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Backcountry Areas in Colorado

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zoinked
Posts: 240 - Karma: 1,356
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.
Nov 3 2022 8:08PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1309 - Karma: 5,351
- 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 to https://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.
Nov 4 2022 9:00AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1309 - Karma: 5,351
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/



**This post was edited on Nov 4th 2022 at 9:04:16am
Nov 4 2022 9:03AM
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SteezyYeeter
Posts: 3660 - Karma: -12,088
zoinkedI 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.


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.
Nov 4 2022 10:11AM
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Wrist
Posts: 84 - Karma: 393
Bluebird Backcountry could be a good option for you:

https://bluebirdbackcountry.com/
Nov 5 2022 3:08PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
SteezyYeeterRocky Mountain National Park has a ton of backcountry. Never been and I don't live in Colorado but I read a book on it.

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.
Nov 5 2022 10:22PM
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RIP_leos_shack
Posts: 714 - Karma: 3,216
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.
Nov 6 2022 1:53AM
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SteezyYeeter
Posts: 3660 - Karma: -12,088
snomasterway 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.

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.
Nov 6 2022 9:15AM
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Farmville420
Posts: 4796 - Karma: 61,538
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
Nov 6 2022 11:34AM
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zoinked
Posts: 240 - Karma: 1,356
WristBluebird Backcountry could be a good option for you:

https://bluebirdbackcountry.com/


Place looks sick, definitely gonna go up there
Nov 8 2022 7:32PM
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lcoopman
Posts: 275 - Karma: 1,842
Farmville420I’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


Loveland pass, Vail pass, Berthoud...
Nov 8 2022 11:56PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
SteezyYeeterNo one asked. Literally. He asked for areas so I gave him one. Not here to give him the old "take an avy course" lecture.

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.
Farmville420I’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

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.
Nov 14 2022 11:24PM
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Granby_killdozer
Posts: 2394 - Karma: -12,170
snomasterbtw, 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.


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.
Nov 15 2022 12:29AM
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CT_CREW
Posts: 671 - Karma: 3,520
Ski patrol blew up all the backcountry access zones during covid
Nov 15 2022 9:15AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
it's cool no one respects my advice, it just means more for me.
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/846499/Good-Times-Forever
Nov 18 2022 12:06AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,531
Check out the legendary back bowls at Vail
Nov 18 2022 12:26AM
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