Cameron Pass: The Backcountry Jewel of Fort Collins

If you’re chasing untouched powder and the solitude of the mountains, Cameron Pass is the spot. These beautiful mountains hold a special place in my heart. Just 1.5 hours up the winding Poudre Canyon outside of Fort Collins, it offers solitude and fresh lines without the crowds. Over the years, I have grown incredibly fond of this area.

A Playground of Endless Possibilities

Cameron Pass is massive, with terrain that stretches across endless valleys and trailheads, making it easy to find your own slice of winter paradise. The diversity of the landscape means that different recreation styles naturally spread out across the pass, allowing skiers and boarders to make their own paths without crowding one another.

Earning Your Turns

Unlike some backcountry zones, Cameron Pass offers no easy car-shuttling options. Every turn you earn comes from the effort you put in, skinning up, breaking trail, and making careful, calculated decisions about your ascent and descent. The most well-known skiing and split boarding spots in the Southern Medicine Bow Mountains and the heart of Cameron Pass include:

• Montgomery Pass

• North Diamond Peak

• South Diamond Peak

• Seven Utes Mountain (for those seeking terrain on the west side of the pass)

Each of these zones holds its own unique challenges and rewards, making Cameron Pass an endless playground for those willing to work for their lines.

A Snowpack to Be Respected

The beauty of Cameron Pass comes with a cautionary note: this terrain is no place for complacency.

Every route described here holds avalanche potential, demanding awareness, preparation, and respect for the mountains. Several guiding companies in Colorado, including Colorado Mountain School and Colorado Adventure Guides, offer avalanche education courses throughout the winter to help backcountry travelers learn how to navigate these risks safely.

If you plan to go into these mountains, stay informed, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) for weather updates, avalanche forecasts, and recent observations in the area. Your safety depends on it.

Preparation is essential for any backcountry experience, so I highly recommend taking an AIARE 1 or Rescue 1 course before heading out on your first backcountry adventure. These courses provide critical knowledge about avalanche safety and rescue techniques, helping you make informed decisions in the backcountry.

The time period to go skiing ranges from December to even May or June depending on the snow coverage. That best time to go is in the spring, because that is when there is the most stable snow pack.

Gear Up

Backcountry skiing requires more gear than resort skiing. Fortunately, Fort Collins has several great shops to help you get properly equipped. Some of my favorites include:

• Outpost Sunspots

• On the Edge

• Christy Sports

If you're a Colorado State University student or staff member, you can also rent gear from The Rec on campus.

Essential backcountry gear includes:

• Backcountry skis or split board

• Beacon

• Shovel

• Probe

• Skins

• First Aid Kit

• InReach or another satellite communication device

All of this equipment will be covered in detail during any AIARE course you take. Click here to check out Weston Backcountry Packing List.

Preparation and Safety

Every night before heading out, I check the CAIC forecast to assess avalanche conditions, check the weather, and make sure I’m fully prepared for the next day. Understanding avalanche risks and the snowpack is crucial to keeping yourself and others safe.

For more information on avalanche safety, I highly recommend reading the book "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge.

Conclusion: The Call of the Wild

Cameron Pass isn’t just a backcountry ski zone, it’s a proving ground, a sanctuary, and a place where adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. Whether you’re chasing powder stashes, exploring untouched glades, or simply soaking in the solitude of the high country, this place rewards those who respect it. So grab your skins, check the avy forecast, and step into the unknown.