Backcountry Places to Explore
More Spring Skiing, Colorado
Once the snow has stabilized, there are lots of opportunities to harvest some of Colorado's great spring corn snow. Here is a taste of some excellent ski descents, but don't miss Peak Spring Skiing, our first installment of fine late season ski descents.
James Peak: Southeast Slope Route
Intermediate
Distance: 8 miles
Starting elevation 10,400'
Elevation gain 2,900'
Access: Fall River Rd, St. Mary's Glacier
In the spring, as you drive west on Interstate 70 out of Denver, the highway eventually reaches the top of the long grade up Mount Vernon Canyon. At this high point a mesmerizing view of seven mountains from Berthoud Pass to James Peak suddenly pops into view. The mountain on the north end of the chain is James Peak, identifiable by its broad southeast shoulder. Among local skiers, James Peak is well known for an easily accessible and long ski route on this snow covered shoulder. This popular, intermediate route is approached from St. Mary's Glacier.
From the St. Mary's Glacier trailhead walk up the steep, rocky, and/or snow covered jeep road to St. Mary's Lake. From the lake head north and walk a short distance to the glacier. Foot and ski tracks abound. Walk or ski east up the glacier to the immense, low-angled east ridge of James Peak (11,600'). Stroll westward for a mile to obvious steeper ground and follow the southeast ridge to the summit. The descent is as obvious as the ascent. The run from the summit to the flat area is a mile long and 1,300 vertical feet. After skiing down to the flat area, there is an additional 400 vertical feet of skiing down St. Mary's Glacier.
Quandary Peak: East Ridge
Intermediate/Advanced at the top
Distance: 5 miles
Starting elevation 11.100'
Elevation gain 3,200'
Access: Quandary Peak Trailhead
Quandary is one of the most accessible Fourteeners to climb and ski. It is a great choice for a first Fourteener ski descent. It has the advantage of an easy drive to a high elevation trailhead plus a relatively gentle hike to the summit.
The upper east face has a superb slope that is understandably popular on spring weekends. Early in the season it is usually possible to ski the entire face and east ridge to timberline, a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet covering a mile and a half. The trail to Quandary starts out as a double track that ascends up through the forest and soon reaches timberline. At timberline, the trail gains the east ridge, which is followed, with intermittent snow, to the elongated summit. The entire line of descent can be previewed during the hike to the summit. The descent back to the parking retraces the ascent.
Diamond Peaks
Expert (11,781')
Advanced (11,852')
Distance: 2 miles
Starting elevation 10,276'
Elevation gain 1,500'
Access: Cameron Pass parking area
Winter or spring the Diamond Peaks are the most accessible and most popular skiing destination near Cameron Pass. Springtime visitors to the Pass can ski in the morning, and then spend the afternoon bicycling, fishing, or relaxing. Park in the Cameron Pass parking area. From the restrooms, head due west for 50 yards and locate a wide, low angled, avalanche run out that is likely to be snow-covered. Hike or ski up this path to timberline at 11,000'. The 11,781' Diamond Peak is directly in front of you. Hike or ski up the right (north) side of the peak to the ridgeline and follow it south to the summit. For Peak 11,852', follow the ridgeline north to the obvious summit. The skiing is generally better, although steeper, on Peak 11,781' due to its northeasterly, rather than easterly exposure. The return route follows the ascent route.