Colorado Backcountry: Loveland Pass

Finally we find our way into some backcountry action up on Loveland Pass. First we decided to stop at the East Portal switch back for some jibs. The "Malay" kink rail we brought up to the pass a few months ago is still there along with some other jibs. As of now, there are a couple of tree rides, a long single tube rail, small single tube rail, wood table, and some other junk. After burning an hour or so we decided to try out our luck and do some hiking. After flagging a west bound pickup truck down we were on our way to the summit, once there we decided to hike the boot pack up the ridge and drop from there. CIAC reports moderate avalanche danger for the Northern mountains, so we dig a small pit to verify. Conditions OK, we drop in about mid-way through the Loveland Ridge avalanche path, great pow lines down! 8-10" powder near the top of the divide, on top of a nice pre-season base. Once in the trees we make our way to the LP hut for a smoke break, be careful not to drop too far skiers left when descending or you'll get stuck near the creek. Either way, you can't really go wrong at LP- most lines will take you back to your car or the East Portal lot. Updates from Berthoud Pass and Cameron Pass during the holiday.