Rabbit Ears Pass Snowmobiling Conditions

Welcome to your go-to resource for the latest snow conditions and snowmobiling information around Rabbit Ears Pass! Stay informed about snowfall totals, trail grooming updates, and weather conditions for Buffalo Pass, Columbine Trailhead, and Rabbit Ears Pass.

Rabbit Ears Pass Sign
Rabbit Ears Pass Sign

Current Snowfall Update

The Steamboat Springs region is off to a promising winter season. Forecasts are favorable for the current winter with a developing weak La Niña pattern may bring above-average snowfall to northwest Colorado.

Here's a quick look at some popular areas:

  • Buffalo Pass: Known for its deep snow and stunning backcountry terrain, Buffalo Pass offers fantastic opportunities for exploration.
  • Columbine Trailhead (North Routt): This tranquil area features beautifully groomed trails surrounded by snow-covered forests.
  • Rabbit Ears Pass: A favorite for its open play areas and groomed routes, Rabbit Ears Pass offers something for everyone.

Colorado Snowmobiling: 2021

Weather Forecast

Here’s the latest weather forecast to help you plan your snowmobiling trip:

  • Today: Snow likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 12. Wind chill values as low as -9. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
  • Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 1. Wind chill values as low as -8. West wind around 7 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
  • Monday: Sunny, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -9. South southwest wind around 6 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
  • Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as zero. South wind around 7 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. South southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.
  • Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 33.
  • Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.
  • New Year's Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 35.
  • Thursday Night: A slight chance of snow after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.
  • Friday: A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 33.
  • Friday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.
  • Saturday: A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 29.

Remember, weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always be prepared!

Read also: Maximize Savings on Mount Snow Skiing

Winter Weather Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories for the mountains.

  • A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 5 AM Sunday for the Elkhead Mountains, Park Mountains, Eastern San Juan Mountains, and Rabbit Ears Pass. Snow accumulations between 6-18 inches are possible, and winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
  • Winter Weather Advisories are in effect until 10 AM Sunday for the Roan, Tavaputs, and Uncompahgre Plateaus, Dallas Divide, Flat Tops, Gore Mountains, Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand and Battlement Mesas, West Elk Mountains, Sawatch Mountains, Northwest San Juan Mountains, and Southwest San Juan Mountains. Snow accumulations of 4-12 inches are possible and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
  • A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 11 AM Sunday for the Eastern Sawatch Mountains and East Lake County above 11,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park, Medicine Bow Range, the Mountains of Summit County, Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks. Snow accumulations of 3-12 inches are possible and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
  • A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains until 8 PM Sunday. Snow accumulations of 3-6 inches are possible and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Winter Weather Alerts Map
Winter Weather Alerts Map

Safety Tips for Snowmobiling

Steamboat Springs is a snowmobiler’s paradise, offering breathtaking scenery, deep snow, and well-maintained trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, be sure to keep safety in mind.

  • Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
  • Stay on designated trails to protect the environment and avoid fines.
  • Be courteous to other trail users, and always check for seasonal restrictions or closures before riding.

Rabbit Ears Pass: A Winter Wonderland

In the colder months, the pass transforms into a powder-covered playground for winter-sports enthusiasts. Snowmobilers flock to the area for its well-groomed paths and wide-open spaces.

Rabbit Ears Pass is more than just a route - it's a destination in itself. It has access to an array of stunning hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the 5.5-mile Rabbit Ears Peak Trail, which leads to the iconic rock formations at the summit. This moderately challenging trek takes you through alpine landscapes, where you’ll spot snow-dusted trees in the winter.

Keep your eyes peeled as you drive or stroll through Rabbit Ears Pass. Deer, elk and moose often wander the quaking-aspen stands, and you might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.

Read also: A Look at Stevens Pass

Lodging Near Rabbit Ears Pass

Looking for a place to stay near Rabbit Ears Pass? Sky Valley Chateau is just a few miles away! This lodge boasts three floors, ten bedrooms, ten bathrooms and a half-bathroom, a great room, a commercial kitchen and dining room with seating for all guests, a wet bar, a 16-person hot tub! With enough space to comfortably sleep 31 adults, your party will have the space to connect together and enough room to comfortably recharge on their own. They also have parking for large trailers.

Read also: Night Skiing Guide: East Coast

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