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Independence Pass Skiing News and Conditions Report

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Hayden Kennedy on Geissler 3 today, May 25, Colorado.

Hayden Kennedy on Geissler 3, May 25, Colorado. Click to enlarge.

A few inches of snow have renewed existing snowpack surfaces, and today created connectors that allowed skiing between snowfields. The connectors will mostly be gone by tomorrow, but the renewed surface will remain to some degree. High winds today and during storm a day ago prevented perfect coating. Melting above 12,000 feet is proceeding slowly due to storms and cool winds. If you’re skiing Geisslers, for the dirt hike consider using the summer trail that starts to left of creek at switchback trailhead (indicated by sign boards). Mountain Boy slopes are still in, as is 4th of July (with walking required to exit). Independence Pass skiing information here.

Posted by Lou Dawson on May 25, 2012 | Filed Under Trip Reports Backcountry 

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Comments

11 Responses to “Independence Pass Skiing News and Conditions Report”

  1. mike marolt May 29th, 2012 10:26 am

    Have been in South America skiing so have no clue as to conditions here. Looks good. Anyone have info on conditions for N face La Platta or Grizzly??? Is road open to Grizzly??

  2. Lou May 29th, 2012 10:53 am

    Lincoln road open, Griz getting skied nearly every day. Have at it. Lou

  3. mike marolt May 29th, 2012 12:35 pm

    Thanks Lou. Will get up there. M

  4. ellen June 2nd, 2012 2:42 pm

    I’m curious if there Is there any skiing left on Mt. Boy Peak’s east face? Love that loop from the switchback….

  5. Lou June 2nd, 2012 7:11 pm

    Hi Ellen, I totally doubt it. We looked at Mountain Boy Peak east bowl/face a few weeks ago and it was marginal. Suggest doing what you can see from parking on Pass. Snowfence Ridge probably still has some descents, but you’ll have to hike out bottom part to road. Another option is to 4×4 Montezuma Basin, Castle Creek/Aspen. Lou

  6. ellen June 4th, 2012 3:53 pm

    Thanks Lou. Kinda thought that might be the case. We’re eeking out a few lines here and there in Summit County, but it is three weeks ahead of normal…which is a little sad…

  7. Lou June 4th, 2012 4:09 pm

    Every year is different. Been that way since the Pleistocene or before, we probably better get used to it (grin).

  8. eric kane June 6th, 2012 9:12 am

    hey lou- am I crazy to head up to lincoln creek this weekend for some camping and some easy snow fun near by? I hope not. trying to keep my year round streak alive!. around summit its getting to be alot more hiking than skinning..

  9. Jason S June 17th, 2012 6:23 pm

    With the family out of town, this Dad headed to Grizzly for a snow climb and ski. The snow field started a couple hundred feet above the lake, but the skiing was continuous. Got to climb the suncups of the main chute. Fun…ski? well on was on skiis and there was a few flat slushies to be had at the bottom.

  10. Hank May 8th, 2013 2:04 pm

    Question: I’m new to the area. Is there a reliable find out if there is fresh snow for skiing up on Independence Pass? Thanks.

  11. Lou Dawson May 8th, 2013 2:49 pm

    http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=542&state=co

    The road opens Memorial Day, you’d need an ATV or bicycle till then…

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information opinion website and e magazine. Lou's passion for the past 45 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country news and information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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