Category Archives: Backcountry Skiing

Hagar Mountain Ski

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Earlier this month Rick, J, and I headed into Dry Gulch looking to get up high and make some turns down something resembling a ski line. With either Snoopy’s Collar on The Citadel or else Hagar Mountain in mind, we chose to go for the latter after seeing the snow coverage in the area firsthand. The southeast face of Hagar was a line I skied in May a few years back that I always figured would make for a good repeat. Tough to find a line more reliable and close-to-home than this one. Keep Reading…

Berthoud Pass and Coon Hill Powder

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This winter as been a fickle one so far, with seemingly higher-than-normal temps and dry weather persisting throughout most of the month of January. Whether it be that this winter is actually different from any number of past low-tide winters, or we’re just getting a late-start on things, remains to be seen. Despite what has unarguably been a below-average snow year thus far, we have managed to time the storms right for a few nice days of powder skiing nonetheless. Keep Reading…

Maroon Peak East Face Ski

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On Memorial Day Rick and I managed to pull off a near-perfect climb and ski of Maroon Peak outside of Aspen. This one had eluded both of us for awhile and it felt good to finally get it done. The Maroon Bells are classic peaks and the ski options available off both of them are as interesting as they come in Colorado. While the north face of North Maroon may take the cake in terms of historic Aspen test pieces, its southern neighbor offers up just as much vertical and challenge. Read more…

“Drift Peak” North Face Ski

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The north face of “Drift” had been on my radar for years, even since before Brian included it in our guidebook. The route is wind-prone and can be finicky to get in good condition. But when it’s in, it’s tough to find a better bang-for-your-buck line in the entire state. Paved road access, a short approach, and a straightforward climb all lead to an aesthetic summit and over 2,300 ft of skiing right off the top. Read more…