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While some snowsport resorts in Colorado do their best to shut out skiers and riders from adjacent public land, Aspen’s ski areas have embraced the concept of open access. More, they’ve made huge gains providing in-bounds expert terrain. Consequently the area has enjoyed a renaissance of core ski culture. Only downside to backcountry from the resorts is our pesky snowpack, which during some years produces terrifying avalanche conditions nearly every week of the season.
Nonetheless we do have incredible terrain both within and without our resorts, and if global warming continues to produce a denser thicker and avalanche safer snowpack, we could become one of THE destinations for lift accessed backcountry skiing. Thus, Neal Beidleman’s new guidebook for Aspen’s in-bounds expert terrain and lift accessed backcountry skiing access gates is launching at the perfect time. Chock full of incredible photographs, insider info and tons of routes on the amazing alpine terrain of resorts such as Highlands and Snowmass, “Aspen Ski and Snowboard Guide” is an exciting addition to the Colorado guidebook genre. Full review coming. On sale in November at Aspen local booksellers or online at Wolverine Publishing.
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| Sample page from the new book, this one showing details for inbounds terrain on Aspen Mountain. Click image to enlarge. |
Shop for the new Aspen Ski and Snowboard Guide
7 comments
Out of curiosity, is there really anything challenging on Buttermilk? I’d always heard it tops out at intermediate runs that are labelled black.
Clyde, nothing like the other three mountains, but some tree skiing that can get pretty good later in the season — as dense as you want for challenge. We’ll see what Neal will share with us. The Buttermilk backcountry is sublime, more touring than anything else, but truly nice.
You guys have obviously never heard of the Wall of Death at Buttermilk Mountain. Its where they used to run the summer session of their avalanche school.
M
Thanks for posting this Lou. Look forward to getting Neal’s book and getting psyched for the ski season. As far as Buttermilk is concerned, I actually like it because I think its the only place you can park for free around here. And not too bad on a powder day either. Although, can you associate “bad” with a “powder day?”
Yeah, and let’s not forget the Buttermilk terrain park. No joke, extreme. Battered kids with bashed heads and broken bones all over the place in the winter around here… Overshoot the landing on one of those booters and you could be speaking in one-word sentences the rest of your life.
Wow! I had no idea Neal was working on this and can’t wait to see it.
Lou, have you seen our Ski and Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb? We have both an Advanced / Expert edition and an Intermediate Edition. Check them out at http://www.whistlerguidebooks.com The expert guide has been out for 2 years!
Kevin
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