Cottonwood Canyons

Backcountry Skiing the Pfeifferhorn Couloirs.   Backcountry Skiing the Pfeifferhorn Couloirs in Little Cottonwood Canyon Utah.  A classic mountaineering challenge of the Wasatch.  The Pfeifferhorn was once called the Little Matterhorn because of its  similarities to the Matterhorn.  The now named Pfeifferhorn this iconic peak of the Wasatch has everything, big views, big exposure,  big…

Backcountry Skiing Cardiac Ridge Thunderstruck, Lightning Bolt & Wyatt couloir is big time skiing!   The terrain here is expert level and unavoidable for those attempting to ski all the chutes of the central Wasatch. For most people it would be best to just stay away.  If you have the skill to get up here…

Skiing Gobbler’s Knob Backcountry skiing gobbler’s knob is as good as a Thanksgiving day feast.  The steep terrain on all aspects and accessible location offers up any kind of dish you could want, from neck-deep powder to a side dish of spring corn, to sun-baked mashed potatoes.  You can feast on any kind of backcountry…

God’s Lawnmower Backcountry skiing Kessler Peak.  Kessler Peak is a monster.  Rising just under 3,000 ft, Kessler stands prominently @ 10,403 ft, in the mid Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The north aspect, the side that faces the BCC highway, is a huge tree scattered avalanche path named God’s Lawn Mower.  Kessler’s steep slopes and obvious ski…

Mount Raymond chutes, Ignorance is bliss unless you get squished.  Mount Raymond is avalanche terrain. The chutes should only be attempted in stable snow conditions.  The main chute is a wide open boulevard which offers incredible skiing and incredible photos if the conditions are right.  The approach is somewhat of a bear (just a little…

Peak 10420 is named for its elevation. Due to its high elevation and easy access, peak 10,420 is a great place for early and late season backcountry skiing.   With mostly low angle gladed slopes, and low exposure 10,420 is a friendly place to backcountry ski.  Although, Peak 10420 is a friendly place for backcountry skiing,…

 Pre Season backcountry touring Alta Ski resort! A common mistake made by newcomers to the Wasatch mountains is being fooled by rain, if it’s raining… it’s probably snowing up high, and not that heavy PNW snow. The greatest snow on Earth! Check out the short video we put together today. With Turkey day around the…

Monte Cristo Wasatch backcountry, Little Cottonwood Canyon. The backcountry skiing here is not for beginners. It has huge avalanche potential, steep skiing (lowest in upper 30 degrees), and tons of exposure.  “Monte Cristo” is just beyond Mount Superior.  The ascending route to Monte Cristo is up the Mount Superior “highway”.  A frequently trafficked route to the summit…

February 8 2016 Being very deliberate with each move of my kick turn, I look back and give recognition to the backcountry skier who was patiently waiting his turn.  While he was observing me barely cling to the side of the mountain, he chuckled and said, “No pressure, there’s only a 1,000 foot cliff behind you”.  This…

Mt Raymond Utah is smaller than it’s 11,000 ft neighboring peaks. However it’s steep face, steep chutes, and steep cliffs make Raymond a little Giant. We had to be careful because when you dance with a Giant, one misstep and you could get squished.  After climbing Butler fork we emerged into Mill-A basin, but one of…

Hallway Couloir Wasatch Backcountry approach is straight forward and easy.  If you are confident with your route finding and the stability of the snowpack, the route from the top of Flagstaff peak is the most direct. When you’re searching for the entrance the terrain is steep and intimidating .  From the top of Flagstaff  follow the…