Trip
Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding – RMNP - Hidden Valley
This is a leader-in-training trip for Pryce Hadley. The trip will feature a nice tour of a popular backcountry skiing/riding zone in Rocky Mountain National Park (the site of the defunct Hidden Valley Ski Area).
Contacts
- Fri, Feb 21, 2025
- Boulder
- Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding
- Adults
- Easy, Mod
- Moderate
- Mileage: 2.6 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,150 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,500 ft
- Pace: 1000 ft/hr
- 3 (4 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
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Trip Description: The trip will start at 9:30 AM at the Hidden Valley trailhead in RMNP. There is a warming hut with restrooms near the parking area. We will skin up the main skintrack, passing the Snow Play area and Avalanche Beacon Park, for 1.2 miles (1,071’) until we reach snow-covered Trail Ridge Rd. This is an intermediate uphill climb with short steep sections. We will take a short snack break at Trail Ridge Rd. to assess conditions in Upper Hidden Valley. Based on group consensus, we’ll pick routes for 1-2+ laps in the upper bowl. Each lap will add approximately 1-1.2 miles and about 800’ vert. If snowpack conditions are stable (CAIC Low Danger Level), we may choose to climb all the way to the summit of Tombstone Ridge. If wind or snow conditions pose a challenge, we can ski/ride in the trees or make shorter laps lower in the bowl. Trip participants should bring and know how to use avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). Avalanche level 1 (AIARE or ATA, or similar) training is required. Skiers/riders should be confident in traveling on intermediate backcountry terrain at a moderate pace. Go/No Go Criteria: The trip will still be a Go if weather is forecast to be cold/windy. The trip start time may be delayed (decision night before at the latest) if roads are expected to be in poor condition. Please be aware the NPS may enforce a winter tire/tire chain requirement during snowstorms. The trip will be cancelled if CAIC avalanche forecast is for High Danger Level. Tour route(s) may be adapted due to avalanche risk. Additional Resources: Click here for the local weather forecast and here for the CAIC Avalanche Forecast. Additional information on the Hidden Valley backcountry ski zone can be found on Powder Project. General information on Hidden Valley is available on the RMNP website. Entrance Fees: An Entrance Fee, Annual RMNP Pass, or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass is required to enter the park, available in person or online. Cards and other digital methods are the only forms of payment accepted at entrances. Visitors wanting to use cash can purchase entrance passes from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store located at Beaver Meadows, Fall River, or Kawuneeche Visitor Centers. Map Link (Use in Caltopo or download to Avenza): Questions? Email both the trip leader and trip leader-in-training: ktoothill@gmail.com, pryce.hadley@gmail.com |
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The trip will start at 9:00 AM at the Hidden Valley trailhead in RMNP. There is a warming hut with restrooms near the parking area. There is no cell phone service at the trailhead so if your plans change, please inform trip leaders ASAP.
CMC trips start and end at the TH, but if there are people interested in carpooling, meet at 7:45 AM @ Sandstone Park, Lyons (300 Railroad Ave.) - 32 Miles to TH. *Let the trip leader know if you are interested in carpooling*
Required Equipment
Trip participants should bring and know how to use avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). Avalanche level 1 (AIARE or ATA, or similar) training is required.
AT, tele or splitboard gear are appropriate.