Bluebird Backcountry @ Mosquito Pass
Mosquito Pass is one of the most beautiful and untracked alpine zones in the state. We grouped skiers/splitboarders with similar abilities and backcountry knowledge into groups that were guided by a professional from Colorado Mountain School. Our goals for the day were to have fun, explore easy/intermediate terrain, and impart some basic backcountry knowledge, such as using equipment, reading terrain, traveling uphill, and transitioning efficiently.
What do I need to sign up?
- No previous backcountry experience required!
- Fitness: you should be a solid resort skier (comfortable skiing ungroomed black or blue runs) who is able and excited to travel 3–5 miles at altitude, gaining at least 1,000’
- Backpack with avalanche gear: beacon, shovel, probe. Thanks to our partner, Ortovox, packs with this gear are available for rent through Bluebird Backcountry @ $29/day
- Ski gear: ski poles and backcountry-specific boots, skis/splitboard, and skins (our partners Bentgate Mountaineering, Cripple Creek Backcountry, Mountain Outfitters, and Neptune Mountaineering are offering steep discounts on rentals to Bluebird Backcountry participants while supplies last: $60/day for touring boots, skis, skins, and poles. More information upon registration.)
- Appropriate clothing, food, and water for a day in the backcountry (packing list will be provided upon registration)
- Transportation (4-wheel drive HIGHLY recommended and carpooling encouraged) that can get you to and from the parking area for Mosquito Pass, at the intersection of CR12 and CR 696 outside of Alma, CO
North London Mill Preservation, Inc.
Bluebird Backcountry is a proud partner of North London Mill Preservation, Inc. (NoLo), a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s rehabilitating the historic North London Mill and Mining Office as a backcountry hut. They’ve secured major funding from History Colorado State Historical Fund and the Gates Family Foundation. And, thanks to NoLo, our guests got to take part in an exclusive tour of the site during our time on skis in Mosquito Pass.
