Since its opening in 2019, Bluebird Backcountry has created one of the most unique skiing experiences in all of the country. With a full season last year under their belt(Covid derailed their 19-20 winter), Bluebird Backcountry is going big on investments. This includes twelve new runs, ranging from intermediate, advanced, and extreme expert terrain. This brings Bluebird’s trail count up to twenty-five, and their marked skinned runs up to eleven.
But wait, there’s more! Here’s their official statement on all of the big changes for this upcoming winter:
“After a few months of summer, it’s inevitable—our minds drift to crisp nights, first snowfall, and the glory of a powder day.
At Bluebird Backcountry, nestled up against snowy Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado, we’ve been keeping the dream alive all summer… improving our new mountain and imagining how we can make this incredible place even more special, more educational, more fun, and more social. Here are the highlights for the next winter of awesome:
12 New Trails (!!)
Last winter was our first full season. We skied every cranny of Bear Mountain and mapped out what an ideal trail system would look like. Then the fun and challenge began in July. More than 50 volunteers and sawyers threw down for Gladefest: BBQs, camping, and—most importantly—thinning out the forest to make our wintry dreams come true. The result is 12 new runs for the upcoming year:
- Six new advanced options on the North Face. Steep skiers rejoice! Each new trail boasts a slightly different flavor—think everything from open turns to tight, swooping trails through the trees. If you loved skiing Ursa Major last year, you’re in for a treat… well, six of ‘em.
- Four new extreme gullies in Couloir Zone, an unbelievably steep addition to our avalanche-managed and ski-patrolled area. The couloirs range from 37 to 45 degrees in slope angle, and we guarantee they’ll make you pucker and think twice before dropping in.
- Two new fun intermediate runs on the Northeast Face—another entirely new area of the mountain to explore. These runs skip through meadows and old-growth aspens and will be a delight for the whole family to ski.
- Plus, four new marked skin tracks across the mountain that will guide you to the latest powder stashes!
In the spirit of the backcountry, and operating with guidance from the Colorado State Forest Service, landowner, and local land trust, we’ve maintained a wild character for adventure skiing and the abundant wildlife around the property.
Road Improvements
Our new upgrades extend beyond the slopes, too. Over the summer, our friends at Sessions & Sons helped us move dirt on the access road from Highway 14 to the base. We improved drainage, smoothed out problem areas, widened some areas, and added a road base. It’s looking sharp!
Bluebird Backcountry Digital Community
We’ve built an incredible digital resource called Community to connect our guests with one another. Think of it as our own social media platform with discussion, events, education, and more. We’ve had many of the same questions over and over, like “How do I find a partner?” So we prioritized what you’ve been asking for, including:
- Partner Finder — To meet up with like-minded partners.
- Ride Share — To connect with others driving to Bluebird.
- Gear Swap — To swap, buy, and sell gear.
- Tons of groups and conversation topics — We’ll stop explaining… basically hop over and see what we’re doing on Community.
New Courses and Education Memberships
If you’ve been to Bluebird, you’ve probably seen classes in action across the mountain. We’re incredibly passionate about education, and it’s an essential part of our mission. In addition to our classic Backcountry 1, 2, and 3 lessons and AIARE avalanche courses, this winter we are adding:
- Education Memberships — Packages of classes paired with premium educational content on our new Community platform, only for members. Bluebird+ for backcountry beginners and Advanced+ for backcountry intermediates and experts.
- Advanced Courses — Designed for more experienced backcountry travelers, we’re offering a host of new classes, such as Advanced Trip Planning and Ski Mountaineering Skills.
- Avalanche Refresher — We believe every backcountry skier should practice, practice, practice. Our new Avy Refresher course is designed as a yearly way to keep your avalanche and rescue skills top of mind. Taught only by our AIARE-certified instructors.
Dogs are Official!
Last year we ran a few trial days where dogs were allowed on the slopes. Now it’s official—dogs are allowed to join you on the skin track every weekday, including holidays. Who can say no?
New Season Pass Benefits
Season passholders have unlimited, no-reservation access to the mountain all winter long. This year we’re bringing back all of our popular Season Pass benefits plus some great new additions:
- NEW: Two free tickets to Arapahoe Basin (no blackout dates)
- NEW: Unlimited free dog passes on weekdays
- Five free nights camping
- One free guest pass
- Five buddy codes for 20% off
- Limited-edition 2021/22 Bear Mountain poster
- And a bunch more
Next-Gen Season Pass
This year we’ve introduced the Next Gen Season Pass for anyone 26 or younger. These passes come with all the access and benefits of a full pass—including the A-Basin days—just $100 less expensive! This option is specifically designed for families and students, and anyone born in 1996 or after is welcome to score the deal.
Weekday Season Pass
Running morning laps or avoiding traffic on the weekends? We now have a Weekday Season Pass good for Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays all winter long. Like the Next Gen Pass, this one has all the bells and whistles and will save you $100. You can even use your free guest pass for yourself on a Saturday or Sunday!”
Image Credits: Bluebird Backcountry