TR: Mount Toll Ski (24 June 2015)

(Last Updated On: July 6, 2015)

Mount Toll is a classic spring skiing line in the Front Range. Some of the Indian Peaks in the area are not very appealing when it comes to looks, but Mount Toll is highly aesthetic as it towers over Blue Lake.

Mount Toll

We began in the wee hours of the morning, having to park at the Brainard Lake TH since the road to Mitchell Lake was closed. A nice view of the Indian Peaks in the pre-dawn hours.
Indian Peaks from Brainard Lake

After a few miles of hiking, we were at Blue Lake and ready to make our way up Mount Toll.
Approaching Mount Toll to go backcountry skiing.

Pawnee Peak across the lake.
Pawnee Peak

The climb up Toll was pretty with Blue Lake below.
Blue Lake from Mount Toll

And then the real Indian Peaks made their appearance. Hopi and Achonee.
Mount Hopi & Achonee seen from Mount Toll

Apache Peak on the left.
Apache Peak

Looking toward Granby.
Granby seen from Mount Toll.

Me on the summit with Mount Audubon behind.
Brittany Konsella on the summit of Mount Toll.

Unfortunately, Scott had forgotten his ski boots back in Boulder. But, he rallied for the cause, hiking in his shoes to the summit of Toll. I think there was some display of stubborn foolhardiness along the way 😉 So, I passed the camera over to him for the descent.

The ski was pretty fun. The upper slopes of Mount Toll can be steeper than they look!
Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mt Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mt Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mt Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mount Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mount Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mount Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mount Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Mount Toll

The conditions were definitely transitioning into summer snowpack.
Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Toll

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Toll

Admiring Mount Toll on our way out.
Mt Toll and Blue Lake.

I was able to ski a little over 2000′ following gullies through the valley before having to transition back to hiking boots. From there, we followed the trail back to the trailhead and the road back to the car.

A look at the Indian Peaks seen from Brainard Lake in the daylight.
Views of the Indian Peaks seen from Brainard Lake.

I lived in Boulder and Boulder County for well over a decade. Yet, I’d never managed to make my way up to Blue Lake or Mount Toll. I’m glad I finally carried myself up there, and enjoyed a fun ski along the way!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Mount Toll Ski
Article Name
Mount Toll Ski
Description
Mount Toll stands proud above Blue Lake and holds snow well into the summer, making it a fantastic and classic backcountry ski route!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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