Snow in Late October (Denver, Boulder: rent, shops, area)

[rickjr13]

The family and I are visiting Colorado in late October to determine whether or not we want to head out that way next year. I was just wondering if there will be enough snow for to consider getting a morning of snowboarding in? Also if there is any we should see while we are there let me know. It's my second trip to Colorado, but my first was over 10 years ago. Thanks for the help.

[Fuzz]

In late October your only possibility is the WROD (White Ribbon Of Death) at Loveland or A-Basin. That is, one (maybe more if Mother Nature pitches in) trail(s) open with man-made snow. Might be worth it for a weekday morning if you're itching for it. Otherwise I'd skip it, especially if its a weekend. Of course, if it stays warm, neither may be able to open at all (they usually start making snow in late September and aim to open around mid October).

None of the other resorts are scheduled to open until November.

[rickjr13]

Thanks for the tip, I guess we'll see, as it gets closer, whether the weather is going to stay warm or not. Are there any spots where families go just to sled down or something, i'd like to get my 3 year old out there and let him see/play in some snow. I'd be heading up to the slopes on a Monday, if there were snow, would the resorts be packed?

[Fuzz]

Keep an eye on Loveland Colorado Ski And Snowboard Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski & Snowboard Area, Summit County Colorado for opening dates.

Don't know about the Denver/Boulder area, but IF there is snow on the ground up here in Summit County, there's a field right next to the Silverthorne Rec Center (on Rainbow Drive) that is a popular sledding spot.

Two years ago, we had a great start to the winter -- I skied 15" of powder at Loveland on Oct. 21 (http://www.syedfaisal.com/Photo_Albums/Ski-2006-2007/2006-10-21-Loveland/Day1Loveland-4.JPG - broken link). Last year, it snowed over a foot on Oct. 21, but by the next weekend, there was hardly any snow on the ground and we were out in just long-sleeve shirts.

[williep99]

Come on Fuzz,

No one is really a skier or boarder until they have beat up an expensive set of gear while rockbashing. Also, the real fear of permanent injury makes it a memorable trip .

[breaksraver13]

Hey skiing at Loveland the second week of October last year wasn't so bad.......I come from skiing in Western NC, so anything is an improvement

[Fuzz]

Coverage on the man-made WROD is actually usually very good, with very little to no chance of hitting anything. It's when they open terrain with only natural coverage that I've hit stuff.

The risk of running into or getting run over by hundreds of other riders on a narrow patch of snow is more likely, but mostly on the weekends. Weekdays are usually pretty quiet.

[breaksraver13]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Coverage on the man-made WROD is actually usually very good, with very little to no chance of hitting anything. It's when they open terrain with only natural coverage that I've hit stuff.

The risk of running into or getting run over by hundreds of other riders on a narrow patch of snow is more likely, but mostly on the weekends. Weekdays are usually pretty quiet.

If only it would get Cold up here and start snowing.......I'm so over this Summer, bring on the snow already

[rickjr13]

So should I bring my snowboarding stuff or do you guys think there won't be enough snow on the slopes to even bother with it?

[Fuzz]

When are you coming here? I'd wait as late as possible, look at the conditions (both Loveland and A-Basin will show how many trails they have open) and then decide. You could call the shops and see if they're renting boards yet, in which case you could just rent instead of lugging your own all the way.

Based on past history, chances are good there'll be at least one trail open at each area by late October -- usually a green at Loveland, and a blue at the Basin. If Mother Nature lends a hand, probably more.

If you don't think you'll be riding much otherwise this season, I say go for it (especially if you're riding a weekday).