Steamboat Ski & Resort in Colorado is famous for its "champagne powder," – a term that the resort has actually trademarked – and skiing or snowboarding in the glades and tightly treed areas. No one knows the inbounds backcountry style extreme terrain at the resort better than Johnny Sawyer, the Ski Patrol’s supervisor who has worked at the mountain for more than 30 years. So, here's his take on skiing and snowboarding in the inbounds extreme and treed terrain at Steamboat.
What are the best inbound backcountry skiing/riding locations at Steamboat?
Sawyer says, "The area that stands out in my mind – and is often unknown – is from Chute III across Christmas Tree Bowl to North St. Pats/East Face. Most of this area of the mountain is primarily north facing, so the snow tends to be more abundant, drier and able to be skied longer from storm to storm."
What’s special about these areas?
"Over the last three years, a small crew has gone into this dense forest area, particularly Christmas Tree Bowl and No Name Chutes, to open up this extreme, double black diamond terrain. This area was so densely treed, that the goal was to keep the natural setting, while opening the entry to the gladed areas and natural lines. This ongoing effort, by hand and chainsaws, has helped tremendously allowing skiers/riders to pick nearly a dozen natural lines through this gladed area."
What’s the best time of the season/day to hit these areas?
"Snow definitely drives when patrol can open this area. Traditionally, with its rock bands and steepness, patrol looks for several feet of settled snow as well as stability before opening this zone. In addition, ongoing avalanche control work will also dictate what can be opened on a daily basis. With that said, since this area is north facing, the snow stays in good condition all day long and throughout the entire season."What are You Favorite Lines?
"My two favorites are the Johnny Chutes and Nailers. Both are not on the trail map, so you’ll have to do some investigative work but it will be well worth it. The Johnny Chutes, which lie in the heart of Christmas Tree Bowl, and Nailers, which was thinned two years ago, are skiing/riding in the true sense of the way a gladed area should. Nice long lines with consistent steep pitch that makes you feel like you’re the only one on the mountain."
Tips for venturing into this extreme terrrain?
"Since this is double black diamond, extreme terrain, always ski/ride with a buddy in case something happens. Know where you are going or don’t go. Have the proper equipment. No matter how tempting, observe closures because there is always a good reason for one. In this area, avalanche control work plays a key element with open/closed status."
Terrain Choices for Skiers and Riders Not Ready and Skilled Enough for This Extreme Terrain
"For those skiers/riders that want to practice or experience this type of area, but don’t believe they are ready, I would recommend Pioneer Ridge. Pioneer Ridge is not as steep or technical what we discussed, but offers long, natural gladed terrain and holds the snow very well. In addition, this area does not see the volume of some our other trails like Shadows or Closets. Pioneer Ridge/Pony Express Lift give you the feel of gladed, back country terrain and is something very different from traditional cut trails at many resorts."
Where to Get More Information
To learn more about skiing and snowboarding at Steamboat, Colorado visit Steamboat.
