Skiing Through Colorado's Seasons: An Adventurer's Guide to Year-Round Slopes

Colorado's majestic peaks and unique geography make it one of the few places in the world where you can ski during any month of the year. With high elevations and vast expanses of public land, skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes year-round. This guide will help you navigate the exciting possibilities of skiing in Colorado, from resort to backcountry adventures.

Embrace the Challenge: Ski Every Month

For those daring enough, the challenge of year-round skiing in Colorado is both a thrilling and rewarding endeavor. It demands creativity, commitment, and a touch of adventure, as you tailor your skiing schedule to your personal criteria. This challenge isn't standardized, offering plenty of room for personal exploration and creativity.

Backcountry Skiing: Safety First

Backcountry skiing is a cornerstone of year-round skiing in Colorado, providing access to pristine snowfields and breathtaking landscapes. Before embarking on these adventures, ensure you have the necessary avalanche certification and awareness of snowpack stability. Safety and preparedness are crucial as you explore these less-traveled paths. Equipping yourself with the right gear, like the IceMonster DNMIX™ Electrochromic Lens Technology goggles, can significantly enhance your safety and comfort. These goggles adapt their tint with just one touch, matching the environment's light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and eye protection in varying terrains and weather.

Resorts and Snowfall: Maximizing the Season

Colorado's ski resorts, like Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Breckenridge, often extend their seasons from October to June, thanks to their impressive snowfall averages. This makes them ideal starting points for those seeking to ski beyond the regular winter months. When skiing in such diverse conditions, the IceMonster goggles' ANF MAX™ Anti-Fog Technology ensures your vision remains clear, combating fog effectively even during sudden temperature changes.

Spring and Summer Adventures

Even as the snow begins to melt, spring and summer offer their own unique skiing opportunities. Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, and Berthoud Pass are popular backcountry areas during spring, while St. Mary’s Glacier and Andrews Glacier provide skiing experiences through summer. These spots require longer hikes and come with limited snow, but the thrill is worth the effort. The lightweight and durable frame of the IceMonster goggles, combined with their high-definition polycarbonate lenses, offer both comfort and superior clarity, enhancing your summer skiing experience.

Autumn Skiing: A Hidden Gem

Autumn skiing in Colorado involves navigating fresh snow that can conceal obstacles. Embrace permanent snowfields and early-season resorts to safely enjoy the fall season. Remember, the early snow is often unpredictable, so proceed with caution. The wide V.L.T. range of the IceMonster goggles helps you adapt to these varying light conditions, ensuring optimal visual clarity at all times.

Fee Areas: Navigating Costs

Many skiing areas in Colorado, including those in Rocky Mountain National Park, require fees or passes. Plan ahead and budget for these costs to ensure uninterrupted skiing adventures.

Find Your Motivation

What drives someone to ski in Colorado all year? For many, it's the pursuit of a new challenge beyond resort skiing, the solitude of the backcountry, and the self-sufficiency it demands. Whatever your reason, the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Environmental Considerations

Climate change poses a significant threat to skiing opportunities. As temperatures rise, snowpack levels may diminish, affecting future skiing conditions. Enjoy this challenge while you can, and advocate for sustainable practices to protect these beloved terrains.

Q&A: Your Skiing Questions Answered

• Can you ski in Colorado in summer? Yes, thanks to high elevations and permanent snowfields, summer skiing is possible in areas like St. Mary’s Glacier.
• Can you ski in Colorado in July? Although options are limited, dedicated adventurers can find skiing opportunities at locations such as Andrews Glacier.