Backcountry Skiing in Colorado
As I ascend the freshly laid skin track, a sense of solitude envelops me. Despite the presence of friends nearby, I find myself immersed in my own thoughts, accompanied only by the soft whisper of snow beneath my skis and the occasional flurry cascading from a tree branch. The air is crisp, yet I feel a comforting warmth enveloping me. A slight adjustment to my jacket allows a refreshing breeze to penetrate, invigorating my senses. Soon, I’ll be etching fresh tracks, carving my way through the pristine powder—a cherished ritual that epitomizes my love for backcountry skiing in Colorado.
My journey into the realm of backcountry skiing wasn’t a direct path. Like many, I succumbed to the allure of snowboarding during my teenage years, influenced by the desire to fit in and keep pace with my peers. Always striving to keep up, I embraced mountaineering during college—a pursuit characterized by its paradoxical blend of suffering and exhilaration. Yet, it was during one arduous expedition that I had an epiphany: amidst the toil and exhaustion, there existed the potential for joy and fulfillment.
While trudging along in snowshoes, grappling with the frustration of every step forward met with two steps backward, I witnessed a group of skiers effortlessly gliding past me. Their laughter echoed across the landscape, a stark contrast to my inner turmoil. In that moment, I realized that skiing offered a unique blend of challenge and enjoyment—a revelation that would alter the course of my adventures.
With the guidance of Marc, my then-boyfriend and now husband, I embarked on a journey to embrace backcountry skiing. Equipped with the essentials—avalanche safety training, new gear, and a rekindled skiing prowess—we set out to explore the untamed wilderness of Colorado’s backcountry. For us, the decision to pursue skiing over splitboarding was a strategic one, driven by a desire to maximize our enjoyment amidst life’s myriad responsibilities.
Living in Colorado has afforded us the luxury of a backyard playground, where rugged peaks and pristine powder await just beyond our doorstep. Unlike the crowded resorts and congested slopes, the backcountry offers a sanctuary of solitude and serenity—a place where we can carve our own paths and savor the untamed beauty of nature.
As I glide through the trees, my heart sings with exhilaration. Each turn is a testament to the rewards of perseverance and the unrivaled joy of exploration. My line is not predetermined but discovered—a meandering path that leads me to breathtaking vistas and moments of unbridled bliss.
While others may endure the chaos of crowded slopes and lengthy lift lines, I find solace in the simplicity of earning my turns, forging my own path through the wilderness. For me, backcountry skiing is more than just a sport—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a celebration of the boundless beauty that awaits those willing to venture off the beaten path.