On the first weekend in March Colorado hadn’t seen much snow in a few weeks. Avy danger was low and the snow conditions for riding were questionable. It had been warm and windy for a couple weeks. Glen invited me to join him and Zach for the weekend up at Winter Park to ride Berthoud Pass. So me and Glen drove up to the pass Saturday morning to meet up with Zach and Aki to do a lot of hiking and a little snowboarding.
Getting set up in the parking lot at Berthoud Pass
After hanging out for a minute we went for the first hike up the West Side of Berthoud Pass.
Berthoud Pass West Side – www.frontrangeskimo.com
Near the start of the hike
Skiers skinning up the Pass
The hiking was slow for everyone except Aki. I think we all underestimated the elevation and warm temps. After more than a couple breaks we made it to the top.
Hiking up, looking back toward the opposite side of Berthoud Pass
Looking out over the Pass and the Fraser Valley
BCA float pack and snowboard. Didn’t help with the hiking
The first run showed that the snow was still super good after not much fresh stuff in the previous couple weeks.
Zach and Glen riding down “The Roll”
Riding back toward the start
We immediately started hiking back up again to take another run.
Looking down at the parking lot from the start of the hike
Zach, Glen and Aki hiking up
Riding down some windblown crust to get to the good stuff
Some great snow made the hiking worth it
After the second run there was a quick snack/water break before one last hike up the West side. Glen, Aki and Zach took some quick runs on a natural kicker.
Zach flying, Glen filming
Aki FS 360 – click for the gif
Glen FS 360…almost – click for the gif
After some good slams and we took a last run down the steepest run of the weekend back down to the parking lot.
Looking up at the West Side from the parking lot. Took the run just right of the trees in the middle.
Then we took turns shuttling each other on the short run behind the parking lot. Surprisingly there was great snow back there even though it’s probably the easiest run to access from the parking lot.
Glen coming down Hell’s Half Acre
After a few runs Aki headed home and Glen, Zach, and I headed toward Winter Park for some food, beers, and sleep.
Packing up
Day 2.
Somehow we survived the previous night and decided to hit the Pass for a run before heading back to Boulder. The hike didn’t feel any easier.
The view during most of the hike
The real views, looking South at the storm starting to blow in
Hiking up above tree line
Quick rest before dropping in
Traversing over to avoid the cliffs, looking out over the valley
Glen dropping down first
Looking back at the ominous clouds, hoping for a little sun
Zach going for it
Heading back toward the parking, and then home
It was a really awesome weekend. Hopefully we can get in a day or two more of this before Summer hits.