Back country Skiing

The mountains around Ouray have fabulous skiing in fine Colorado powder for the experienced back country traveler. From Red Mountain Pass you can access classic descents McMillan Peak, Red #3, and others. Molas and Coal Bank are accessible from Coal Creek and Deer Creek. This can be a great ‘active rest’ if your tendons start to creak from swinging your tools too many days in a row. As in any continental snow pack, avalanche danger can be considerable, so check the conditions, and make sure you pack your avalanche gear and the skills to use it.

Other back country ski options include one-night or multi-night trips in the San Juan Hut System, which links moderate cross-country journeys with access to steeper terrain for the powder hound.

Red Cone Retreat - a wilderness lodge in the Lone Cone wilderness (west of Ouray). Easy access to hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and hunting. 970-729-216
2965 Red Cone Dr.
PO Box 192
Norwood, CO  81423-0192