From backcountry ski resorts to听via ferrata, there have never been more or better ways to get after it outside鈥攁nd Colorado is on the cutting edge.听We teamed up with Land Rover to celebrate this听modern adventurous听spirit and the launch of its all-new Defender, the most iconic adventure vehicle of all time.听See below for three of Colorado's newest and coolest adventures. Then, head over to The New Rules of 国产吃瓜黑料 for even more inspiration from around the country.
Rule #1: Backcountry Skiing Is No Longer an听Out-of-Bounds Affair
Meet the country鈥檚 first in-bounds backcountry ski area: , with 1,200 acres of supreme B.C. terrain and many of the trappings of a downhill ski area. While there are no chairlifts鈥攅verything is human-powered鈥擝luebird provides ski patrol, guides, gear rentals and lessons, a lodge and warming hut, and avalanche courses. The in-bounds, avalanche-evaluated, yet totally ungroomed terrain comprises much of 9,845-foot Bear Mountain on the Continental Divide, with 1,245 feet of vertical and seven marked skin tracks. The main area abuts another 3,000 acres of guided-only, out-of-bounds terrain. The mountain is super COVID-aware: contactless check-in, and only 200 guests permitted a day. There鈥檚 no on-site lodging, but you鈥檙e allowed five nights of free camping, and Bluebird is just 30 minutes from Steamboat.
Rule #2: Cliffs Aren't Just for Climbers
The cliffs of Ouray, ice-climbing capital of the world, are the fitting home to Colorado鈥檚 newest 鈥850 iron rungs of airy traverses, staircases, and vertiginous gorge crossings on the exposed walls of Uncompahgre Canyon. 鈥淭he crux is what we call the Sky Stair,鈥 says Mark Luppenlatz, whose San Juan Guides provide gear and guides for a half-day outing. 鈥淵ou walk a 75-foot span of the gorge that rises at a 35-degree angle, with cables a-wobbling.鈥 The via ferrata was put in by local rock and ice farmers鈥斺減eople who like to hang from ropes all day and drill holes.鈥 Meaning it shows off the beauty of the place while serving up challenges and pulse-racing exposure. Best of all it鈥檚 free, if you have the right gear. Or rent a kit from San Juan Guides at their shop in town. The route will open up again next Spring when the ice melts.
Rule #3: The 国产吃瓜黑料 Continues After Dark
鈥淚 tell people, come for the mountains, stay for the dark skies,鈥 says Charley Ellison of . But more often these days, it鈥檚 the other way around. Charley rents out a collection of secluded rural cabins with views of the Sangre de Cristos by day and dazzling skies by night. They鈥檙e all in the vicinity of Westcliffe (about three hours south of Denver), the first certified Dark Sky Community in Colorado. Lack of city lights, low humidity, and 300 clear nights a year all add up to superb atmospherics. The hot tip is to book an architectural showcase called Rancho Bendito, which has its own 17-inch telescope, but bring your own scopes to savor celestial showtime at any of the properties. Or head into Westcliffe鈥檚 Bluff Park and gawk through the scope at Smokey Jack Observatory. Spend daytime hiking, fishing, riding, or just gazing at the Sangres while waiting for the sun to go down
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