Non-St. Mary's August Colorado options?

I skied St Mary's about 3 weeks ago- it was already beginning to get sun-cupped. I have skied it in August for the past 3 years, and while it is skiing, it certainly isn't very good. I think the best way to describe it at that time of year is a thin layer of dirt over a half inch of corn over glaciated sun cups. I am hoping to get my August turns in the PNW- we are probably going to be in Seattle and although my wife groans and rolls her eyes if I mention it, I am planning on bringing the boards with me.

There are essentially 2 parts of St Mary's Glacier- climbers left near the bottom is a shorter steeper slope (I would guess about 25-30 degrees, never having measured it with an inclinometer), probably 200 vert. In August you can kick steps going up, but I feel more secure also having an ice axe in case I fall- lots of rocks at the bottom to break your slide! The longer part (maybe 600-700 vert) is much less steep. If its your only option for August I would take it (I have!) but it's not nearly as nice as the PNW. If nothing else it is a great way to get away from the heat, and the lake and views are really beautiful

You might look into Andrew's Glacier and Chaos Glacier, (RMNP), both from the Bear Lk trailhead. I've never skied them, but hiked/glissaded both in July/Aug several years ago and they could be worth the trip. My memory of the San Juans in the summer is that they looked *very* brown, but I have no first hand summer touring knowledge. Good luck!

Looks like there were several accidents down there the last couple days, one ending tradgically, the other resulting in broken bones, but luckily SAR was already at the seen of the first accident, being able to help the victim of the second accident.,, very sad to hear about the skiier death.

www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php...storder=asc&start=15

Thanks for all the replies! - My skis will find their way to Colorado, though I may ski from Muir on Aug 1...

Bring your best pair of hiking boots, your worst skis, and watch out for lightning from 11AM on. Or you could just do Muir and save yourself the hassle of a 200 foot vertical run on dirty snow in Colorado in 85 degree heat...