Backcountry Skiing Reids Peak – Uinta Mountains
Backcountry skiing Reids Peak Uinta Mountains Up Mirror Lake Highway at Bald mountain pass there are half a dozen skiable peaks, but none are more rugged than Reid's Peak. From the highway it doesn't look skiable but for a more creative skier this peak is all sorts of fun!
Backcountry skiing Reids Peak Uinta Mountains
Backcountry skiing Reids Peak Uinta Mountains
Skiing
The peak is steep, rugged, and riddled with cliffs. Reid's is awesome because it offers ski mountaineering challenge right off the highway. If you want to use your ice axe, crampons, or bring a rope, nobody would fault you for it on Reid's. Booting up the east ridge early morning with a spring ice crust and cliffs below is the perfect excuse to use your ice axe. Skiing is limited but incredible. The North couloir is the signature ski line. The access, aspect, and 1,000ft vertical drop make this the line for skiing. The couloir does not reach the summit.
Backcountry skiing Reids Peak Uinta Mountains
The South and West aspects also have skiable options. From the summit there are couple ski lines on the South Aspect. These lines thread through and around massive cliff bands. if you decide to ski the South aspect, I recommend approaching from Bald Mountain pass so you can get a good look of your line. Ski photographers will love shooting on the south side because Bald Mountain makes a great background for ski photos. From my photos of Reid's West face, it looks to also have a line very similar to the North couloir. (as seen on photos of the west face)
Access
Red - Skin track approach
Bule - East Ridge
Green - Ski descents
Option 1: this is to access the more adventurous line on South face. Park at the pass and skin around the south (left) of Bald Mountain on the Notch Mountain trail. Once you get around Bald turn North (right) hand railing Bald. Start skinning/booting up Bald mountain slope heading for the saddle between Bald and Reid's. Now boot the East ridge of Reid's to the summit.
Option 2: Access the North ski lines. Park at Mirror Lake campground pullout. Start skinning NW around Bald Mountain toward Emerald Lake. Handrail around Bald until you reach the saddle between it and Reid's Peak. From here you can skin/boot the saddle. Ski back down for quick shot or continue to the summit on East ridge. If you want to ski the NW couloir continue past the saddle north wrapping around the base of Reid's peak. When you reach the north side the couloir will be obviously in sight. Skin and boot straight up it and ski back down.
Trip Photography
Reid's Peak is a great place for ski photography. The views from the summit are the Best I've seen in the Uintas. Neighboring Bald Mountain is an impressive background for ski photos.
As always I take my photography seriously click photo below to see full Gallery
Click Photo: To See Full Gallery
Video
More Uinta Mountains Backcountry Skiing
Related Articles and links:
BOOK:Backcountry ski & snowboard routes UTAH (Jared Hargrave)
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