Buffalo Pass
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Total Zones
22
Publisher
Beacon Guidebooks
Buffalo Pass Overview
Buffalo Pass is the mecca for backcountry sled-skiers in the Rockies. Nestled in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains near Steamboat Springs, it is one of the only places in the world where you can drive 15 minutes from a resort, unload a trailer full of snowmobiles, and have a 55-mile network of maintained snow roads on public lands dedicated to mechanized skiing from mid-December til Gaper Day. The orientation of Buff Pass makes it favorable for significant orographic snowfall in zonal flow, particularly northwest flow patterns. The frigid air from northwest Colorado adds to the magic of “Fluffalo Pass” by providing consistent light and blower powder all winter long. To top it off, Buff Pass competes with Wolf Creek Pass every season for having the deepest snowpack in Colorado. Buffalo Pass also has access to some of the best tree skiing in the world, varying from widely spaced and naturally gladed aspens in mellow terrain to tight and technical aspens and evergreens guaranteed to test any skier. The area boasts some of the oldest and largest old growth aspens in Colorado. There are several stands on the pass that are renowned for their top to bottom skiing amongst quaking aspens such as Forester’s Aspens, Double A’s, Galaxy Trees, and Quaker Bowl. However, the gem of Buff Pass is Soda Mountain. When the skies rip to blue, locals and tourists alike flock to the highest point on the pass for steep chutes, big drops, and technical terrain in Buff Pass’s deep, world class powder.
Zones Covered
AC/DC
Routes
5
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
S
AC/DC is some of the best south facing terrain on Buff Pass. The laps can be very fast, the terrain is very playful and steep, and whoever is on the sled for the shuttle can keep eyes on their group while they are skiing in this zone. Skiers can decide to drop their groups off higher than the AC/DC drop off, but some of the terrain above AC/DC is flatter and more mundane. This is a very popular spot for a day after a storm. This zone is entirely in avalanche terrain and should be skied with strict avalanche protocols. Every one of the lines in this zone have been known to slide, so make sure you are aware of current snowpack conditions for AC/DC and ski your group accordingly. This zone is straight forward: ski the fall line, grip it, and rip it!
Routes
- AC/DC Road
- Thunderstruck
- Hells Bells
- TNT
- Back In Black
Big Poppa
Routes
3
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW,N
Big Poppa is an excellent warm up zone before heading into the more technical and steep terrain in In the Frey. This zone is easily accessible from Dry Lake Campground and is a first stop for most advanced sled skiers heading towards Soda Mountain. Big Poppa has tight aspens, open glades, and an old burn section that can all be skied to the pickup location. Some routes will involve crossing over a snow road and you should take caution heading too far left into the aspens, as it is easy to ski past and below the pickup location.
Routes
- Big Poppa Road
- Burn N Turn
- Big Poppa
Buffalo Mountain
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,SE,S
Buffalo Mountain is a great overlook of Fish Creek Canyon and Steamboat Resort. Avoid the temptation of skiing the steep terrain into Fish Creek Falls as this terrain becomes rocky and full of cliffs if you venture below the line of aspens that acts as a natural barrier. This area has lots of low angle, low consequence open terrain that can be lapped all day by novice skiers. There is some steepness to portions of the snow road and this can be a busy zone, so novice snowmobile operators should be at the ready.
Routes
- Buffalo Mountain Road
- Scattered Catch Road
- Scattered
- Smothered
- Covered
- Chunked
- All-Star
Carnival
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N
Carnival has some of the best terrain, best snow, and best views on Buff Pass. Scouting your lines prior to skiing is a necessity for several lines in this zone. Carnival has a dramatic cliff band, several chutes and technical lines to pick down, and great tree skiing farthest skier’s right. There are some intermediate options not shown to the skier’s right that allow you to ski mellow terrain down through the trees that will still reach the Inuit Point pickup location.
Routes
- Carnival Road
- Mindbender
- Scream Machine
- Scorcher
- Waterfall
- Cyclone
Davenport
Routes
5
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW
Davenport is an evergreen filled, northwest facing slope that provides tons of options for exploring. There are several different boulders and chutes within this zone the further southwest you drop in. There are also very mellow options on the far skier’s right side closest to the snow road uptrack.
Routes
- Davenport Road
- Thunder Dome
- Stumpies
- Loggerhead
- Neck Beard
Double A's
Routes
3
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W
Double A’s is one of the best tree skiing zones on the pass. This zone has a consistent pitch and has great options for novice skiers as well. The fall line tends to draw people to the left, but if skied correctly Double A’s has a long, continuous pitch with an easy to find pickup location. Take caution skiing too far skiers right, as missing the pickup location and skiing down to the Creaky Springs drainage can occur and make for a difficult walk out.
Routes
- Double A's Road
- Fall Right
- Dilly Dally
Fear and Loathing
Routes
7
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NW
We can’t stop here, this is bat country! This area is great for mixed groups of skiers, as playing in open spaces and the trees are both options in this zone. The main snow road abruptly ends at a T-junction and has a steep angle, so novice snowmobile operators should take caution. Fear and Loathing has some of the best aspen skiing in all of Colorado and is definitely a local’s favorite on the pass.
Routes
- Fear and Loathing Road
- Galaxy Catch Road
- High Power
- Salt Shaker
- Screamers
- Galaxy Trees
- Bat Country
Fiesta
Routes
5
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NW
Nearly every sled skiing party on Buff Pass has their last run of the day at the Fiesta. This terrain tends to be the most tracked up terrain on Buff Pass. All pickup locations are at Lila’s Corner at the bottom of the zone, and it’s very common to see sled skiers congregating in the afternoon here to celebrate their day. Fiesta can be a great option at any time for very novice skiers and snowmobile operators due to its ease of access from Dry Lake and gentle, low-risk terrain. There are plenty of options for tighter aspens as well as open pockets to ski. Note that the exit for Madie’s and Feiges Forest is flat and on a deep powder day you’ll need to keep your speed to avoid walking to the pickup.
Routes
- Fiesta Road
- Madie's
- Feige's Forest
- Fiesta
- Scenic Route
Forester's Aspens
Routes
4
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S
This zone has south facing widely spaced, old-growth aspens. This is a good choice on a storm day, as visibility in the trees is great and this is one of the first areas on the Pass to cook in the sun. Be on the lookout for old, promiscuous carvings in the trees towards the bottom of the Forester’s Aspens road; lonely sheep herders carved these more than half a century ago.
Routes
- Forester's Aspens Road
- Discovery
- Explorer
- Durango
Funhouse
Routes
6
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NW
This zone has low consequences if you’re only skiing to the mid-way pickup road, as it’s difficult to get lost when stopping on a snow road. Novice snowmobile operators can choose to take a longer way around via the Pocket Rockets lap circuit to avoid having to use the steeper Funhouse snow road. Funhouse can be skied by beginners in open terrain or more aggressively in densely packed evergreens. Be mindful of summer jeep roads that turn into drifts and can certainly be a hazard when skiing with low visibility
Routes
- Funhouse Catch Road
- Funhouse Road
- Nate's Way
- Randy's Run
- Yellowknife
- Break Out
In the Frey (East)
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW,N
The eastern portion of In the Frey is generally treed at the top with evergreens, provides steep open faces in avalanche terrain towards the bottom, and can contain luge like exiting lines that see heavier traffic. Most of this zone has a bench midway through the run, prior to the steepest shots opening up; so snowboarders should keep their speed in the flats and have an idea of where the lower portion of the run is prior to dropping in.
Routes
- In the Frey Road East
- Laguna
- The Monk
- Lomo
- Super Bueno
- Tage
In the Frey (West)
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N
The western portion of In the Frey is mostly treed with evergreens at the top, but offers a variety of airs, cliffs, and steep pockets towards its lower half. There are some benches that separate the upper and lower portions of this section that provide a great spot for parties to regroup before the steeper last pitch, which is entirely in avalanche terrain.
Routes
- In the Frey Road West
- Dulce de Leche
- 3 Condors
- Pyramid
- Cathedral
- Van Titter Cliffs
K9
Routes
3
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NW
This zone has no real exposure and it another great area for beginners to enjoy their day. K9 is mostly wide open terrain with very low consequences. The laps can be very fast here and for lots of sled skiers this area is a family favorite. Trees can be avoided entirely if desired, and the two pickup locations at the bottom of the zone are easily found even by the most novice backcountry skiers.
Routes
- K9 Road
- Greta's
- Rosie's
Lucky's Landing
Routes
4
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
S
Some of the best aspen skiing on Buff Pass is to be skied off of Lucky’s Landing. All of the runs begin with a very low angled meadow that can be difficult for snowboarders to slide out on if a trail isn’t already broken in. The aspen trees off of Lucky’s Landing are full of pillows and rocks to play off of, and there are varying degrees of spacing in the aspen trees. This is a great zone to explore on storm days, as visibility in the trees is better than elsewhere and the snowmobile laps are easy and quick to navigate.
Routes
- Lucky's Landing Road
- Narrow Urethra
- Boggle
- Cadillac Car
Microburst
Routes
3
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
N
The north aspect and ample shade of the Microburst zone make this a great stash to hit when the snow is poor quality everywhere else. The consequences are very low in this area, as skiing fall line will always end at the snow road. There are some patches of evergreens at the bottom of this run that can be too dense to ski, so choose your exiting line wisely.
Routes
- Microburst Snow Road
- Slizzard Trees
- Electric Avenue
Pocket Rockets
Routes
4
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
W
This is a great zone for novice and intermediate skiers hoping to play in and out of aspens and open meadows. The gentle, low-risk terrain coupled with having a perimeter of snow roads makes this a safe area to ski without having to worry about getting lost. The downtrack on a snowmobile can be a little steep for novice snowmobile operators. During deep winters, a low road is usually cut below the normal pickup location that can add an additional 300 vertical feet to the runs.
Routes
- Pocket Rockets Road
- Big Slick
- Brunson
- The Wheel
Pueblo
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
S,SW
Pueblo has long lines that tend to be hit by locals on the day after a storm. The South side of Soda has lots of variety, from cornice hucking to tree skiing, to wide open tubes that shred top to bottom. Laps can take a little longer on Pueblo, and Zohan Point can become an area of heavy traffic with the forest service, commercial cat operations, and local sled skiers congregating here regularly. There is also a snow stake at this area that should be left alone by the public, as it’s used to keep data on the Soda Mountain snowpack.
Routes
- Pueblo Road
- Dollar Slot
- El Funko
- Longhorn
- St. Bernard
- Psycho Path
Quaker Bowl
Routes
4
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
SE
This is a great beginner’s zone that is filled with naturally gladed aspen trees. Users can enjoy low angle, widely spaced aspens in a very low avalanche danger zone from the Quaker Bowl overlook down to the pickup at the Creaky Springs drainage. All of the runs in this zone simply ski fall line and the catch road beneath is in sight most of the way down if visibility permits. Quaker Bowl is a great first stop due to its proximity to Dry Lake Campground, however, this is the lowest elevation drop point on Buff Pass and the willows at the bottom of the run can be fierce in early season conditions
Routes
- Quaker Bowl Road
- Wagon Lane
- Creaky Springs
- Shorty
Schrute Farms
Routes
4
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W,NW
Schrute Farms is the best place on Buff Pass for beginners that want to ski easy runs with spectacular views at higher elevation. Most of the terrain on Soda Mountain is advanced; however, the Schrute Farms Zone is entirely mellow, does not present any major hazards, and is a great place for quick laps. It is common to see sled skiers having a picnic along the Koi Pond snow road in the springtime, lapping the Schrute Farms area in large groups.
Routes
- Schrute Farms Road
- Koi Pond
- Sebring Convertible
- Threat Level Midnight
South Park Ridge
Routes
5
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SW
This zone is named after the creators of the TV show that absolutely love this zone. SPR is a great spot to hit the day after a storm, as it's south facing and tends to cook in the sun faster than other zones on the pass. There is more mellow options skier's left on SPR, while the further skier's right you venture is peppered with rock bands, cliffs, and chutes. Quick laps can be tallied up on SPR, just be sure to follow backcountry and avalanche protocols with your group as this zone is entirely in avalanche terrain.
Routes
- South Park Ridge Road
- Timmy!
- Imaginationland
- Awesome-O
- Mmmmkay
The Kingdom
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW
The Kingdom has a little bit for everyone. Pillows, open glades, tight evergreens, and hits for big air. This area is a locals’ favorite that gets hit hard regardless of whether it’s a storm day or the middle of a drought. This area is mostly devoid of Steamboat’s notorious benches and the Kingdom maintains a continuous pitch from top to bottom. The Kingdom holds good snow long after a storm, it gets hit hard on storm days by the locals, and historically, it has been skied longer than any other zone on Buff Pass. On your way out to the Kingdom, there’s a great overlook just past the top of the shortcut road that is a great site to scope lines before or admire lines after.
Routes
- The Kingdom Road
- Lumber Yard
- Sanctuary
- Mother Lode
- Hair Raiser
- Whiskey Springs
Volcanic Ridge
Routes
5
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
S
The Volcanic Ridge is great southeast facing terrain with lightning fast lap capability. Storm skiing on the Volcanic Ridge is difficult, as this area is prone to being completely white out with minimal trees for reference. But when the skies cut to blue locals flock to this zone for quick hitting laps with good steeps and fun drops.
Routes
- Volcanic Ridge Road
- Fright Funnel
- Trillium
- Shooting Star
- Powder Keg
