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Colorado » Ten Mile Range

East Ridge and Bowls

There are two major east facing bowls to descend along the north side of the ridge.  They are pretty obvious to find.  One drops from very near the summit down to 13,100'.  The second begins just past the flat section of the ridge and drops to treeline at 11,600.  You can avoid the lower bowl if desired and ski right down the ridge crest, but the bowl has better skiing.  Just make sure you don't drop too low at the bottom, or you'll have to climb back to the trail.

From treeline, follow the trail back to your car.  Do not ski to the south directly down the fall line to Blue Lakes Road, though this is tempting... you will be trespassing on private property.

The East Bowls are moderate in difficulty - about D3-D4.  For more info on the D-system for rating ski descents, see here: http://www.wildsnow.com/articles/ratings/ski-board-d-rating-system.html.  They are steep enough to slide, but are one of the safer spring ski descents.  This route is not recommended in winter because it will most likely be wind scoured most of the time.

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