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Ski and Ski Vacations Backcountry
Ski and Ski Vacation possibilities Clear Creek
During winter, you can experience the tranquility of the mountains on a number of Clear Creek County’s busiest summer trails, without the rush of people. Because weather conditions can change dramatically, please dress accordingly and check with the Clear Creek Ranger District for information on avalanche conditions.
Cross Country Skiing & Backcountry Skiing
There are many trails that offer you the opportunity to go Cross Country Skiing or Backcountry Skiing. After a good snow fall trails in the area are covered and are easily accessible from the road. Great exercise for the whole family. Be aware of avalanche areas and make sure you have enough clothing, food and water with you. Unlike groomed ski areas, the land and the snow pack are not monitored, patrolled, or maintained so practice safe skiing, let people know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
South Chicago Creek
Difficulty: Easy / Length: 2 miles
Take I-70 to Exit 240 in Idaho Springs. Go south on Colorado Highway 103. The trailhead is located 9 miles south of Idaho Springs. Allows beginners to explore snowshoeing or cross country skiing with little elevation change.
Silver Dollar Lake
Difficulty: Moderate / Length: 3 miles
Take I-70 to Exit 228 in Georgetown and follow the signs to the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway. The trailhead is located 9 miles south of Georgetown. This beautiful trail leads you to Silver Dollar Lake and is surrounded by incredible vistas. Be sure to watch for wildlife tracks, including deer, snowshoe hare and fox.
Grizzly Gulch
Difficulty: Difficult / Length: 4 miles
Take I-70 to Exit 221 and follow the road to the parking lot. The Stevens Gulch Trail heads south out of the parking lot. At mile one take the right fork, to Grizzly Gulch. This trail leads through beautiful pine forests with lovely vistas.
Loveland Pass
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Loveland Pass is usually one of the first areas that Colorado Skiers venture into when looking for Backcountry Skiing. By hitching a ride up the Pass you can ski the whole day without having to hike at all, you can drop in off the summite at 11,990 feed and head through some open tree runs back down to the hop on again switch back.
- Be aware of the Forest Service blasting and setting off Avalanches in the area.
- Take your pick from Atlantic Bowl and the Marjorie Bowl – check out Backcountry Skiing for more info.
Please pay special attention to ALL Avalanche warnings.
Down Hill Skiing
Loveland Ski Area
Loveland Ski Area has been Denver’s local mountain for over 70 years. Just 53 miles west of Denver on I-70, Loveland offers a classic ski experience you won’t find at any mega-resort. Situated high atop the Continental Divide, Loveland receives an average of 400” of snow each season, more than any resort in the Front Range or Summit County.
With 10 lifts and 92 trails, Loveland has something for every age and ability. For the intermediate/advanced skier or boarder, The Ridge off Chair 9 offers wide open bowls and powder packed chutes. For the beginners, Loveland Valley offers a separate, non intimidating learning area to work on your technique. And Loveland is bigger than you think. We hide the good stuff in the back of the mountain where vast blue skies and rolling, expansive terrain await your exploration.
- Loveland Ski Area has affordable ticket and lesson packages that won’t break your budget.
- More Information at www.skiloveland.com
- Loveland is located 12 miles west of Georgetown at Exit 216 off Interstate 70.
Echo Mountain Snowboard and Ski Park
Echo Mountain Snowboard and Ski Park is Colorado’s first area dedicated solely to snowboarding and freestyle skiing, with music, night riding and a lodge partly dedicated to video-gaming.
Music from the likes of Ludacris thumps across 30 acres of jumps and pipes built by Planet Snow Design and the 8000 square foot base lodge, with its austere industrial styling resembles a SoHo loft.
Echo Mountain is the newest model of ski area made up of nothing but rails, hits, jibs and jumps. Echo Mountain is the next step in the snowy new-school revolution sparked by young, flashy-belted hipsters who have married skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and surfing into an urban aeronautical groove on snow.
- www.EchoMtnPark.com for more info.
- Echo Mountain is just 45 minutes west of Denver accessed by Exit 240 in Idaho Springs just past Mt. Evans Scenic Byway.
Tips For a More Enjoyable Ski Day
- Clothing: Wear water resistant, Layered Clothing which can be removed or added as Weather changes. (i.e.: long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, waterproof jacket and pants, nylon socks, waterproof gloves, winter hat, sunglasses, goggles).
- SUN/UV: Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at higher elevations. since we are about 2 miles above sea level you will need goggles and sunglasses that have UV protection. Also, regardless of your skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear sunscreen even on overcast days when ultraviolet rays still penetrate cloud cover.
- Altitude Illness: There is no full proof method for avoiding altitude sickness, but drinking extra water and avoiding salty foods the week before you arrive seems to be the most helpful.
Read About More Winter Sports
Make sure you go to the Trails page for detailed map and descriptions of some of the trails in Clear Creek County.
Local Businesses
Loveland Ski Area
Exit 216 on Interstate 70,
West of Georgetown
Phone: (303) 569-3203
http://www.skiloveland.com/
Email Loveland Ski Area
More Businesses
- Echo Mountain Ski Resort19285 Colorado 103, Idaho Springs, CO (303) 325-7347
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