Backcountry Nordic Skiing – Rabbit Ears Pass

We will ski the trails at Bruce's TH first, a little over 3 mi. Optional, pending weather and participants' interest: After Bruce's trails, participants who want to ski more, with more difficulty, may move to the West Summit Loop Trails, about 1 mi west of Bruce's TH. The West Summit trails are not machine-groomed and are more difficult. 

USFS description: "1D Bruce’s Trail Length: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers); Level of Difficulty: Moderate; USGS Maps: Mt. Werner; Access: Travel east of Steamboat Springs on Highway 40 approximately 14 miles to the parking area on the north side of the highway. A short spur connects the parking lot to the main trail. Route Description: Designed wide to accommodate both skating and traditional skiing techniques. The trail is machine groomed in the early season. The upper loop provides easy skiing, while the lower loop is moderate. The tight loop design and proximity to the highway make this trail a good choice for a ski workout, a short day, or for skiers wishing to remain relatively close to their vehicles...Snowshoers and fat bikes are allowed, but please travel parallel to the ski track and not in them...Grooming is done by volunteers of Steamboat Springs Nordic Council in the early season. Dogs are not allowed on groomed trails."

Reference USFS brochure and map links: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5278447.pdf

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd488174.pdf

Boilerplate: Participants' email addresses may be shared with other participants, and trip images may be shared on Facebook or other media. If you have known medical conditions that may manifest themselves during this activity, please notify the leader before the trip. If you have known exposure to a COVID-positive case within 5 days of this trip, do not come. Do not come if you are sick. If applicable, bring money for ride sharing. No pets. 10 essentials and clothing appropriate for the weather, trail lunch/snacks.