Ice, Alpine, and Backcountry Ski Conditions
Most Recent Update: October 25, 2026
Reading the status icons
In
Forming
Falling Apart
Out
Not Reported
Conditions Overview-10/25/26
We're nearing our typical transition point between fall rock season and the ice climbing season. A couple things that have the moisture and cold have come in on Pikes Peak and up in Rocky Mountain National Park but for the most part it's been too warm. Silverton, Lake City, and the rest of the San Juans are getting a lot of moisture and snow (almost a foot in Lake City from what I hear). But it's been warm and sunny enough and temperatures high enough that things are still more flow than go. I wouldn't bother looking for anything below 12,000' at this point because it's just a waste of effort. It's time to start keeping track of these moisture events in the high country as this will be our base and in some limited terrain you may find enough snow and conditions for an avalanche to occur but I'd say that's limited to the San Juans and limited aspects and terrain features.
Often with El Niño events we'll also get a lot of moisture in the southern mountains and fairly warm temperatures. Until we get the moisture combined with the cold the ice season is going to remain at much higher altitudes and limited aspects for a bit longer. People are finding good skiing in the San Juans. Not a lot, but it's there. Planning to head to Rocky on Halloween so we'll see if I get treats or it's a big trick given the warm forecast!
-Lead Guide, Jeremiah Meizis
Our guides are frequent visitors to the alpine and ice routes, backcountry skiing and snowfields around Colorado year round. This page collects their personal observations and summaries for the benefit of the climbing community. Reports are updated based on the most recent field visits during guided or personal recreation, so check the date next to each area before committing to an objective.
Disclaimer: We make no warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published here and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Conditions reports on this page are subjective observations of individual guides or other observers from a specific date, not verified or evaluated current assessments. Conditions in the mountains change quickly and can change within hours of a report being filed. The absence of a recent report does not indicate that conditions are unchanged. These reports make no claims or warranties of safety or assessment of risk. Guides may make statements in regards to observed conditions that are not assessments or reports of avalanche stability. Consult the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for specific avalanche assessments. YOU are responsible for evaluating conditions and making your own decisions. Use of the information to which access is provided by this website is the responsibility of the user.
Ice Climbing Conditions
Waterfall ice climbs. For alpine ice routes check the Alpine Conditions.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Front Range
San Juan Mountains
San Luis Valley
I-70 Corridor
Alpine Conditions
Alpine rock, snow, and ice routes, couloirs, and peak approaches. For pure waterfall ice, see the Ice Climbing Conditions above.
San Juan Mountains
Sangre De Cristos
Rocky Mountain National Park
Other Areas
Backcountry Ski Conditions
Snowpack, coverage, and ski and splitboard descents. Always pair these notes with the current CAIC avalanche forecast for your zone.
