Loveland Pass North: Northwest Bowl

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

A quick hike up the ridge from the pass provides access to a wide open snow field funneling down into a glade.

This is avalanche terrain. Know the forecast and be snow smart. Dig a pit and analyze if you aren't sure. You and your partner should both have avalanche gear. If you don't have avalanche rescue gear (shovel, beacon, probe), then you should NOT ski here, or in any backcountry areas in this region.

If you stay within 100 yards or so of the road you should be able to easily make it back to the car at the bottom. Have your driver drop you and your partner off at the pass and then hike the ridge and descend back to the road. Beautiful turns in deep pow!

Again, this is avalanche terrain. Even if the snow pack is stable in the glades, it does not mean it is stable and safe in the bowl. Use extreme caution and know the forecast prior to skiing the bowl.

This bowl funnels into gladed terrain near the bottom. Ski the trees, taking care to avoid hidden boulders and stumps. There is one choke point when you are almost down that may be more difficult for less experienced skiers; thus, everyone should be an expert skier despite the relative ease of the terrain at higher elevations.

You'll want to eventually traverse right to get back to the car and the road. Hitchhike up to the top or have your driver pick you up.