Hi all,
I was curious if you all have any beta on lines that go fairly reliably in November. I have seen reports of the N couloir of Castle Peak being fairly reliable, the Boudoir couloir, and of course Tyndall Glacier, and possible descents of Dragon Tail. I'm especially interested in lines close to the front range.
I suspect high elevation N and E aspects that get wind loaded fairly reliably are the most likely options to look at.
Thanks!
November Lines
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Re: November Lines
Is this like a "turns all year" inquiry, or are you trying to ski a worthwhile objective in November?
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Scott P
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Re: November Lines
Are you looking for couloir climbs? I would not say that the North Couloir of Castle or Boudoir are reliable for couloir climbs in November. I can't speak for skiing them downhill (if that's what you are referring to), but I would not climb those in November.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
Re: November Lines
Here's Cristo from late last December.
Second worst skiing of my life (second to james peak about a month later in zero-vis). Constantly punched to the ground, hit tons of rocks and grass. Did not go from the summit, downclimbed lots of talus. Fell over a few times.
Second worst skiing of my life (second to james peak about a month later in zero-vis). Constantly punched to the ground, hit tons of rocks and grass. Did not go from the summit, downclimbed lots of talus. Fell over a few times.
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Re: November Lines
Ahahaha, yes, this is a "turns all year" kind of post, definitely not expecting great conditions.
@Veory I skied Helen in similar conditions last spring. Enough snow had fallen to just cover all the rocks so all I did was punch through and destroy my skis, fall over, etc. Horrible.
@Scott P No, I'm looking more to ski them. Don't care how I ascend.
@Veory I skied Helen in similar conditions last spring. Enough snow had fallen to just cover all the rocks so all I did was punch through and destroy my skis, fall over, etc. Horrible.
@Scott P No, I'm looking more to ski them. Don't care how I ascend.
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climbnowworklater
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Re: November Lines
Who skis in November in colorado? Only people not AIARE certified is my guess. Crazy.
"The best climber in the world, is the one having the most fun!" Alex Lowe
"In the mountains there is a strange market where you can barter the vortex of life for boundless bliss." Milarepa
"In the mountains there is a strange market where you can barter the vortex of life for boundless bliss." Milarepa
Re: November Lines
Not crazy at all. There can be very good early season skiing in CO with the right storms and temperatures, before our usual PWLs are created. Many backcountry runs have names which reflect this, such as "Halloween Bowl" in my neck of the woods, or "Turkey chute" near Silverton- both typically and often skied around the time of those holidays.
There is no such thing as "AIARE certified". Someone can sign up and sleep through the whole thing. This is unlike someone getting an actual certification, such as a WFR, which people can, and do, "fail". Also, AIARE is just one course provider among many under the American Avalanche Association. Other course providers include the Silverton Avalanche School, the American Avalanche Institute, and others.
Sorry OP, I don't have any specific suggestions close to the front range.
There is no such thing as "AIARE certified". Someone can sign up and sleep through the whole thing. This is unlike someone getting an actual certification, such as a WFR, which people can, and do, "fail". Also, AIARE is just one course provider among many under the American Avalanche Association. Other course providers include the Silverton Avalanche School, the American Avalanche Institute, and others.
Sorry OP, I don't have any specific suggestions close to the front range.
Re: November Lines
When I skied Cristo in the pic above, it was before there was any real layering in the snowpack, just not enough snow. So, no stiff layer = no avalanche! Even had the CAIC green light to boot. And yes, I do have an AIARE "cert".
Also couloirs can have very different conditions than other slopes early in the year. I still don't really risk it once the snow has started coming in properly.
Also couloirs can have very different conditions than other slopes early in the year. I still don't really risk it once the snow has started coming in properly.
Re: November Lines
I’m just starting my TAY adventure but I just hit my first milestone with a ski descent of the tallest dune in the Great Sand Dunes NP. My expectations were very low but It was actually really fun. My husband just hit 84 consecutive months of skiing.
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d_baker
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Re: November Lines
^ that's an awesome picture!!
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heartbraden
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Re: November Lines
Loveland Pass, Democrat's southeast chute, Peak 6, Peak 10, Dolly Varden and Moose Creek Bowl on Bross, Baldy, Vail Pass, Hoosier Pass, Mosquito Spoon. All usually have enough to ride in November
Re: November Lines
Any given season in any given location. Think lee aspects like north through east chutes that are sheltered from the sun. This was Python on Sultan last October.
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Last edited by Jorts on Mon Sep 15, 2025 12:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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