FATMAP by Strava

Trident Couloir

Banff National Park

This aesthetic couloir can be seen from Panorama ridge and is a great ski if snow stability is good.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.3 km
Descent
1.3 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
42˚
Trident Couloir Map

An impressive line that doesn't just look pretty - it skis awesome! There are several couloirs off Panorama Peak of differing lengths and steepness.

Description

To get to the couloirs you park at Taylor Lake parking lot and ascend the popular multi-use trail to Taylor Lake. Once at the Lake cross it, sticking to the right shore line. Panorama Peak is on your right and Mount Bell is on your left. There are various ways to ascend the slope on your right. The safest route is through the bigger trees and not directly in the slide path.

When you get out of treeline you will have to assess well as you are in avalanche start zones and this aspect often has a thin snowpack. There are a few couloirs to choose from with the easiest and shortest being the furthest down the ridge away from the peak. From Panorama Ridge these couloirs look quite steep and they are actually a great grade for those who like black to double black ski runs at the ski hill. Choose your couloir and enjoy a great ski to the bottom. Like all couloirs the difficulty will vary greatly with snow quality and consistency. These are not casual routes and you should make sure you are familiar with the snowpack before committing to ski them.

Once down the couloir you can add on a trip up Panorama Ridge if you want some more vertical and views or just head back down the skin track for a fun, sporty forest track descent to the car.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area