IDAHO SPRINGS, Colorado – I’ve talked lots about how I’m not prepared to surrender snowboarding simply because it’s July, however till this summer time, I used to be but to truly go snowboarding in July. Now there’s a snowboarding choice at a resort in Colorado this time of yr. Copper Mountain hosts a hike-to park all through the summer time, nevertheless it’s largely rails and, frankly, I’m simply not a park skier. I needed to get in some precise, on-snow activates a July weekend, so a buddy and I drove as much as the St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead simply outdoors of Idaho Springs, packed up our backpacks, and received some good ol’ heat climate earn-your-turn ski runs.
Leaving early sufficient on a summer time Saturday means you possibly can unbelievably skip all visitors on the way in which up. We hit the highway from the Denver space at 6:30am, and even then I used to be frightened we’d hit some visitors. However we made it in simply round an hour and have been in a position to get on the path by 7:30.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking at St. Mary’s Glacier will not be free. There’s a $20 cost for the nearer heaps, and a few 10$ heaps additional away. The shut heaps ask you to both pay in your telephone, or put $20 (money or test) in a small envelope along with your license plate written on it (carry a pen in case you hope to pay this manner!) and slide that into a bit of mail field. They do apparently test that car parking zone ceaselessly, so don’t attempt to skip the cost.
The path to the mountain lake is simply round half a mile. Fast and simple, apart from the uneven and rocky terrain. There are just a few factors the place you might need to lean in a bizarre means or carry your backpack to keep away from scraping your skis on rocks and bushes. Simply take your time and be cautious. After half a mile, the gorgeous St. Mary’s Glacier lake reveals itself, however having fun with the lake continues to be higher saved for later.
The hike from the lake to the underside of the snowfield (St. Mary’s Glacier isn’t truly a glacier, it’s a everlasting snowfield) is its personal, noticeable part, although it’s solely a couple of quarter of a mile. You cross a small bridge and stroll via some pretty thick brush, which is likely to be a little bit of a battle along with your skis in your again, however you’ll make it simply superb. The underside of the glacier gives a fairly gorgeous view of the lake and the mountains behind it, so take your time and benefit from the second.
The hike to the highest of the snowfield, in accordance with my Strava, was about three quarters of a mile with totally different turns simply navigate the terrain and keep away from strolling on snow. If you wish to simply shoot straight up, it’s most likely nearer to half a mile. We selected to stroll alongside a rocky path subsequent to the snow as a lot as attainable, making it simpler to carry traction. It’s actually as much as you, no matter’s best. The later in the summertime you head up there, the much less snow there can be. You gained’t should hike as far in case you wait till late August, however you additionally gained’t be capable of ski as far.
The snowboarding was truthfully loads higher than anticipated. The snow was tough and uneven, nevertheless it wasn’t too scratchy, and we weren’t continually dodging rocks. The run got here out to be round half a mile in complete, so there’s lots of room to get some strong turns down.
Actually there are two runs you are able to do. One pretty tame however long term, and one steeper however shorter run. We selected to stay to the mellow, longer run only for the sake of getting probably the most out of our work. Maintain an eye fixed out for hikers and unleashed canine on the snow as you head down. That is Colorado we’re speaking about, and St. Mary’s Glacier isn’t unpopular. Two laps took us round two hours with some snack breaks.
As soon as your carried out with snowboarding, the lake presents a implausible option to conclude the journey. It’s chilly, sure. Frigid, even. However it’s extremely welcoming after a day of climbing and snowboarding. There are seaside areas wrapping across the lake, and a fairly intimidating cliff leaping space in case you’re feeling courageous. Clearly, in case you select to cliff leap, achieve this at your individual threat. The water is chilly and never the deepest on the earth, so please perceive what you’re stepping into.
Carrying quick-dry clothes means you possibly can simply swim in your shorts and dry on the hike down, however I tossed a hand towel in my bag simply to be secure (I’d say it was price it). From the lake, it’s only a hike again down the .5 mile path, and also you’re again at your automotive.
A couple of issues to notice: 1) This isn’t a newbie snowboarding exercise. The slope will not be that steep, however the terrain is unpredictable and unmitigated. I might solely suggest doing this in case you’re snug snowboarding any in-bound terrain. 2) St. Mary’s Glacier path is very in style. Head out out early or the car parking zone is likely to be full, and also you is likely to be compelled so as to add an additional mile or extra to the hike. 3) Convey loads of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You’re climbing at a excessive altitude. Be sensible.
4) Be ready to reply a ton of questions. St. Mary’s Glacier is without doubt one of the best to entry mountain lakes close to the Denver space, so there are many vacationers heading up there, and they are going to be curious. Be pleasant, reply their questions, perceive that you simply develop into part of the tourism expertise by doing cool stuff like this.
Get after it and have some enjoyable this summer time!
