Ski Report: Early Snowfall Sends Skiers to the Rockies Backcountry

Posted by Mary Anne Potts on October 29, 2009
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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

Find out where to ski now with our guide this year's best deals, trails, and upgrades >>

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Comments

  1. dhea
    November 2, 2009, 1:23 am

    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.

  2. Matt Kopjak
    April 13, 2010, 3:06 pm

    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

  3. Edinburgh Accommodation
    August 2, 2010, 8:43 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

  4. Bear Lake cabins
    July 8, 2011, 7:56 am

    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.

  5. cheap oakley sunglasses
    September 28, 2011, 9:39 pm

    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.

  6. Home Education
    October 26, 2011, 2:38 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.