The Best of Spring Skiing in Colorado

Spring is made for skiing in Colorado. Consolidated snowpack, warm days, higher elevations, bigger drops, and the best in ski mountaineering and touring across the state. Spring skiing in Colorado is when the riding is at it’s best, you get to take in the breathtaking views while weaving in between the native trees of Colorado. Whether it’s through the magnificent peaks of Roosevelt National Forest or Rocky Mountain National Park, by touring, cat-skiing, or even heli-skiing, the powder is at it’s finest, the high peaks, steep couloirs, and exciting drops are awaiting, and it’s time to get into the most exciting terrain. Here are our favorites for spring skiing in Colorado.

Riding in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s backcountry wonderlands. With thrilling summits, steep couloirs, wide-open basins, and some of the most spectacular mountain skylines in North America, it’s a powder-lovers dream. In the spring, as the bowls retain the snow from the winter and the melt-freeze cycle begins to consolidate the powder, it becomes less risky to ski up high, including some of the steeper chutes and couloirs, plus some of the 11, 12, and 13,000-foot summits.

Ski Colorado 14ers!

There are few greater thrills than skiing Colorado’s legendary 14ers, Colorado’s peaks over 14,000-feet. For the experienced skier, this is a challenge worth pursuing. From summits in the Front Range such as Grays and Torreys, plus Quandary Peak, to Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. Elbert, and a thrilling descent off Rocky Mountain National Park’s highest peak, Longs Peak, skiing the 14ers is one of Colorado’s noblest mountaineering pursuits. While there are some peaks, which are accessible in a day, there are others that are so remote that it requires a multi-day adventure just to reach the base! See the 14ers in a way that very few have.

Ski Touring in the Indian and James Peak Wildernesses

Roosevelt National Forest, set just an hour north of Boulder, features some of the best tours in the Front Range, including long ski jaunts to shimmering alpine lakes and hidden powder stashes between the trees, while others lead up to descents on glaciers and peaks such as James Peak and Arapahoe Glacier. Roosevelt National Forest is a hidden gem in the Front Range, as it doesn’t get the fame of Rocky Mountain National Park. This means there are less parties and more open space to explore. The Indian Peaks has it’s own set of summits, steep couloirs, and tight trees, with opportunities for every level of skier. Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides is dedicated to providing an exciting, safe, and unforgettable experience with our AIARE-Trained guides and the best in matching your experience to your comfort and ability. Check out our backcountry ski tours here!