Route Description

Take Colorado 9 to Alma. In the middle of town and on the west side of the road, look for a small sign for the road to Kite Lake. Turn here and drive a bit through a residential area. Continue 6 miles to Kite Lake. The last mile of this road can be a bit more rough, but a good-clearance 2WD should still be able to make it when the road is dry. There are restrooms and some camping spots at the trailhead. You must pay a small fee to park/camp at Kite Lake. If you park below (no fee), walk up the road to Kite Lake.

Details:

Photo #1 and Photo #2 show the South Slope from the Kite Lake road. Photo #3, Photo #4, and Photo #5 are better views from Mt. Buckskin. Near 13,300', a clear line of rock outcroppings can be seen. They form a set of 5 or 6 chutes that range from 30 to 40 degrees. There are no "easy" ski routes down the South Slope.

First, you must reach Democrat's summit. With solid snow, the South Slope can be climbed using crampons, axe, and an early start. Or hike to the Democrat summit using the standard route: Mt. Democrat - Route #1 (East Slope)

From the summit, drop south (Photo #6) to reach the top of the gentle South Slope. Don't worry; it gets more serious far below. Move to the center of the slope and follow the best snow down to 13,800' above the chutes. Below this point, the terrain rolls over and becomes more difficult. If you ski all the way to the left (east) side of the slope, a semi-wide chute is the only way down. Pick your line and descend to the chutes. Photo #8 was taken near 13,700' above the eastern most chute. This chute can also be seen on the far right of Photo #5. Because they are cut so deep, the chutes become wider with more snow cover. In years with a large snow pack, the chutes accumulate so much snow that the rock outcroppings become nearly covered. I guess, at that point, they aren't chutes. Photo #9 is a closer look at the ski. This chute is almost 40 degrees at the steepest point. Taken from below the chutes, Photo #10 is another look at the area.

After passing through a chute, the terrain quickly eases above Lake Emma. Photo #11 looks back at several chutes. With deep snow, the lake is hard to discern. From here you have a couple of options: Ski down past Lake Emma, or turn left above the lake and head directly toward Kite Lake. The second option is easier and provides plenty more skiing. Above Lake Emma, and just below 13,000', turn left and traverse southeast across the slope to reach a wide saddle near 12,800'. Ski down into a small basin at 12,400' - Photo #12 looks back on the area. The Kite Lake trailhead is now visible. Pick your line and ski down to the trailhead - Photo #13. Throughout spring, the Kite Lake road holds snow in several areas. Ski down the road or along Buckskin Creek to reach the road at a lower elevation.