Trip
Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding – North Star Mountain
This is one of the most accessible 13ers and a great introduction to ski mountaineering. Experience skiing challenging snow on safe, low-angle slopes in a big mountain environment.
Contacts
- Sat, Apr 5, 2025
- Northern Colorado
- Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding, Ski Mountaineering
- Adults
- Difficult
- Challenging
- Mileage: 5.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,946 ft
- High Point Elevation: 13,382 ft
- Pace: 800ft/hr
- FULL, 2 on waitlist (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will start from the Hoosier Pass Trailhead. Expect to meet 6 am to start moving at 6:30 am. Meeting time will be confirmed or adjusted a few days before the trip.
Route
We will climb the North Star Mountain by following the East Ridge. The ridge slopes never exceed 30 degrees and present little to no avalanche risk.
There are different options to ski down depending on the snow conditions:
- Ski the ridge (low angle option)
- Ski some of the steeper slopes (35 degrees) North or South of the saddle west of Peak 12,217
See route map on CalTopo for details.
Terrain & Conditions
This is more exposed than a trip with comparable profile at a lower elevation .
Expect:
- Irregular, potentially thin and hard snow conditions
- Likely need for ski crampons and/or boot crampons
- Wind-carved snow drifts requiring precision and control downhill
- Possible rock hazards requiring careful line selection
- Windy conditions with limited sheltered areas
Required Skills
- Very comfortable skiing blacks in ANY snow conditions at resorts
- Some experience skiing double-blacks in good snow conditions.
- Ability to handle challenging snow and wind-carved drifts on safe, low-angle slopes
- Comfort in a big mountain environment with potentially demanding weather
Who Should Join
This is a great trip for experienced backcountry skiers curious to venture to higher altitudes while skiing in a safe and challenging environment.
Required Equipment
Standard AT equipment
Ten Essentials
Helmet
AT skis, boots, climbing skins, and poles with snow baskets.
Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe.
In addition to this standard equipment you NEED:
Ski crampons and know how to place them on your bindings. You don't need experience using them, though. Ski crampons are inexpensive accessories that are incredibly valuable in the spring when the snow is getting harder. You can probably get crampons fitting your skis and bindings from Skimo.co
Backpack suitable to carry your skis in A frame or diagonal.
Recommended
Handheld radio, i.e. RockyTalkie highly desirable to facilitate communication.