A waterproof, tearproof topographic ski map of the Highway 550 corridor around Silverton, Colorado, showing 91 routes across 18 zones at 1:31,500 scale.

What it's for

This map is for planning and navigating ski and splitboard tours along Highway 550 in the San Juan Mountains, from low angle powder fields to couloirs. The publisher notes it suits hut trips on Red Mountain Pass, naming OPUS, Addie S, Artist, Mountain Belle, Saint Paul, and Red Mountain Alpine Lodge. The publisher says the terrain is for skiers who already have some backcountry experience and avalanche knowledge.

Features

• Route detail: ski descents and uptracks drawn on a topographic base
• Access: trailheads and parking information
• Terrain data: slope angles and Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) ratings
• Aerial photos: included alongside the topo map
• Boundaries: resort boundaries shown
• Zones covered: Coal Creek and Deer Creek, Snowdon, North Twilight, Turk-Sultan Traverse, Deadwood Basin Traverse, Sultan Summit, Sultan North, Kenall Mountain, Turkey Chute, King Solomon, Anvil, Battleship East and North Side, Pass West Side, McMillian and US Basin, Cemetery, Red 3, Commodore, Prospect
• Companions: made to pair with the Beacon Guidebooks Silverton ski atlas and ski app, each sold separately

How it works

ATES ratings: the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale classes terrain by how exposed it is to avalanches. It describes the terrain, not the day's snowpack, so use it together with the current avalanche forecast.

Avalanche training: a map or guidebook does not replace avalanche training, a current forecast, or rescue gear and practice. OMG runs AIARE avalanche courses.

Specs

• Scale: 1:31,500
• Size open: 22 in x 36 in
• Size folded: 4 in x 5.5 in
• Material: waterproof and tearproof
• Publisher: Beacon Guidebooks