Trip
Backcountry Nordic Skiing – Blue Lake TH - Chickadee Peak
A backcountry nordic ski up the Sawmill Creek basin into the Rawah wilderness with some low angle powder runs on the flanks of one of the bird peaks, Chickadee.
Contacts
- Sat, Feb 14, 2026
- Northern Colorado
- Backcountry Nordic Skiing
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,000 ft
- 8 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Much of the ski is on-trail however as we get further up the valley we WILL travel off-trail with some bushwacking and group routefinding required so correct ski gear is necessary (see the equipment notes). We will plan on moderate skin ascents and ski-runs down lower angle (~15 degree) powder on the very lower flanks of the Bird Peaks, specifically Chikadee and Junco, possibly multiple runs depending on available time and desire of the group as well as the snow conditions.
We will meet at the Fort Collins northside King Soopers, NW corner of the parking lot and carpool to the trailhead from there.
Meeting time: 7:15 AM, leave via carpool at 7:30 AM
Required Equipment
Recommended skis have fish scale bottoms and full metal edges. Kicker skins will allow travel up steeper grades without sidestepping. These type of skis allow easy travel over undulating terrain and enough float over ungroomed snowpack. I use Fisher 98's with the 98 mm dimension referring to the tip/shovel width (not the waist width). These type of skis are typically used with softer boots as manufactured by Alpina, Alfa, Fischer, Rossignol, or Salomon and bindings such as Rotafella NNN-BCX, their newer Xplore bindings, or legacy 3 pin bindings. Telemark and AT Alpine Touring skis, plastic boots, and bindings while heavier, will also work and will of course be more fun on the downhill but note that this is an out and back with some elevation gain so make sure your physical fitness matches use of that gear. The recommended gear used to be available for rental at JAX sporting goods store on North College ave but you would have to contact them for availability.
THIS IS A BACKCOUNTRY TRIP so unacceptable are non metal edged skinny cross country skis with soft boots more suitable for golf courses and groomed cross country ski areas in town.
Avalanche beacons and other safety gear are not required but recommended. Do not bring this type of equipment unless you have previously practiced using it.