Backcountry newbie - how to start?

[shera]

So what would be some areas like that in CO? Berthoud and Loveland Passes? Obviously I have no intention of trying even the "safest" areas without the right stuff (if an avalanche doesn't kill me, my wife will!).

Loveland Pass is pretty straightforward - one side is safe and one side isn't. Berthoud is far more complex. I still have the heebiejeebies about skiing mines anymore.

[Pinner]

Come ski Berthoud with me.

No guarantees you'll learn anything useful, but I can assure you that you'll have a safe and a good time!



EDIT: In the 15 years I've been skiing Berthoud Pass, I've hit Mines I & II about a half dozen times or less. It's a killer shot, but one that is very rarely ripe.

[shera]

Come ski Berthoud with me.

Huh? Wha? When?

[shera]

EDIT: In the 15 years I've been skiing Berthoud Pass, I've hit Mines I & II about a half dozen times or less. It's a killer shot, but one that is very rarely ripe.

The first time I skied it was spring corn and it was still being compacted from skier traffic as it was the last year they ran the cat operation. Then I started skiing it more in the wintertime, coming in from the other, more wind scoured side. Especially enjoyed Vortex trees - Marshal hooked me up with that shot. The snow has a hissy, large crystaled (non-cohesive) quality.

Once I skied it solo - watched other people charge the rollover and I snuck around it. Still, I look back on that day as the height of stupidity. Remember the cover of the CAIC record the year before with the incredible photo showing how big it slides? Classic convex rollover on a grassy surface. Then last year there was tragedy.

Halsted, if you read this - is there still a link around to that CAIC cover?

Another question - how much does floral park slide? What conditions?