Sunshine

Sunshine is the unofficial name of Mt. Shimer. You can ski a big, North facing, avalanche-prone gully from the peak Northeast and then North down to Weller Lake. Previous avalanches have cleared out many of the trees, and the ones that remain should not be considered a safe place to stop.

Maps

*All Mapped Areas are Approximations

Trailheads

Weller Lake Trailhead *(Summer Only)

Independence Pass is closed in the Winter

Websites

Backcountry Skiing Colorado

Guide Books

Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Colorado by Brittany & Frank Konsella

Dawson's Guide to Colorado Backcountry Skiing, Volume 1 by Louis W. Dawson

(Links to guidebooks may be affiliate links)

Find Nearby Zones

*All Mapped Areas are Approximations

tagged: Independence Pass, Pitkin County

Disclaimer: The backcountry is always dangerous. This includes the terrain accessed through backcountry gates at ski resorts. You could die in any area. You may encounter hazards including but not limited to: avalanches, cliffs, tree wells, rocks, stumps, fallen trees, man-made structures, other backcountry users, open creeks & streams, rapidly changing weather conditions, low visibility, frost bite, wild animals, and other unforeseeable dangers. Avalanche conditions as well as general skiing conditions can vary by time of day, by pitch, by elevation, and by specific location. You should never venture into the backcountry without a probe, a shovel, a beacon, a first aid kit, and expert proficiency in using all of these things. Never go into the backcountry alone, and never go into the backcountry without telling someone where you're going. Even properly prepared, and even if you do everything right, you could injure yourself or die. Know the risks and understand the decision you're making. Nothing on this website constitutes an endorsement to ski or ride any of the areas described herein. Use this website at your own risk.

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Backcountry Recon