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A great alternative to Upper Main when the top melts out.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Ski Line

11,338' 3,456 m

High

10,555' 3,217 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

783' 239 m

Down

29%

Avg Slope (16°)

39%

Max Slope (21°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

Start on an open alpine slope, descend into a wide bowl, good for a few GS turns, and then head into a short, fun, funnel along Hidden Creek drainage to its connection with Trail Ridge.

Need to Know

There's a base area with bathrooms and a tubing hill but the bathrooms aren't always open during the week.

Description

Use the Upper Valley ascent to hit Trail Ridge. About 100 yards below the road, the ascent jaunts right, if you thread your way left into the Hidden Creek drainage (assuming it's all snow-covered), you'll be able to look up, see the road, and a funnel leading up to Upper Main 2.

Engage the legs and ascend, keeping the wooded ridge to your left. At the top of available coverage, turn and descend, keeping the wooded ridge to your right.

The first part of the descent is mellow and between islands of krummholz. Soon you'll break out into a wide bowl where 10ish large turns can be had, watch for scattered rocks if coverage is thin. After the bowl, descend back into the Hidden Creek Funnel and work some short turns through the section as it speeds up. Less than a few minutes later, you'll hit Trail Ridge.

History & Background

Part of the old Hidden Valley ski hill that closed in the 90's.

Contacts

Shared By:

Timo Holmquist

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#376

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Ski Line Rankings

#142

in Colorado

#376

Overall
61 Views Last Month
538 Since Mar 11, 2021
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Trail Ridge Road in Early February.
Dec 4, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
The main line just above the road.
Dec 5, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
The top of the left line.
Dec 5, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Left of center pow stash.
Dec 5, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Leftmost of center, looking up.
Dec 5, 2022 near Estes Park, CO

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