Snow Rangers
As backcountry skiing and winter recreation continue to grow across Colorado, a strong stewardship and education presence in the mountains is more important than ever. Colorado Mountain Club's Snow Ranger Program supports the U.S. Forest Service through winter patrols, visitor education, recreation monitoring, partnership coordination, and on-the-ground stewardship in high-use backcountry areas.
From December through April, professional Snow Rangers engage directly with thousands of winter recreationists, promoting safe and responsible recreation while helping to reduce environmental impacts, user conflicts, and pressure on Search and Rescue resources. Snow Rangers serve as a critical link between public land managers and the recreating public, providing trailhead outreach, conditions information, and backcountry education where it is needed most.
Like many dedicated nonprofits, CMC recently lost the essential federal funding that kept the Snow Rangers in our winter backcountry zones, which puts the safety, sustainability, and accessibility of Colorado's high-use backcountry areas at risk.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Your Gift Creates Direct Impact
$50
Equip a Ranger
Helps provide field supplies, safety gear, and education materials.
$100
Support Patrol Day
Helps cover travel, operations, and field outreach costs.
$250
Train a Ranger
Supports Snow Ranger education and professional development.
$1,000+
Fund the Future
Helps ensure Snow Rangers remain on the snow throughout the season.
Since 2019, CMC Snow Rangers have helped address the increasing demands of winter recreation on Colorado's public lands. In addition to visitor engagement and safety education, Rangers support the maintenance and accessibility of trailhead infrastructure, parking areas, and public facilities throughout the winter season, ensuring safe and sustainable access to Colorado's backcountry for all users.
Watch the new 2026 Snow Rangers: Fresh Tracks film. (Coming Soon)
Life of a Snow Ranger
- Read the Blog
- 2026 Season Report
- 2025 Season Report
- 2024 Season Report
- 2021/22 Season Report
- Watch the 2022 Snow Ranger Film featured in the Backcountry Film Festival
Host a Snow Ranger Team
Contact us to learn more about starting a Snow Ranger program in your area.
Thank You Partners
This program would not be possible without the support of our incredible agency, corporate and nonprofit partners - thank you!
