Traveling to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is such a treat, especially when visiting Red Mountain Pass. Just five miles north of Silverton, CO, Red Mountain Pass provides easy access to some of the most epic ski terrain. It’s and area surrounded with large mountains that can have high consequences if you’re not prepared. It’s arguably one of the most avalanche prone terrain in the lower 48’s with on of the highest avalanche fatalities, so saying that planning and preparation is important is an understatement.
I went with my buddy Dominik and the plan was to skin up McMillan Peak and ski down into the US Basin on western aspects. This particular area is low angle terrain, which makes it a popular backcountry ski area during the winter months. The accessibility to this area is what makes this particular spot pretty special. It’s a short ski tour from Million Dollar Highway (Road 550) to access some of the most incredible ski terrain. You just park your car at a small trailhead parking lot or on the side of the road, grab your gear, and just head out for ski tour. Be sure get the avalanche forecast before heading into this terrain. You can get the forecast at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for the Southern San Juan Mountains. Know before you go (KBYG). You can get a map of the area at by visiting the Caltopo website and doing a search for Red Mountain Pass.