Our Multi Use Mountain

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A couple travels uphill carrying their skis in Vail, Colorado

Uphill Travel and Backcountry

Everyone has a different reason for visiting Stevens Pass, and we recognize that as hosts of a multi-use space, some guests may want to learn about uphill access so they can exercise amidst stunning valley views, while others may want to learn about backcountry access outside of the Resort’s boundary.

The information we’ve compiled below informs you of some general hazards, key points to know, and where you can get educated on these modes of alternate mountain travel that may be available during the winter.

Snowboarders Hiking to Top of Mountain at Stevens Pass

Uphill Access

Use and Access
 
Uphill access, also known as skinning or snowshoeing, is an increasingly popular way to log miles, enjoy solitude in nature, and get invigorating exercise during the winter. Stevens Pass does allow uphill access, but several factors (like snow safety, maintenance and operations, and seasonal considerations) can affect the availability. 

Always call our Uphill Access Trail Hotline to learn about schedule and use considerations: (206) 812-7847 AND check the yellow light on the clock tower in the plaza between Granite Peaks Lodge and Pacific Crest Lodge. A flashing yellow light indicates uphill traffic is not allowed.
 
Hazards and Concerns
 
As an uphill traveler, you’ll always cede the right-of-way to downhill traffic and will need to be aware of mountain operations going on around you. Below, a few tips to keep in mind: 
  • Stay on designated trails and/or to the side of trails during daylight hours, and remain visible from above at all times.
  • Respect all trail closures, ropes, and warning signs.
  • Wear bright colors and/or items with reflective elements to maximize your visibility.
  • Stay clear of all snowmaking and snow grooming equipment.
  • Pets are not allowed on mountain at Stevens Pass at any time, which includes during uphill access and normal operating hours.
  • The alpine resort is closed to uphill traffic during periods of avalanche control, which typically occurs early morning, but may occur any time throughout the day.
  • The alpine resort is closed to uphill traffic any time there is an active winch cat operating anywhere in the resort.
  • Snowshoeing is not allowed at Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, but is encouraged at the Steven Pass Nordic Center, located five miles east of the summit. All Nordic Center policies apply. 
What to Do
  1. Call the Trail Hotline for access information.
  2. Prepare for your tour.
  3. Heed our advice above.
  4. Enjoy!
Stevens Pass

UPHILL ACCESS POLICY

Overview

Backcountry Awareness

The ski area has no responsibility for skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained.
(More on that below).

Use and Access

Backcountry use, where available, allows Resort guests to leave the Resort to enter unmarked, unpatrolled, and unmaintained snow on United Forest Service (USFS) or other public lands. The backcountry area outside of the Stevens Pass Mountain Resort Boundary is public land. However, you must be aware of the potential for serious injury and costly rescue operations. There is no avalanche control or patrol beyond the ski area boundary. Rescue from these areas is not guaranteed and if available, may be slow and costly. There may be times when hiking routes in the ski area boundary are closed due to avalanche danger or other safety concerns. Therefore, we recommend skiers/snowboarders stay within the resort boundary for their own safety as well as the safety of others who may follow their tracks.

Call (206) 812-7847 for the latest information on avalanche mitigation operations and permissibility of out-of-bounds skiing.

Exit point gate to lift-accessed backcountry at Vail notes the hazards of leaving the resort
Hazards and Concerns 
 
When heading out of bounds and into the backcountry, you’ll need to rely on yourself and your partners—which is exactly why skiing or riding with a partner is so important. Rescue by local authorities, if available, will be costly and take time.
 
The Know Before You Go program details 5 steps to addressing the hazards of the backcountry:  
  • Get the Gear
  • Get the Training
  • Get the Forecast
  • Get the Picture
  • Get Out of Harm’s Way

Learn more here. 


Get the Training 

There are a wealth of resources (and no, we don't mean Google) to get you started as a backcountry skier or rider. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and American Avalanche Association (A3) both provide training programs for recreational and professional users of avalanche-prone terrain. Check these organizations' websites for local training opportunities and to connect with your local backcountry community.

Ski instructor guides a skier in the backcountry in Vail, Colorado
Ready to travel with your Epic Pass and interested in what other resorts may have backcountry offerings? Upon arrival, be sure to ask for more information at Guest Services to learn about available backcountry access.

What to Do

If you went through the information above and thought, “I’m ready to go,” not so fast! Make sure you run through this checklist first:
  • Call the Uphill Access Trail Hotline for information and avalanche mitigation operations for the day: (206) 812-7847
  • Check that you and your lift-accessed backcountry friends all have sufficient training and gear.
  • Know the current Stevens Pass and backcountry avalanche forecast, available from the Northwest Avalanche Center.
  • Understand recent snowpack, weather trends, and the effect on snow layers.
  • Know current weather conditions including snowfall, temperature, and visibility.

Need to find more backcountry friends? Take an avalanche rescue course!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Stowe, Stevens Pass all allow uphill travel of some sort—but different resorts have different rules. Please see each location’s specific Uphill Access Policy for a detailed answer.
The Northwest Avalanche Center provides backcountry avalanche forecasts for the Stevens Pass area. Read the forecast here. 
 
For in-bounds snow safety information, ask a Ski Patroller. If you’d like to see what terrain is currently accessible, check Terrain & Lift Status.

At all Vail Resorts locations, Ski Patrol phone numbers can be found in the My Epic app and on posted trail maps. Stevens Pass Ski Patrol's phone number is (206) 812-4510

Traveling in the backcountry can be life threatening even with training and education. Snow conditions and avalanche danger are entirely up to Mother Nature and change constantly.
While avalanche hazard and snow conditions within the ski area may be mitigated they are still not eliminated. Terrain outside the ski area boundary is not maintained or patrolled. You are relying on the skill and knowledge of you and your partners. DO NOT travel in the backcountry alone.

Leaving for the wilderness through the resort's exit points is just like every other day in the backcountry: you must be prepared to cope with emergencies due to fatigue, equipment failures, weather, and avalanche conditions. 

Use the Know Before You Go program’s 5 step framework to prepare:

  • Get the Gear
  • Get the Training
  • Get the Forecast
  • Get the Picture
  • Get Out of Harm’s Way

Learn more about this free avalanche awareness program here.

The links provided on this page are for informational purposes only. Vail Resorts does not endorse or approve the content on the sites and bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the sites. Contact the site owner for answers to questions regarding their content.
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