Crested Butte Ski and Bike conditions update 5.2.12
(Last Updated On: May 2, 2012)
Well, it’s that time of year again. Bikers and hikers are eagerly asking, “Is X open yet? Is Y open yet?” Skiers, meanwhile, are lamenting the lack of snow asking “How much of a pain in the butt is it to get to Z now?” Generally speaking, this season is 4-6 weeks ahead of schedule for snowmelt- which is of course great for the MTB crowd and horrible for skiers. In any case, I thought I’d pass on what I know- additional comments are always welcome.
Ski: The Crested Butte zone lacks good high trailheads and high peaks (most peaks in this area fall just short of 13,000′), making things difficult in late spring. The Irwin zone is currently a good choice, with the road through the townsite plowed and decent access (skins on at the car) to peaks like Owen. Snowmobiles are no longer warranted, unless we get a big dump. Kebler is closed but plowed at the “Y”- some work is being done on it and it won’t be open for a couple more weeks. Slate is open to Pittsburg and beyond, though you’ll be walking at first. The snowpack still looks good up at Paradise divide (despite the low snowpack, the remaining snow is actually quite good- not too runneled or dusty yet). Gothic road is now open to the bridge just before Rustler’s Gulch. Again, you’ll be walking. Those are currently the best access points around here. That said, we may take advantage of higher traiheads in the San Juans next weekend.
Bike: Hartman’s Rocks in Gunnison has been open for a while, with conditions reportedly “very dry and dusty”. The bigger rides South of the powerline, like Aberdeen, will be closed for another 2 weeks for Sage Grouse habitat. Open rides in Crested Butte include Upper, Upper Upper, Whetstone Vista, Lupine, and the Caves loop in CB south. 409 has seen tire tracks as well. Reports from Strand are of a muddy trail that isn’t quite ready. Snodgrass hopefully won’t be long. Trail conditions can also be found HERE.
That’s about it- if anyone has more info, please leave a comment.
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