Snow is coming early to the West this year. While El Nino recently brought in two feet at Tahoe, the Rockies are now getting an early-season dumping with projections upwards of 18 inches of snow over the next few days. Few ski resorts have opened their lifts yet, but it's not too early to break out your skins and start exploring the backcountry.
"It's sweet because the ski season is going off from now until June in some places," said Harrison Buck, director of BuckNaked Visual Works, a ski film production company based out of Crested Butte, Colorado. His suggestion? Start in Leadville, the highest incorporated town in the U.S. at 10,152 feet. The surrounding high-mountain passes make for a great variety of early-season runs above tree line. This weekend, try Independence Pass: before the road over the pass closes for the season you can drive to the top, pick your line, and ski on down.
Get outfitted with maps and avalanche gear at Sawatch Backcountry in downtown Leadville. There, knowledgeable locals will set you up and point you in the right direction.—Greer Schott
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Very nice article.Thank you.
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Posted by: Hai | February 27, 2012 at 05:03 AM
The miles of former woods roads and footpaths through rolling hills of white pine and red oak offer a spectacular backdrop for a superb un-groomed backcountry experience.
Posted by: Home Education | October 26, 2011 at 02:38 AM
Wonderful page may make endless growth, with thanks present, all the build up about skills can be to keep on getting to know, curiosity is normally the start of immense success.
Posted by: cheap oakley sunglasses | September 28, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Because of our busy schedules, most of us do not have the luxury to take the time off but when the opportunity comes that we do - we have to make the most out of it and make the trip very memorable to everyone.
Posted by: Bear Lake cabins | July 08, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Deep snow in the remote high country and the warm coziness of Mistaya Lodge combine to make a Mecca for backcountry skiers, from mid-December until early May and I agree with the stand of Harrison Buck Skis a friend and a smile
Posted by: Edinburgh Accommodation | August 02, 2010 at 08:43 AM
I agree with dhea. It's a good article and there are even a few more days (hopefully weeks) left in the season. FindTheBest Anything has a list of resorts that are still open
Posted by: Matt Kopjak | April 13, 2010 at 03:06 PM
I have read the whole article regarding the Ski report.I agree with the stand of Harrison Buck that "It's sweet because the ski season is going off from now until June in some places".I like the post very much as it contain very informative knowledge.
Posted by: dhea | November 02, 2009 at 01:23 AM