hidden valley ski
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Hidden Valley Backcountry Area
Length: Approx. 2,000' vertical from 11,400' to 9400'
Avg. Angle: 25
Steepest Angle: 35
Technicality: This former ski area is now a great local spot for quick access backcountry skiing with sometimes very good snow.
Avg Tour Length: 1 to 5 hrs. car to car
Typical Avi Danger: Generally very low avalanche danger in this area due to lower angles and a very wind hammered snowpack that is typically strong during the mid-winter season.
This area is more rarely in good shape in mid-winter, but by spring when the winds decrease and the snowpack is deepest, this is a fun spot to get in a lot of turns with minimal committment or risk.
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Enjoying a deep powder day on the open slopes of the Hidden Valley.
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A satellite image of the Hidden Valley in its current condition and a brochure from the 70's that shows the extent of this former ski area.
Click on images to enlarge
Dates of Operation: 1955 - 1991
Area Stats:
Average Snowfall: 156"
Ticket Prices (1984): Adults $10; Children $6
Lifts: 2 T-bars, 2 Pomas, 1 double chair (operated 1971-1977, built by
Heron-Poma with a length of 5720', 1150' vertical.
Capacity in 1984: 3,200 skiers/hr.
Facilities: 1 base lodge that contained a cafeteria, ski patrol room, and
restrooms
History: Hidden Valley opened for business in 1955, although the area was
skied by area residents long before lifts were installed. The area was
run by the Estes Park Recreation District and backed by local businesses.
Hidden Valley was eventually bought by the Park Service with the intent to phase out
the ski operations. They removed the double chair in 1977 and in 1991, the area closed for good.
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(Above) A view from the Rainbow Curve towards the "Headwall" section of the upper Hidden Valley.
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Approach Options:
#1 Skin up the from the parking lot at the base area up the center of the valley to the top of the "Headwall" where the best snow usually resides. This is an approx. 2,000' run from the top to bottom.
#2 Skin up the old T-Bar run to the road and enjoy a straight-up and narrow descent.
#3 Wait until Trailridge Road is open to Rainbow Curve (usually May) and park at the mid-way point of the area, either enjoying laps above or below the road.
#4 Once Trailridge is open past Rainbow Curve (usually June), get dropped off above the ski area and do the entire descent with minimal uphill.
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Contact ClimbingLife Guides for more information about guided ski descents and backcountry skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park at:
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or call: 970.744.4898
©2010 ClimbingLife LLC, All Rights Reserved.
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