Chris Hoffbauer is the J5 Development Coach for Aspen Valley Ski Club and we went powder skiing after a big dump on Berthoud Pass near Winter Park. Can you believe that at the end of April it would be possible to ski waist deep snow? If not watch the video.
We took precautions on our small trip. This season there have been two avalanche related fatalities on Berthoud Pass. Both could have been avoided if those involved had respect for the mountain environment and taken steps to protect themselves.
Chris and I were both wearing avalanche transceivers, carrying probes, shovels, a small shelter and the knowledge of how to use the equipment. We had read the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website to get the snow forecast. We talked to the CDOT representative on the pass and asked about the avalanche mitigation that they were conducting on the other side of the pass. I am a certified mountain guide, and although Chris is new to skiing in the backcountry, he is an experienced mountaineer who has climbed almost all of the 14,000ft peaks in Colorado.
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