Jan 29

Winter 2022-2023

Hello folks,
This site has been somewhat dormant, apologies for that. Our content is still useful for the backstory info (see menus). We intend to ramp up our reporting as the winter progresses, and into summer.

As for the state of things, not much has changed. The miners are doing a good job keeping the road open. Please use only 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, with snow tires, and park with care.

Avalanche safety: Per the norm, Marble backcountry skiers are ranging ever farther and wider, as is the progression each season. For newcomers, this means you’ll find uphill and downhill tracks in places that may slide more frequently than the old tried-and-true routes. Be conservative.

Nov 17

Quarry Road Information – Winter 2021-2022

Cripple Creek Backcountry hosted a Yule Stone Quarry information night a few weeks ago. As in the past, the quarry representatives were friendly, and understanding of the need for public parking and road use. The only change from last winter is they’ve installed signs with parking instructions. How these will survive through a big winter is an open question. In any case, the gist of it is 1) Park perpendicular to the road (nose or rear in) when plowed areas allow — this will greatly increase available parking. 2) Know that the stone-haul truck is wide, so leave plenty of available roadway however you park. If you’re unfamiliar with the width of the stone truck, match how other users are parked if it appears they’ve left plenty of leeway, don’t encroach on the road any more than they do.

If you block the road, you may be towed or ticketed, or both.

When you’re driving the road, remember that the stone truck has the right-of-way, and takes the inside line. Memorize turn-outs as you drive, in case you need to back up to the nearest.

During times when avalanches may threaten the road (nearly every storm after the snowpack gets thicker, usually around late December), the gate may be swung shut and unlocked while the machinery operators and avalanche consultants work on opening the road. Please do not drive the road if the gate is swung shut. Wait at the gate. Likewise, in the event of a safety issue on the road, the county sheriff can declare the road to be closed. In that event the gate may be locked, and-or a deputy stationed at the gate.

Note that the Quarry operates their water pumping system even when production is idled. This can entail road upkeep, yet it’s possible you’ll find the road unplowed.

What to do if the road isn’t plowed? It’s a 2.7 mile uphill slog to the Marble Peak trailhead. Fit, motivated skiers might not mind the walk, but it’s a bit soul crushing if you’re used to parking at the start of the real skiing. It’s legal to use a snowmobile if the road is not plowed (and quasi-legal otherwise). Driving or otherwise, know the road crosses through numerous avalanche paths.

For more about Quarry Road, please see our FAQ.

Sep 24

Quarry Road Information – Winter 2020-2021

Various rumors about the Quarry Road have been floating around. We asked our Quarry information sources for their take. Here you go (paraphrased):

“We’ve been quarrying on a regular basis,” said our source. “The international market is a little slow, but nonetheless happening. We are planning on regular operations this winter, including our normal road plowing.”

A key aspect of Quarry operations is they sell much of their product overseas, most notably to Italy. They did shut down for a time this spring and early summer when Italy was heavily hit by Covid, then began cutting and shipping marble around midsummer. Thus, there’s some uncertainty with all this. If Covid rates increase in Europe, and lockdowns commence, Quarry operations could slow down or cease altogether.

Note that the Quarry operates their water pumping system even when production is idled. This can require a certain amount of road upkeep no matter what.

What to do if the road isn’t plowed? It’s a 2.7 mile uphill slog to the Marble Peak trailhead. Fit, motivated skiers might not mind the walk, but it’s a bit soul crushing if you’re used to parking at the start of the real skiing. It’s legal to use a snowmobile if the road is not plowed (and quasi-legal otherwise). Driving or otherwise, know the road crosses through numerous avalanche paths.

For more about Quarry Road, please see our FAQ.

Sep 26

Winter 2019/2020 On the Menu

Hello all. Marble is looking good. The Quarry’s ongoing road improvements are wonderful (thanks Quarry) and last year’s record avalanche cycle widened some of your favorite runs. Stay tuned! We’ll be going through this site and updating all information. Suggestions welcome.