15 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring

Rush 3
Berthoud Pass
Rush 3: Steep cliffs with billy goating or big air potential
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 208 m
- Ascent
- 3 m
- Descent
- 105 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 3.5 km
- High Point
- 3.6 km
- Gradient
- 40˚

The entrance to Rush 3 is a large, eastern aspect convexity that is often wind loaded. Avalanche danger here is significant. Getting caught in an avalanche would mean being taken over and through cliffs. Make sure you are aware of the weather, avalanche conditions, and your ability before committing to a route like Rush 3. Unlike Rush 2, there are no ways to sneak through Rush 3 without any air. Airs can be as small as 20 feet or as big as 50 feet. Some routes through Rush 3 can provide double drops that link multiple 20+ feet cliffs. Because this route requires mandatory air, much of it quite large, it is recommended that you wait for the snow conditions to be deep AND stable to consider attempting it.
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Best time to visit
Features
- Cliffs
Equipment required
- Skins
Guidebooks in this area
77 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
Berthoud Pass, Colorado Backcountry Skiing Map
- •
- •