Backcountry skiing is so fun that snowboarders are literally cutting their boards in half to get in on the action! I Rock well loved BCA Magic Carpet skins for my skis to allow smooth uphill access without sliding backwards. Ski Skins were originally made with seal hide, and in other parts of the world with horse hair. Nowadays they are synthetic polymer which works great as long as you know some tricks to avoid globbage (pro trick at end of video). I use Salomon frame touring bindings which are generally sturdy and reliable and work with standard downhill ski boots like rossignols.
The Hessie trailhead is located in the township of Eldora, Colorado in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland and Boulder. I follow lost lake trail up to its namesake, which the guidebook suggests is a 6 mile round trip with just under 1000ft of elevation. I poked around on the Southeast side of the lake and found an old miner's cabin which has been upkept by backcountry travelers for shelter from the harsh and beautiful Indian Peaks elements.
The downhill was super nice and only a few flat skating / poling sections (edited out). Enjoy!
Be careful when traveling solo in the winter and take extra caution and precautions, such as checking the CAIC avalanche forecast which was at RED level HIGH DANGER that day Monday for new snow adding to deep persistent slab problem. I stayed clear of all avalanche terrain with route choice before and during the trip. Also be wearing that helmet out there and shred on!! #adventure