Colorado·United States
Photo: Murray Foubister · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The San Juans are the most rugged range in Colorado, with more high peaks than anywhere in the Rockies and huge snowfall. Red Mountain Pass offers roadside couloirs, the Silverton huts link days of touring, and the Ophir valley above Telluride holds cold north-facing powder.
In season: Jan–Apr · Peak: Mar
Big vertical on steep terrain, with one of the most dangerous snowpacks in North America. Avalanche conditions dominate every decision, so plan around the daily forecast.
North-facing powder above Telluride
Roadside couloirs off the highway, the classic day out
Multi-day tour between backcountry huts
Base in Silverton, Ouray or Telluride and follow the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast. Hire a local guide for your first days, start on low-angle terrain off Red Mountain Pass, and book the huts for a multi-day traverse.
Trekking3 routesUnited States
Four passes over 3,600 m in a loop round the Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in Colorado.
Ice climbing3 routesUnited States
Hundreds of farmed ice routes in a canyon at the edge of town, the ice climbing capital of North America.
Climbing3 sectorsUnited States
Long, serious trad routes on the sheer dark walls of one of the deepest canyons in North America.
Ski touring3 linesUnited States
Ski mountaineering off the summit of the Grand Teton and down the great couloirs of the range.
Ski touring3 linesUnited States
Light, deep powder in the Cottonwood Canyons, half an hour from Salt Lake City.
Ski touringNorway
Summit-to-sea descents launched from a boat — skin up from the shoreline, ski back down to it.
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