Bluebird Backcountry, Colorado’s backcountry ski area, will officially open for the 2022/2023 ski season on Thursday, allowing skiers and snowboarders to kick off the season with open terrain on Bear Mountain — terrain which historically has not opened to the public until mid-January and early February.
“Early season storms have been dumping snow on Bluebird every week since the beginning of November,” stated co-founder and CEO Jeff Woodward. “We are so stoked to have more terrain than we’ve ever had open to the public on Opening Day. Come get it!”
Bearclaw Meadows is a blue, or intermediate, trail located on the northeast side of Bear Mountain. Additional available terrain will include the West Bowl, Shire and Meat Hill zones — providing a variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain for skiers and riders of all skill levels. More terrain will open as conditions permit.
Bluebird’s team has been working hard to set up the ski area over the last several weeks. Setup of the ski area includes constructing all the base area structures, placing all trail signs and markers across the mountain and building the geodesic domes that will be used for an education classroom, communal space and overnight accommodations.
“Setting up an entire ski area in the winter is no joke, but our team has handled the hard work and challenges we’ve been dealt with grit and determination,” said general manager and COO Scott Leigh. “We’re ready to transition away from building a ski area to creating an unforgettable experience for our guests this winter.”
Firepits and picnic tables are set up in the base area for guests to take a break or enjoy Bluebird’s relaxed and social après scene. Bluebird’s mid-mountain warming hut, The Perch, will also be up and running, offering guests free hot bacon while they warm up in between runs.
Passes, backcountry lessons, and equipment rentals are available for opening day and opening weekend, with day passes available online starting as low as $39 a day. Day passes purchased on-site are $69. Merchandise as well as food and beverage items will be available for purchase in the base area.
This will be Bluebird Backcountry’s third season at the Bear Mountain location off of Highway 40, which is about 30 minutes southeast of Steamboat Springs and roughly 2.5 hours from the Front Range. Bluebird is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For information, visit bluebirdbackcountry.com.
Photo by Justin Wilhelm
