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hi_vis360
November, 2024

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Colorado backcountry skiers

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Powstagram
Posts: 250 - Karma: 2,563
We just started getting snow up here in Alma CO, excited to make some tours up in the Mosquito range soon. If anyone is local and feels like joining then hit me up, obviously when the snowpack/conditions allow!
Oct 12 2023 8:11PM
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DraculaFlow
Posts: 38 - Karma: 176
I was up around Berthoud all week, solid start with the storm begining on Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday. Base is pretty good up until you hit the tree line. Small slides happening on the steeper (>30degree) aspects from the CAIC observations, I can't say I am too stoked on the good colorado snow pack being here now.
Dec 2 2024 10:27AM
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blazeonyia
Posts: 354 - Karma: 1,367
Avalanche on Berthoud Pass. Stay frosty out there

https://unofficialnetworks.com/2024/12/04/skier-caught-and-injured-in-avalanche-on-colorados-berthoud-pass/
Dec 4 2024 2:31PM
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DraculaFlow
Posts: 38 - Karma: 176
blazeonyiaAvalanche on Berthoud Pass. Stay frosty out there

https://unofficialnetworks.com/2024/12/04/skier-caught-and-injured-in-avalanche-on-colorados-berthoud-pass/


Was this the Mines line one? Not suprised that slide considering the aspect
Dec 5 2024 1:53PM
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blazeonyia
Posts: 354 - Karma: 1,367
DraculaFlowWas this the Mines line one? Not suprised that slide considering the aspect


Looks like you are right:
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/skier-caught-injured-in-avalanche-near-berthoud-pass-on-tuesday
Dec 6 2024 11:08AM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
Has anyone skied the west side off Ski Cooper to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse? I'm gonna give it a try in a few months unless anyone has a reason against it. I have a draft route saved in Powder Project rn and will upload it if it works. Seems to be pretty open and low angle ski down to the backcounty huts and out the nordic route.
Dec 17 2024 12:18PM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
mike759Has anyone skied the west side off Ski Cooper to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse? I'm gonna give it a try in a few months unless anyone has a reason against it. I have a draft route saved in Powder Project rn and will upload it if it works. Seems to be pretty open and low angle ski down to the backcounty huts and out the nordic route.


aforementioned draft: https://www.powderproject.com/trail/7002074/cooper-to-tennessee-pass-cookhouse
Dec 17 2024 12:32PM
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vermontana
Posts: 489 - Karma: 752
mike759aforementioned draft: https://www.powderproject.com/trail/7002074/cooper-to-tennessee-pass-cookhouse

IMO the best touring in that area is if you go around the north side of Cooper and up to Chicago ridge, I've never dropped in that zone you pointed out, but that side of the hill can get roasted by sun. It looks like at least a couple people have tried it on strava heatmaps, it might be good post-storm but then I'd worry about maintaining speed with how low angle it is. I'd be curious if you end up trying it
Dec 17 2024 2:22PM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
vermontanaIMO the best touring in that area is if you go around the north side of Cooper and up to Chicago ridge, I've never dropped in that zone you pointed out, but that side of the hill can get roasted by sun. It looks like at least a couple people have tried it on strava heatmaps, it might be good post-storm but then I'd worry about maintaining speed with how low angle it is. I'd be curious if you end up trying it


Good to know about the sun and I'll look at strava as well. We'll be around there for a weekend so I'll check out that north side too. My girlfriend and I want to eat at that backcounty restaurant down there and would obviously rather ski down than nordic ski to it. Maybe we'll establish that route lol. Will report back when/if it happens.
Dec 17 2024 3:07PM
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vermontana
Posts: 489 - Karma: 752
mike759Good to know about the sun and I'll look at strava as well. We'll be around there for a weekend so I'll check out that north side too. My girlfriend and I want to eat at that backcounty restaurant down there and would obviously rather ski down than nordic ski to it. Maybe we'll establish that route lol. Will report back when/if it happens.


For sure! You may be fine later in the season if its colder with more of a base too. Chicago ridge is great for low angle pow turns, hmu if you want specific beta when you get close, the powder project route isn't really the best skiing. It holds nice snow and the views are stellar. We had a great start up here but need a refresh....
Dec 17 2024 4:49PM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
Checking out the Berthoud pass meadows tomorrow afternoon. Has anyone been up there recently? I'll report my findings tomorrow evening.
Dec 19 2024 12:33PM
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DraculaFlow
Posts: 38 - Karma: 176
mike759Checking out the Berthoud pass meadows tomorrow afternoon. Has anyone been up there recently? I'll report my findings tomorrow evening.


West sides was good last I went, Im not entirely sure how much the wind destroyed that
Dec 19 2024 1:54PM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
DraculaFlowWest sides was good last I went, Im not entirely sure how much the wind destroyed that


I'm thinking/hoping the east side of mount russell was protected by the ridge. I guess I'll find out tomorrow
Dec 19 2024 8:46PM
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