Colorado’s Crested Butte Mountain Resort is home to what is widely-recognized as the steepest tree-cut run in the United States. Holding a continuous 55-degree pitch, Rambo is notoriously unforgiving and littered with obstacles throughout like rocks and stumps.
The following video was taken this week and as you can see the snow coverage was limited with tree limbs and exposed rocks poking out of the steep terrain. During this group descent a loose rock became dislodged and gained momentum as its careened down the slope creating an additional hazard to an already perilous trail.
Thankfully the rock did not connect with any skiers as it quickly made its way to the base but if it had the consequences may have been dire. Just another example of Rambo living up to its reputation as one of the nastiest sections of inbound terrain on the continent.
“Crested Butte is full of extremes to hang your bragging rights on, and Rambo is the iconic steep, fast and bumpy unicorn. Often referred to as the steepest lift-serviced tree-cut run in the U.S., Rambo gets a lot of hype with its continuous fall line and sheer drop. Ski Powder Rock Glade or Hawks Nest to a cat track to get there. You can side-step the first 15 boney feet if you’re not comfortable with hopping around prominent rocks. After the initial drop, follow the natural moguls and look for the flow of the trees. The right side tends to be a little easier, left is steeper.”
