Beginning today, skiers, snowboarders, and splitboarders can buy day passes, reserve lessons, and rent gear at Colorado’s first ‘in-bounds backcountry’ ski area.
Following a wildly successful Kickstarter and a 2-week test launch at the beginning of 2020, Bluebird Backcountry debuts for its first full season of (socially distanced) resort-style backcountry skiing.
Starting today, backcountry enthusiasts (and those eager to try it) can reserve day passes, sign up for lessons, and secure rental gear. This comes as welcome news, as all of Bluebird’s 500 season passes and AIARE avalanche courses sold out when they were announced in September.
Through the new reservation system, skiers can snag available times to earn their turns for a day. In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, Bluebird said it will limit the 1,200-acre ski area to 200 guests per day, ask guests to sign online waivers, and provide access to digital trail maps to minimize personal contact on the mountain.
Situated southeast of Steamboat Springs, Bluebird encompasses 1,200 acres on the Continental Divide’s Bear Mountain. Resort officials expect the inaugural season to run until closing day on March 28, 2021. Until then, Bluebird will open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday, with lessons, rentals, and amenities.
Bluebird Backcountry Day Passes
While all 500 season passes already sold out, there are still ways to enjoy Colorado’s newest ski area:
- Day passes ($50): These grant access to all 1,200 “in-bounds” acres (Bluebird also has an additional 1,800 acres, accessible with a guide).
- 4-packs ($185) and 10-packs ($425): These have no blackout dates and 100% transferable.
- Bluebird+ Membership ($250): For backcountry newbies, Bluebird+ includes three lessons, daily clinics, and ski-with-a-mentor days. It also gets you a 10% discount on AIARE or AIARE Avalanche Rescue courses, $100 off a guided day or private lesson, and more. Bluebird+ can also be purchased with 4-pack and 10-pack passes.
Reserve your day passes, rent gear, and learn more here.
