Steamboat Springs Backcountry / Telemark Skiing

There is something magical about skiing in the backcountry near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The solace and beauty of the mountains will renew your spirit. Your body will feel great (if a little sore…) from hiking or skinning up the hills. Earn your turns! Get off the chairlift and discover what skiing is truly about in the Colorado backcountry.

Backcountry travel is possible with snowshoes, telemark skis or randonee gear. Snowshoes are necessary if you would like to snowboard or use traditional alpine skis. With telemark or randonee bindings, it is possible to ski uphill using "skins" on the bottom of your skis. "Skins" are short for Seal skins, which are now usually synthetically fabricated. Randonee equipment allows traditional alpine skiers to enjoy this method of uphill travel without changing the style of their downhill turn. Snowshoe, telemark and randonee rentals are available in the town of Steamboat Springs.

If you are not familiar with safe travel in avalanche prone backcountry terrain, it's necessary to hire a guide. Fortunately, equipment rentals and guide services are readily available in Steamboat Springs. Do not enter the backcountry without an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a probe! More importantly, make sure that you understand how to use this backcountry equipment (and have practiced recently).

Rabbit Ears Pass: Steamboat Springs is surrounded by amazing backcountry ski terrain. One of the best places to go is Rabbit Ears Pass. Just southeast of town on US 40, Rabbit Ears Pass provides easy access to a variety of skiing routes.

Seedhouse Road (Hahn's Peak): Another popular place to access backcountry skiing is Seedhouse Road, near the town of Clark. Only 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, this area boasts incredible snow and a variety terrain. Trails are fairly well marked and accessible. Many of the routes offer spectacular views of Colorado's high mountain peaks. The Hahn's Peak Ranger District offers more information, maps and snow conditions.

Friends of the Routt Backcountry: For more information about backcountry skiing near Steamboat Springs, contact the nonprofit organization Friends of the Routt Backcountry. This is the Steamboat Springs Chapter of the Backcountry Skiing Alliance. They host several events throughout the year and encourage responsible backcountry travel.

Cabin Rentals: A great way to enjoy a multi-day backcountry ski trip is to stay in a hut or a cabin. Rent a cabin near Hahn's Peak or on one of the local ranches. Cabin rentals near Steamboat Springs, are in fact available to rent all through the year, and provide a great home base for a backcountry getaway.