Arapaho National Forest, Colorado — There have been various indications this summer in Colorado of last winter’s woeful snowfall. These include well-below-average reservoirs, new potential water rules for the Colorado River, and wildfires. For skiers, perhaps the most depressing sign was the loss of a longtime year-round ski spot.
Last week, hikers to St. Mary’s Glacier were surprised to find the snow gone. People had feared this fate all summer, as it showed troubling signs of melting over the past few weeks. It’s reportedly the first time in the past century that it disappeared.
While technically not a glacier, the snow’s long-term presence in the Rockies earned it that moniker. It’s a snowfield, as the snow and ice aren’t thick enough to travel downward to make it an official glacier.
The hike is still doable, but visitors will be treated to rocks rather than snow.
The Ski Experience
Located in Arapaho National Forest, St. Mary’s Glacier provides skiers with an easier chance than other remaining snow pockets in Colorado, which typically require an arduous hike
According to AllTrails, the 1.8-mile round-trip hike is moderately challenging, with around 550 feet of elevation gain. Drivers should note that parking costs $20 per day. Skiers typically ski the glacier from late spring into early fall. It keeps hardcore skiers entertained during the months when ski resorts close for the season.
Eventually, snow will return to the spot, meaning that skiing there hasn’t ended. But it will make finding offseason turns in Colorado harder in the future, since its presence is no longer guaranteed.
Image/Video Credits: Capreso, FOX31 Denver, Trailer Tom
