5 Dawn Patrol Skis in Boulder’s Backcountry
Let Us Serve As Your Ski Lodge in Boulder With These Great Tours
Jackson Hole has Teton Pass. Salt Lake City has Little Cottonwood Canyon. Bozeman has Bridger Bowl, and Bend has Tumalo Mountain. Boulder, Colorado, has, well, nothing analogous that caters to ravenous dawn patrollers, those of us who like to fit in a backcountry ski before work.
Nevertheless it’s not impossible for Boulderites to squeeze in a_ _ski at first light—and still be at the office by 10 am. It just takes a little extra work and planning, but the rewards (an invigorating workout, bragging rights at the water cooler) are well worth it.
1. Caribou Trailhead, Nederland
There are still ruins from this former town’s mining days, but mostly you’ll find undulating hills, a well-established track, and a mellow 25-degree slope good for a few laps.
Getting there: Drive west up Boulder Canyon to Nederland, and at the first roundabout take Highway 72 north. Just past the fire station, turn left onto Caribou Road. Follow the road until it dead ends. The total drive is about 40 minutes from Boulder.
2. East Portal of Moffatt Tunnel, Rollinsville
Creative Commons
Plan to drive about 45 minutes from Boulder to the trailhead at Moffatt Tunnel , and then to skin for another 45 minutes to the low angle, forested slopes. If you’ve got more time—and conditions are safe—you can make more of an expedition by skiing to the top of Radio Beacon Peak.
Getting there: Head south out of Nederland about five miles to Rollinsville, and then turn west onto East Portal Road. The trailhead is about eight miles down the road.
3. Hidden Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park
Make sure to leave well before first light to make the hour-long drive up to this now-defunct ski area in Rocky Mountain National Park . The skiing is mellow and lower angle, but the views are absolutely epic. Who doesn’t want to start the day waving to 14,259-foot Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains?
Getting there: From RMNP’s Beaver Meadow Visitor Center, follow Trail Ridge Road into the park to signs for Hidden Valley Picnic Area at 6.8 miles.
4. Berthoud Pass
Ed Ogle
Find high alpine bowls, chutes and glades at this former ski area on the 11,307-foot pass that straddles the Continental Divide on Highway 40. A former ski area, this is now a popular backcountry spot with big crowds on any given weekend. Come the crack of dawn at midweek, however, you might enjoy a solo pre-descent sunrise.
Getting there: Plan on at least an hour and 15 minutes to drive 66 miles from Boulder to Berthoud Pass. Drive south on Highway 93 to Interstate 70. Take I-70 west for about 25 miles to exit 232, US-40W toward Granby, climb up the east side of the pass, and park at the summit.
5. Bear Peak, Boulder
When the stars collide and Boulder gets the occasional blizzard dump (generally in late March and early April), the town’s extensive trail network is transformed into ski trails. While you can’t actually ski from the summit of this 8,459-foot peak (too many cliffs), you can ski up Bear Canyon Trail to the Mesa Trail and get a solid workout—with some turns thrown in for fun on the descent.
Getting there: Head west onto Table Mesa Drive at the Broadway and Table Mesa intersection. After 0.7 miles, turn left onto Lehigh and take the immediate right onto Bear Mountain Drive. The trailhead is a half-mile ahead on your right.
Let us serve as your ski lodge in Boulder with the best access to these great ski tours and a hot tub to come home to, all close enough to town to enjoy an excellent dinner after!
Written by Rachel Walker for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
Featured image provided by Ed Ogle
Asa Firestone was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and has cultivated hospitality expertise in the picturesque landscapes of Lyons and Boulder, Colorado. As the co-owner of the A Lodge, his journey epitomizes dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.
Asa’s journey began with a profound appreciation for travel and exploration. His early experiences staying in lodges around the world ignited a passion for creating memorable experiences for others. Armed with this passion and a keen business acumen, he embarked on a mission to redefine hospitality in his own backyard.
In 2008, Asa’s vision came to fruition with the establishment of the A Lodge in Boulder, Colorado. Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, this Boulder hotel quickly garnered acclaim for its blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Under Asa’s guidance, the A Lodge became more than just a place to stay; it became a destination where guests could immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of Colorado while experiencing genuine hospitality.
However, Asa’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for unique accommodations in Boulder, he expanded his footprint by acquiring and revitalizing a second property in the heart of Lyons. This expansion not only solidified Asa’s reputation as a visionary entrepreneur but also furthered his mission of providing exceptional hospitality experiences to a broader audience.
Beyond his role as a hospitality magnate, Asa Firestone is deeply invested in the communities he serves. Whether through supporting local initiatives, fostering sustainable practices, or championing the arts, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact at both the local and global levels.
Asa’s leadership exemplifies a harmonious blend of passion, innovation, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for hospitality in Lyons, Boulder, and beyond. As guests continue to flock to the A Lodge, they are not only welcomed into a warm and inviting space but also into the visionary world of Asa Firestone.