What we’re about
Our Colorado Snowpack is building, and our first Meetup of 2025 is on the books. Now is a great time to test those uphill legs and downhill whoops. Join us on our next outing! See details below.
Safety First
- We only ski in avalanche-safe areas with a slope angle of 25 degrees or less. If we are unsure, we will measure it. We also closely examine the area for terrain traps and other hazards. Though we remain in "won't slide or be impacted" areas, we consider the avalanche forecast and cancel when the danger is high or extreme.
- Avi gear (beacon, shovel, and probe) is required, even though we never traverse into potential avalanche zones.
- AIARE Avalanche Training is recommended but not required. We will do some search and recovery drills to refresh our skills.
Where Do We Go?
There are dozens of safe and excellent areas within 2 hours of Denver. Typical areas include Hidden Valley in RMNP, the East side of Vail Pass, Henderson Mine, Berthoud Pass, Mt. Saint Vrain, Coon Hill, Rollins Pass, St. Mary's Glacier and James Peak, Quandary Peak. We will do peaks and glades - something for all.
I'll schedule the location at least a week in advance, but if it snows, I may adjust to find the best powder and first tracks. The forecasts at OpenSnow have become excellent.
How Much Experience and Fitness Do I Need?
Beginners are welcome at almost all our events—this is a friendly learning place. You will need a good fitness level, as uphill skiing and boarding are much more aerobically challenging than hiking. I will clearly state if the location requires a higher fitness level, which will be the case for most 13er+ peaks. The downhill skiing will not be beyond intermediate, but snow conditions often vary greatly!
When Do We Go?
We will go every Sunday from January through mid-April at minimum. When good powder is forecast, I'll also post a mid-week outing. I also go uphill at Loveland at 6 a.m. on many Thursdays. Do you have a routine? We can add it to the schedule.
What Time Do We Go?
Zero dark thirty! As a rule, we do our beacon check and start uphill at 7:30a. Why so early? 1) First tracks! 2) Beat the ski traffic coming from the Front Range. You will be stuck in a traffic jam if you are not OFF of I-70 by 7a. It is not so early that you will ever need a headlamp. We typically are done before noon and meet for brunch/lunch afterward.
How Many People Will Be There?
For the past five years, generally, we have had 6-18 people show up at each event. The early morning hour keeps out the riff-raff who are not obsessed with getting first tracks in excellent powder. We will sometimes separate larger groups.
Every Participant is Responsible for Their Own Personal Safety
Disclaimer: Every participant is responsible for their safety, including skiing within their abilities and avalanche safety. While we intend to go to avalanche-safe areas, objective dangers always exist, and I cannot guarantee your personal safety. Every participant assumes the risk of any injury to a person or property resulting from the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, riding, and other winter sports activities.
May your skins stick and your turns be sick!
-Bob Manthy, Boulder
