At first glance Como looks like another small Colorado mountain town—the flattened roofs of historic railroad-era buildings, a scattering of weathered homes, and long low approaches that open into wide winter skies. But for skiers who prize solitude, simplicity, and the quiet geometry of snow on untouched terrain, Como is an important entry point. It isn’t advertised with lift lines or flashy amenities. Instead the skiing here is intimate and elemental: a handful of drainages that shape snowfields into long, rolling runs; a patchwork of aspen-carved gullies and open basins that receive wind-packed powder; and a short drive to passes that give immediate access to Continental Divide backcountry.
The best days in Como begin before the town wakes. You’ll strap on skins at first light and move through air that is sharp with altitude and clear as glass. The rhythm is steady: a skin to a saddle, a quick scout of the aspect, and a descent that can range from wide, mellow arcs to steep, technical chutes depending on the line and the season. Much of the skiing here is touring or backcountry in character—expect to carry beacon, probe, and shovel, and to read the snow carefully. For cross-country skiers there are expansive flats and gentle roller-fields that make for long, efficient loops; for telemarkers and alpine tourers, the clinch is in the approach: uncomplicated access to high, open terrain without hours of approach or tram transfers.
Culturally, Como is rooted in mining and rail: the scars and outbuildings tell a quiet story of past industry. That history frames the landscape—old grades become ski traverses, abandoned cuts funnel wind and snow into playful deposits, and private ranchlands sit cheek-by-jowl with public BLM and Forest Service access. Environmental rhythms are immediate here. Storm cycles and wind sculpt snow quickly; sun and spring warmth can turn crowns into party-like corn runs that reward patience. For the traveling skier, Como is best understood not as a single destination but as a corridor: a place to launch into a variety of ski experiences, from dawn skin tracks across open tundra to late-season backcountry booters that finish with long, sun-warmed glides down to the highway.
Como’s appeal is its access: short drives to high passes, many rideable descents close to the road, and a cultural tolerance for getting quiet in the backcountry rather than chasing resort amenities.
Seasons matter here—winter storms build deep basins and powder stashes, while spring reliably produces long corn-ski runs. Avalanches are a real, seasonal risk; local avalanche forecasts and conservative route selection are essential.
Choose by purpose
Whale watching, snorkeling, sunset sailing, cultural canoeing, harbor sightseeing, or private chartering.
Start near the city
Waikiki and Honolulu Harbor are primary hubs, with some trips launching near Hanauma Bay.
Confirm the vessel
Gangways, shaded seating, and boarding requirements vary according to vessel size and operator.
