Conditions Report: Jan 21 – Dry January
It’s been a week of high clear skies and endless travel here in Golden and the trend looks to continue. Traction is good and it’s a green light to travel just about anywhere, as avalanche conditions remain low. Grooming in Quartz and Gorman continues as normal. We’re hoping to have the Silent cat fixed in the next couple days and get to get a groom in by the weekend. There is a ladies ride this weekend and the Suhan race sold out! Keep reading for more info.
Silent Pass this week
High in Quartz on Jan 15
Checking out conditions in Quartz on Jan 15
Riley Suhan Backcountry Race
MARCH 28, 2026 : SOLD OUT! – We’re almost in shock but we opened the registration on Sunday the 18th evening and the event sold out in 20 hrs. We’re stoked and humbled by the amazing reaction. If you want to be involved as a volunteer or to hop on the wait list please email Magi
Read the Sleddermag.com Recap Here from 2025.
Ladies Ride
Ladies Ride this weekend! dm @jordynwong_ or @Niki.kelly_ on insta
Snow & Weather
SNOW AND WEATHER
After a record breaking December of snow it’s a bit sad to report that basically nothing fell this past week. The good news is that the base is thick and the traction is great. Just don’t expect deep pow. Alpine temps look cool.
forecast for this week
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche Conditions
Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!
screen shot of avalanche.ca on Jan 21
“Upper elevation shady terrain may still hold soft dry snow and good riding conditions. Continue to carefully assess big, steep terrain for slabs before committing.” – Avalanche.ca
Grooming
Grooming
Grooming ops are normal in Quartz and Gorman but the Silent cat has been down for over a week. We’re doing everything we can to get the Silent cat up and running for the weekend.
Grooming in Gorman on Jan 11
Staging Areas Latest Info
Quartz Creek
Quartz is compacted with good base and good traction.
East Quartz road has been pushed in.
Silent Pass
The Silent cat is down and is scheduled to be fixed in the next few days. This did delay the grooming of the trail.
The upper parking lot can get tight on a busy weekend. Please park in a way that allows others to do what they need to do. If you’re towing a large trailer on a busy weekend and you’re late to arrive, you may want to consider parking on the road at the McMurdo bridge.
