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Aspen/Snowmass Advanced Skiing
© copyright Aspen/Snowmass - Ken Missbrenner
Moguls and steeps on Aspen Mountain
For those in search of moguls and steep, deep couloirs, Aspen Mountain has short, sharp and quite steep double black diamond (and very difficult) chutes, including the famous “dump trails” such as Bear Paw, Short Snort and Zaugg Dump, which were created by miners throwing out spoil as they tunneled their way into the mountain. The dump trails are tight, technical and steep – sure to challenge even the best. Walsh’s is considered to be the most challenging trail on Aspen Mountain. Bell Mountain, part of Aspen Mountain, provides first-rate opportunities for mogul skiers with its variety of individual faces, including Face of Bell, Shoulder of Bell, and Back of Bell. Skiers also relish the breathtaking views of downtown Aspen as they descend Ajax.
Freeskiing at Aspen Highlands
Highlands has exhilarating steeps, trees, and powder bowls that challenge and delight advanced skiers and riders. Temerity, between Steeplechase and the Y-Zones, is the ultimate in tree riding. Mushroom Chutes, Thermals, and South Castle Chute in Temerity are not for the faint of heart and are sure to produce glory stories for even the most hardcore skiers and riders. The Olympic Bowl side of the mountain (Oly to the locals) has the aptly named Deception and the No Name Chutes for challenging gladed skiing and riding. Highlands is the spot for big mountain freeskiing and freeriding.
Steep off-piste at Highlands Bowl
Each year, new terrain in Highlands Bowl is opening—the steepest off-piste experience of any U.S. ski resort—and skiers and snowboarders have been flocking to Highlands to try out the new terrain. In 2001/02, Ozone, White Kitchen, and Be One opened, making it possible for the first time to lay down tracks from the 12,392-foot (3,782 m) summit of the bowl on 40 to 45 degree slopes. For 2002/03, the Bowl was expanded by nearly 50% to include the steep, north-facing, heavily treed parts of the G-zone. The bowl offers deep-powder skiing after a snowstorm and is accessible via a 20 to 60 minute hike from the top of the Loge Peak chair. The hike can be shortened by 15 to 20 minutes by catching the free snowcat from Loge Meadow to the first access gate. The snowcat runs from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, conditions permitting. Check the board at the top accessed by both the Loge Peak and the new Deep Temerity lifts for more information.
Dropping in from the summit is just one of the choices. One thousand vertical feet (300 m) lower, some of the steepest terrain can be found in the Lower Y Zones. Between the Y Zones and the summit there are dozens of other choices. You can drop in anywhere along the ridge to the left via four access gates but you MUST observe closures at these gates. Be aware that the steep and narrow chutes of Maroon Bowl—to the right of the ridge—are uncontrolled, and that avalanches in this area have claimed many lives over the years.
Snowmass: Hanging Valley and Cirque
Snowmass’s Hanging Valley has been called the closest thing to the backcountry without actually going out of bounds. Steeps, glades, cornices, cliffs, and deep snow all await those seeking thrills and spills. On a powder day, skiers and riders wait anxiously for ski patrol to drop the ropes and open the area. Because Snowmass is so big, powder stashes can be found on the mountain days after a major snowstorm. The off-piste experiences in the Hanging Valley, Burnt Mountain, and the Cirque are also ideal for advanced skiers and boarders.
The Cirque at Snowmass—a world of steeps, cornices, chutes and cliffs—is legendary among advanced skiers and boarders. Some say Snowmass is the most underestimated adventure mountain in the world. At 12,510 feet (3,815 m) above sea level, the Cirque provides a breathtaking experience. Skiers can explore the huge Cirque Headwall or come all the way around and take the steep shots down the East Wall. When the snow is deep, hop into Rock Island where you can link turns on or between the giant snow-covered boulders that look like huge marshmallows.
Cliff jumpers can get hang time on Hanging Valley Wall, Baby Ruth—and Gowdy’s: with a huge cornice, narrow choke in the center and a wide open powder field at the bottom, this trail has it all. Don’t forget AMF (some say it stands for “adios, my friend”), Garrett Gulch, and Bearclaw, and the locals’ secret powder stash—Reidars’ trees.
