Have you ever thought you’re wasting time riding ski lift instead of skiing? Let’s look into statistics: most people spend between 20 – 30% of their time actually skiing. That means you actually spend most of your time on the chairlift or waiting in line for one. That doesn’t sound exciting..
If spending ~70% of the day on ski lift or in line is not for you, we have good news! Recently another resort, Eldora mountain resort, joined the cohort of places allowing uphill skiing! Alpine touring or skinning is becoming very popular in US ski resorts now.
The biggest draw of alpine touring is adventure: discovering fresh, untracked powdery slopes (not to mention a break from the crowds and lines of resorts). This sport is a great workout and offers the adrenaline rush of racing downhill as your reward.
It was previously banned on ski resorts. Remember this sign?
But now you can ski uphill in more and more places! You just need to check resort uphill policy which specifies the trails you’re can to ski uphill as well as when alpine touring is allowed.
In accordance with Eldora : “In partnership with the USFS, Eldora Mountain Resort will trial uphill alpine touring for the coming season. This temporary change in Eldora’s operating permit will allow Eldora management time to review this category of snowsports. Unlike everyday operations for Alpine, Snowboarding and Nordic, Uphill Alpine Touring access will be offered on a modified agenda, including mid-week access and for special events and competitions”.
Uphill Alpine Touring products are only allowed mid-week, non-holiday days, on specified uphill routes, during normal business operation hours from 9am to 4pm. Strict conditions of use exist. Eldora ski resorts is in just 21 miles from Boulder. The season pass for Alpine touring will cost $149 for adults.
Are you ready for the coming season? Here is the list of other Colorado resorts where you can ski uphill, including Aspen, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin!
