self arrest practice area recommendation

[coloradomojo]

Hi I'm looking to take a group (~15) out to practice basic snow climbing, self arrest, and glissading in late April for a Colorado Mountain Club class. Also looking for an introductory level coulior to take them on.

Our usual go-to spot of Glen Cove on Pikes Peak is really hurting for snow.

Wonder if anyone has a recommendation on a location with decent snow and stable slope based on recent experience. The Front range is desireable and given the group size, a shorter approach would be good.

Appreciate your suggestions in this La Nina snow year.

-Joe Carberry
Colorado Springs

[BobbyFinn]

Saint Mary's Glacier might work for you. Though it may not work as "an introductory level coulior."

How "introductory" are you looking for? The gully coming off of Engelmann Peak into the Ruby Creek drainage might work for you. It's maybe 20 mins from the parking area. There are 2 pics attached. It starts fairly mellow and gets steeper as it goes. It never gets real steep, though. We got by on snowshoes the entire way up this past weekend, but it was on the edge of our comfort level for steepness in snowshoes. It would likely make good crampon practice for beginners.

How about the Angel of Shavano?

Good luck!

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[Svenski Norski]

Up on Independence Pass there are some small snowfields to the north as you head toward Twilight Peak that I've used to practice, short walk, just pick one that has decent runout, some have grassy patches at the bottom, and not too rocky. You can see this snow from the parking lot, it stays into August most years -

[Presto]

by Svenski Norski » Thu Mar 29, 2012 5:49 am
Up on Independence Pass there are some small snowfields to the north as you head toward Twilight Peak that I've used to practice, short walk, just pick one that has decent runout, some have grassy patches at the bottom, and not too rocky. You can see this snow from the parking lot, it stays into August most years -

As the OP had a timeframe of "late April", this will not work. Independence Pass never opens that early. Happy trails! :D

[jsdratm]

Andrews Glacier in RMNP is a good place. It is where I learned how to use my ice axe.

[CO Native]

The road to Kite Lake has been plowed this year so it would give you some easy access to decent snowfields with safe runout.

[CO Native]

A friend of mine was up at Kite Lake today. Here's what it looks like:



I'd say about perfect conditions for teaching as long as you're there early before it softens too much. Plenty of snow for sliding and huge run out.

[coloradomojo]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Since the field sessions we are teaching aren't for two more weeks, I'd appreciate any additional Beta or suggestions. - Joe

[dubv1]

Does anyone have any suggestions for practicing snow skills (self-arrest) in December around RMNP?

Thanks

[justiner]

There's so little snowpack, that practicing in most places in RMNP would be unwise. The perennial snow patches are most likely bulletproof ice. Everything else isn't very consolidated.

[dubv1]

Got it. Thank you.