What to know if you want to go backcountry skiing in Colorado You'd never know it sitting in ski day traffic on Interstate 70, but there are still places in Colorado to revive in quiet solitude. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. At first glance, they seem like a great choice because they perform like alpine bindings and allow you to free your heels for climbing. View our informational webinar featuring unemployment and career development experts. Tech bindings are best because they are lightweight and efficient for climbing. But they’re heavy. Unless you’re a telemark skier, you’ll need an alpine touring (AT) setup—lightweight skis with AT bindings, which allow you to lift your heels for climbing and lock them down for descents. Never go backcountry skiing or riding alone. If you’re looking for company, or want a chance to pick up tips from the pros, sign up for a backcountry tour. "After an amazing test season this … The co-founders thanked supporters of a Kickstarter campaign that exceeded $107,000 in pledges and 200-plus volunteers who made possible the opening. Howdyshell said he hasn’t noticed substantially larger crowds in Breckenridge, though he did note he’s observed more skiers and snowboarders uphilling throughout the day rather than only outside of normal operating hours, per ski resort rules when they’re open. This will give you the feel of being in remote, unpredictable terrain without having to work too hard for it. The skiers, who are now in a lockdown, said the focus in Italy is to not ski anything where there is a small chance of getting hurt and overloading the medical system. The proximity to the highway makes this one easy to shuttle. “Everywhere is now backcountry,” Sperry said. In recent days, all Colorado ski areas and resorts have closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. You need a buddy to dig you out or help you in an emergency. The best way to learn how to backcountry ski is to go backcountry skiing. The Public Works Department is looking for a: Fleet Mechanic Full Time/Year Round $21.78-$31.59/hour DOQ Apply Online Potential Housing Available…, PEAK 1 EXPRESS THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN JOB COMES WITH LOADS OF PERKS NOW HIRING: Dispatchers Drivers Managers Mechanics Sales Agents…, Provides administrative support to ensure efficient operation of office. Our continental snowpack can be dicey, with weak layers that are prone to slide. Carries out administrative…, the following position NOW OPEN Cooks Dishwashers ShuttleDriver Health Insurance, 401K, Holiday/PTO many other perks Please apply online at www.breckjobs.com, Career Opportunities with Summit County Government • Maintenance Technician Facilities: Open Until Filled • Nurse Home Visitor – Grand County …, NOW HIRING **$15.00 HR. “That being said, moving forward any instabilities that arise from blowing storm snow is going to be just as dangerous in bounds.”. Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil. If you plan to venture into the backcountry in Colorado, you must learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and avoid it when necessary. But be wary of the "expert halo," and don’t assume that someone with more experience has all the right answers for you. Ski Mountaineering Team head coach Joe Howdyshell and Sperry stressed the notion that backcountry skiers and snowboarders right now should be considering the risk of the terrain they choose. Try cat skiing. Howdyshell said he thinks the best thing for uphill skiers and snowboarders to do right now is to stick to resort and ski area standard uphill routes. With that notion, Lazar said it’s more important now than ever before for the state’s backcountry and uphilling “tribe” to help contribute observations to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Take an avalanche class so you know how to use them. Rocky Mountain National Park The Rockies' backcountry makes for a prime skiing experience. DILLON — To longtime Summit County local backcountry skier Fritz Sperry, all skiers and snowboarders should be treating the ski areas and the backcountry the same if they choose to ski or ride during or after Thursday’s snowstorm. "We've been pinching ourselves a bit lately," the co-founders wrote. Trust us: Skip the frame bindings and get a true backcountry setup. Do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and take an avalanche course. This a full-time, M-F…, Keystone Grocery and Liquor is looking for FT/PT/YR all shifts. ** *Depending on Availability* SILVERTHORNE & FRISCO • Free Meals • Free Uniforms • Flexible Schedules Please…, The Public Works Department is looking for a: Winter Seasonal Transit Operators $17.50-$19.60/hr DOQ CDL Training Provided Apply Online Potential…, Condo complex in Breckenridge is looking for Front Desk Agents. It’s a sign to Sellers and others that the demand from locals is still there after the ski resorts closed. From beginners to expert skiers, everyone can find a route that fits their skill level. But you should be comfortable in a wide variety of terrain and conditions (powder, trees, wind-blown crust, or whatever else Mother Nature throws your way). People would be wise to practice safe backcountry travel techniques and to stick to mellower terrain, particularly when the avalanche danger increases.”, Reflecting on the past weekend, when the ski area closed its lifts, Sellers said the demand for uphill-access passes at the ski area became “quite problematic.”. With chairlifts closed, backcountry danger now extends to what is typically in-bounds terrain Ski, snow experts agree 'everywhere is now backcountry' Live like a Denver local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. Photo courtesy Justin Wilhelm. Whether skiing or snowboarding, you’ll need "skins" for climbing. "Did that all really happen?". Here are a few tips to help you get started. 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But take heed: Colorado’s backcountry is serious business. These faux-hair strips stick to the bottom of your skis or snowboard and glide in just one direction, allowing you to “skin” (aka glide or climb) uphill. Skiers and riders also can spread out more on the mountain now. At worst, it will scare the crap out of you. Low 46F. If you want to try skiing or riding in the backcountry but don’t want to buy all the gear (yet), try cat skiing. The ski area is slated to open five days a week starting Christmas weekend through March. Seth is a features writer at The Gazette, covering the outdoors and the people and places that make Colorado colorful. Other essentials include avalanche safety gear—a beacon, shovel, and probe. Breckenridge and Keystone’s official uphill policy is that all access is at the public’s own risk without patrol, maintenance or services and with the possibility of encountering unmarked hazards. Breckenridge resident and U.S. The expansion revolves around Bear Mountain, just up the road from where Bluebird debuted at a 400-acre tract between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs.