Snowmass is too massive to be explored in just one day. Below are a few highlights of where to find the steep chutes, deep powder, and hanging snowfields.
Hanging Valley Headwall
To access the Hanging Valley Headwall: Ride the High Alpine lift. Exit the lift to the left. It’s a 10 minute hike up to Roberto’s or continue hiking for another 5 minutes to access the Head Wall. Once you’re in the Hanging Valley area you’ll find plenty of steep chutes, drops and plenty of untracked powder…if you know where to find it.
The Cirque
Access to the cirque is via the surface lift at the top of the Big Burn. The line can be lengthy on powder days so if this is your first time on such a lift, ask for assistance before loading.
From the top of the Cirque you can access the Hanging Valley Wall via the High traverse and also the Cirque Headwall. On the way up the lift, look to the left and you can drop off early to catch AMF or Gowdy’s. The entrance to Gowdy’s has steepest pitch of any open terrain that Aspen/Snowmass has to offer. It boldly boasts a 52 degree pitch.
Burn Side Cliffs
This is the same cliff band as AMF and Gowdy’s. Access to these runs are from either the Cirque surface lift or the Big Burn. The Burn Side Cliffs offer steep faces littered with rocks, cliffs and hanging snowfields. February 29 March 2, 2008 Snowmass is proud to host The STIHL® Colorado Freeride Championships (CFC) presented by Spike Shooter. It consists of entry-level events and the Championships for skiers and snowboarders. Competitions are held on both the Hanging Valley Wall and the Burn Side Cliffs. If you are up on the mountain and want to check it out, the best viewing of the Burn Side competitions is from the deck at Gwynn’s High Alpine Restaurant.
