Spring and Summer Lines in CO?
This is the first year I'm attempting to ski every month in CO with a knuckle-dragging buddy of mine. We've both toured a bit, but are novices when it comes spring and summer touring. Looking for suggestions on where to start researching / planning for our June-September outings.
We're looking for lines that are:
- within an evening drive from Denver (5-6hrs max),
- are likely to have good conditions sometime between June-September,
- do not require technical climbing for the approach or entry (we're both rock climbers, but have no real snow / ice experience),
- relatively mellow (likely have a well-trained pup with us),
- as-long-as-possible descents.
Bonus points for: aesthetics, climbs that would be enjoyed by hikers/snowshoers (our SOs).
We've got a high-clearance AWD vehicle for approaches / camping. We're willing to hike in to base camp, overnight, ski the following day, and hike out. But ultimately we're weekend warriors so anything with a 2-day+ approach is out.
Recommended lines/areas for us jongs to research? Ideally we'd get some geographic variety -- something down in the San Juans, Maroon Bells, Gores (too steep?), Front Range, Ten Mile etc.
Off the top of my head:
- St Marys snowfield
- 4th of July bowl (Breck)
- various things off Loveland Pass
- Angel of Shavano
Spring and Summer Lines in CO?
Live in St. Mary's full time so that's my go to spot. To state the obvious, the skiing is ungodly terrible and the snow is severely sun cupped.
Early July, 2014 after a good snow year
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...123daaa4a6.jpg
August 2015, still a little bit of pitch to ski, not much vert
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...2832b31e62.jpg
This is the only portion remaining by September, the bottom portion on that top pic (the only part which actually has any pitch to it) is now gone. When I skied it in 2014, the bottom still had snow, but it's melted since. There's not much left but for what you're looking for it will suffice.
September, 2015
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...269672c359.jpg
Spring and Summer Lines in CO?
Indy will be nice this weekend!
Camping at Weller or Difficult is an inexpensive way to enjoy Aspen and it's an easy ride into town.