If you’re looking for the best backcountry skiing near Denver, Colorado, we’ve got you covered. There are a ton of different spots to hit up with all kinds of terrain.
In this post I’ll walk you through the details of each zone, popular routes, what to expect and when to go. I’m constantly updating this post as I explore the region myself and knock more routes off my own list, so check back often.
Let’s bundle up and let’s take a tour of Denver’s best backcountry skiing!
Loveland Pass
Located just over an hour from Denver, Loveland Pass is some of the closest attractive backcountry terrain to Denver. It has a variety of terrain and the snow can be great. The downside is that the runs can be quite steep and challenging, so it’s best left to more advanced skiers.
The area is known for its open bowls and steep runs that make for an exciting experience for all kinds of skiers. As one of the highest elevation backcountry areas in the state, it offers plenty of challenging terrain and some excellent powder days. The area also offers a variety of amenities nearby to make your day out even better.
Breckenridge
Breck isn’t much further down the road from Loveland Pass. It offers a ton of different terrain. You can boot pack off the top of the resort peaks for a less isolated backcountry experience with the reassuring safety of an active ski patrol.
And within 20 minutes of Breckenridge you can hit tons of iconic routes, including Silver Couloir, all of the Loveland Pass terrain and a lot more. Check out a comprehensive list here.
You can also launch from the base of Breckenridge resort for free if you start early enough. The general rule is you need to be off the mountain by the time the lifts open. I’ve had ski patrol stop me at around 8:15a to start heading down. I imagine the idea is to keep you from climbing up and then just riding the upper elevation lifts for free for the rest of the day.
Skinning up at resorts is a great way to get started with skinning in a controlled atmosphere. Plus you can often get a peak at a resort without paying a full ticket price.
Keystone
Similar to Breck, Keystone offers some cool boot packs off of their peaks. You can follow a ridgeline or two to drop into some incredibly wild terrain. And within bounds, you’ve got the Keystone ski patrol for support. Not that you should ever plan on needing it, but it’s a real nice amenity when you’re in deep.
Arapahoe Basin
Like Keystone and Breck, A-Basin is pretty friendly to uphillers and boot packers. But they actually go one step further, offering a seasonal uphill pass. And A-Basin is already known for some pretty crazy terrain, so if you’re looking to push your boundaries, it’s a great opportunity to do so in a slightly more controlled environment.
Montezuma Basin
Just opposite Keystone, up Montezuma road is Montezuma Basin. Montezuma Basin can be a great spot for backcountry skiing. It’s less than two hours from Denver on a good traffic day, but a little isolated.
You can find a variety of terrain, from steep chutes to wide open bowls, and plenty of powder. The downside is that it can be a bit more difficult to access, but you have all of the amenities of Keystone and Silverthorne as you’re heading out.
Winter Park
Winter Park is a popular backcountry skiing destination located just over two hours from Denver. The area offers a variety of terrain, from wide open bowls to steep chutes and moguls, making it a great place to challenge yourself while still being able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Winter Park also has a number of lodges, restaurants, and other amenities to make your day out even better.
Berthoud Pass
Around an hour out of Denver on 70, you branch off onto Highway 40 and head over Berthoud Pass. Continuing over the pass will take you into Winter Park. There’s a high density of routes along 40, and some of the very closest backcountry to Denver.
The central feature in the region is the decommissioned Berthoud Pass ski area. This resort was shut down in 2002 for a host of reasons, but it’s still a great place to run some climbing circuits. It can be one of the busier backcountry destinations in Colorado and you can find a pretty wide mix of terrain.
Jones Pass
Located just over an hour from Denver, Jones Pass is a great option for those looking for a more remote backcountry skiing experience. One of the cool elements here is just a good amount of easier terrian. The area features over 3,000 acres of terrain, with plenty of challenging runs and open bowls perfect for all kinds of skiers. The area also has a variety of lodges, restaurants, and other amenities to make your day out even better.
Guanella Pass
Located just over an hour from Denver, Guanella Pass is a great destination for backcountry skiing. The area features over 1,500 acres of terrain, with plenty of glades and open bowls. There’s also a variety of lodging and restaurants in the area, as well as other amenities to make your day out even better.
Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s a little further from Denver, but you can do it in under 2 hours on a good day. And Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible destination for backcountry.
The area features over 1,000 acres of terrain, with plenty of open bowls, chutes, and moguls to keep even the most seasoned skiers challenged. The area also has a number of lodges and restaurants, as well as other amenities to make your day out even better
St. Mary’s Glacier
Located just over an hour from Denver, St. Mary’s Glacier is a unique backcountry skiing experience. It’s one of the closest backcountry destinations to Denver that is truly compelling. And it can be skiable in the summer months. So if you’re jonesing in the middle of August, you might consider it.
St. Mary’s also has a variety of lodges and restaurants, as well as other amenities to add to the pot.
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Located near Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness is a great place to explore the backcountry while still being close to the city. The area features over 500 acres of terrain, with plenty of open bowls, glades, and chutes to choose from. There’s also a variety of lodges and restaurants, as well as other amenities to make your day out even better.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for backcountry skiing near Denver, that work for both beginner and experienced backcountry explorers. With its close proximity to the mountains, you can find a wide variety of terrain, from wide open bowls to steep, technical lines. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the backcountry skiing near Denver. Grab your gear and hit the slopes – you won’t regret it!