Winter Approach to Mt Shavano

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is the full approach from the winter closure for Mt. Shavano, all the way to the summit. I'm adding this ascent as realistic beta for those considering skiing the Angel of Shavano in the winter months. The forest roads to the actual Shavano/Tabeguache TH are unpassable for most of the year, so this (very long) approach should be part of your equation in putting together an outing here.

Park at the intersection of FS252 and FS250A - this will likely be the closest one can get to the summer TH, and even if it looks like you can get further, there are huge snow drifts on both of these forest roads that will turn you back. Skin either of these forest roads (both converge at the summer TH), for roughly 3 miles to the summer TH.

From there, there are obvious signs for the Mt Shavano trail and the Colorado Trail. Follow these to roughly 11,000' where you can choose to either continue skinning up the Mt Shavano trail to the summit, or continue straight up the obvious Angel of Shavano gully you are already in, straight to the summit. Line choice here will be fluid based on conditions.

From the summit, walk or ski down to where there's snow, the left or right arm of the angel may hold better snow or more snow in different seasons, and ski back down to the intersection of the Shavano Trail and the Colorado Trail. From here, the best option will likely be to put skins back on and follow your skin track roughly 4 miles back to the intersection of FS252 and FS250A.

"Angel of Shavano Approach" should be considered the spring or summer approach to this line, although it is highly understated in terms of mileage and elevation gain, even for a spring climb.

This is a long day out with tough stats to the top and in a very remote area. Plan accordingly.