backcountry outside aspen

[dmfco]

anyone have any suggestions for places to ski backcountry around the aspen area if you don't have access to a sled (so preferably a place where you can drive pretty high on the access road)?

thanks

[Buster Highmen]

Independence Pass.

[dmfco]

thanks. Do you think it would be only a couple of miles of hiking on the road past the gate before you hit snow?

[StroupSkier]

Get a topo and avalanche map from this website if you've never been up there before:

http://www.avalanchemapping.org/avatlas.htm

[Mountain Freak]

Here's my favorite place near Aspen. You'll have to hike a bit, but it is well worth it. Just go up Castle Creek Road 8 miles from the roundabout west of town to the trailhead http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ight=conundrum

[Karl Stall]

Mountain Freak,

For the love of all good things, and with all due respect, do you think that you could stop publicizing an out-of-the-way local treasure so shamelessly?

From this gentleman's post, I think that Independence Pass, once opened, will provide exactly the desired experience. You ain't drivin' to 'Zuma 'til July this year!

Thanks,
Rocky

Edit: To a fucking JONG, no less. (no slight intended to said Jong)

[shera]

Sounds too far for his legs anyway.

[Shredhead]

Independance won't be open for at least a month.

You could drive up Little Anne's as far as the sled parking area.

Who needs backcountry, I bet Aspen Mountain is skiing really good. Just skin up Spar to the top of Bell.

[Mountain Freak]

For the love of all good things, and with all due respect, do you think that you could stop publicizing an out-of-the-way local treasure so shamelessly?

It's really no secret. The fact that you have to hike in a long ways in winter keeps most people away anyways. I have my spots that I keep completely secret though. But just about everyone knows about zuma basin. I know it was your old playground and very sacred too you, and I love it too. But we have to share though.

[Karl Stall]

I know it was your old playground and very sacred too you, and I love it too. But we have to share though.

No we don't, and not to first-time posters. I am just watching my buddies' backs, as I usually play golf instead of hitting the 'basin these days. Just don't preach its merits too much. Thanks. This is kind of like the "ebay" imbroglio in Gear Swap - people seeking something in earnest will find it on their own!!

Aspen sucks, anyway, just a bunch 'o bogner-wearing, fur-wearing, blow-fiends skiing cruisers or [god forbid] bumps. Vail and Summit county are where the hike-to goods reside.

[Mountain Freak]

Okay, I won't talk about it anymore, wait zuma basin where is that? I think in california near Tahoe.

[Ireallyliketoski2]

Good idea, I just blacked out the pages in my Dawson's guide..

[Karl Stall]

see, like I said, those who truly seek will easily find a la Dawson's guidebook. Flame away if you must. Thanks, MtnFrk.

[shera]

Aspen sucks, anyway, just a bunch 'o bogner-wearing, fur-wearing, blow-fiends skiing cruisers or [god forbid] bumps. Vail and Summit county are where the hike-to goods reside.

.....................

[dmfco]

wow, this forum really turns ugly quick. just to clarify a few things- we have already read the dawsons book, find it really helpful, no doubt- however I thought this was a community of people who loved skiing and would be pysched to talk about the fun spots which everyone knows about reading the book. therefore, already fully aware of montezuma basin, not revealing any secrets here. we aren't trying to find an easy way out here just looking to inquire

I have lived in both aspen and vail. both are great because if you love the mountains, well you'll love both. vail is great for those with weak legs though that like to wait in 40 minute lift lines on a powder day.

finally, I am a she not a he who can hang with just about anyone

thanks to the people that posted positive helpful comments- you should start a new forum for people that really do love the mountains and aren't here just to be cool and demonstrate the stereotypical mountain attitude

[PlayHarder]

Don't be turned off dmfco, a lot of the comments re specific b/c spots stem from criticism about safety concerns brought about by tr's. Search around, do a little reading and it'll make more sense. Mr Stall does not possess any bro/brah attitudes that I recall.

[Karl Stall]

Thanks, PH (gotta love the Canadian mags ) - no put-off attitude, but you never know who's out there anymore.

I just think that your first post should not be a question, but rather an introduction, just like the fucking "real" world. It is polite.

If she's read a book, I guess she's already dialed. Oh well, whatever, should I start my own forum now? The "missouri hard core ski society"?

It's all good.

BTW - Mountain Freak is good peeps

Edit: Can't believe I got owned by somebody on their third post.

[Core Shot]

wow, this forum really turns ugly quick.

thanks to the people that posted positive helpful comments- you should start a new forum for people that really do love the mountains and aren't here just to be cool and demonstrate the stereotypical mountain attitude

Squaaaawmaaaan??? Is that you???

[Ireallyliketoski2]

Hey welcome to the board dmfco, sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I'm pretty sure that any of the backcountry outside of Aspen can be accessed without a sled, providing you don't mind walking a little. I'm pretty sure most of the trailheads are over 8,000 feet, which is higher than most stuff in the US. Try the east chutes off of Maroon Peak, that's in the dawson's guide too, I think you'll like one or both of them, they come highly recommened by Ireallyliketoski. Ireallyliketoski also recommends Mount Sopris in the Aspen area, ski from summit down to Thomas Lakes, Ireallyliketoski really digs that one. Many other lines abound in that region, as do ton tons. Again welcome aboard, good to have you on board.

[iskibc]

Where's the love KS? You need to make the move back here and calm those testy nerves of yours . My advice:

1. Check out some topo maps
2. Scope out some access roads near something that you like.
3. Drive to access road.
4. Start skinning/booting
5. Explore and take in the opportunities

Pretty simple recipe. I do it all the time and usually come out with a successful day. Remember, it's all about the adventure. Have fun, even if the skiing isn't all that great at least you got some good exercise and views. Think outside the box and look past the usual suspects (zuma, sopris, bells, etc.) and look deep into the "frying pan". Have fun.

[dmfco]

Thanks to all for the commentary and suggestions.
KS, my apologies I didn't know the introductory protocol for the forum, didn't mean to be rude.

[Woodsy]

Aspen sucks, anyway, just a bunch 'o bogner-wearing, fur-wearing, blow-fiends skiing cruisers or [god forbid] bumps. Vail and Summit county are where the hike-to goods reside.

word
5678910

[Ireallyliketoski2]

Where's the love KS? You need to make the move back here and calm those testy nerves of yours . My advice:

1. Check out some topo maps
2. Scope out some access roads near something that you like.
3. Drive to access road.
4. Start skinning/booting
5. Explore and take in the opportunities

Pretty simple recipe. I do it all the time and usually come out with a successful day. Remember, it's all about the adventure. Have fun, even if the skiing isn't all that great at least you got some good exercise and views. Think outside the box and look past the usual suspects (zuma, sopris, bells, etc.) and look deep into the "frying pan". Have fun.

That's a good recipie for someone with a lot of experience. Don't forget the most popular stuff is usually that way for good reason too. I think it's worth skiing the standard, popular, stuff first to get a feel of it, and then when that's done move onto more off the beaten path endeavors. I'm still at the point where I don't really feel too comfortable exploring terrain that I'm unfamiliar with, that's why I like a guide book to point me in the general direction.

Oh yeah and the time we skied Mount Sopris we had the mountain and Lakes to ourselves, and the time we skied Maroon we were the only people that skied the east chutes that day, which didn't suck