Campground Trail

Every ski area likes to boast they have one or two trails that are the best to be found anywhere. Sometimes these claims have a ring of truth, but often they are marketing hype. Though many people will reach consensus on the beauty and excitement that certain trails offer, to a large degree it’s an individual thing. Over the years I have developed a list of favorite trails, some of which I have skied more than 100 times. Here is one of them.

Campground, Snowmass, Colorado:  This fun trail winds its way like a snake down the backside of the Snowmass Ski Area, near Aspen. The trail takes you into a remote, rural, almost wilderness area, and if you miss the last lift up in the afternoon, you face a twenty mile trip back to the resort. The trail begins steeply at a funny angle. It falls away to the right slightly disorientating skiers who are quickly picking up speed due to the steep pitch of Campground. Finally the trail drops in one direction, but it is steep. In a ½ mile the trail flattens out some, and skiers can relax while cruising through a beautiful meadow. The sound of barking huskies from nearby Kleebonik Kennel can frequently be heard.

Eventually pumped up skiers will reach a narrow shoot that presents a challenge for most. Skiers need good turns here on a slope that is always slick. Following the shoot are a series of short undulating, mini slopes that are pure fun. The final run to the bottom is steep but manageable.

The Campground Run is approximately two miles, and because it is not serviced by a high-speed lift, it is rarely crowded. It is rated a Black Diamond. The run needs a lot of snow to service skiers, so often it isn’t open. If you are at Snowmass, and you see the green light flashing, don’t think twice. Go for it!