, so avoid creating hazards by parking completely off the roadway. location: 13 miles south of Ouray on Highway 550