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Doolan and Wye Creek

Queenstown

The Remarkables

Exploring the backcountry South of the Remarkables

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
14 km
Ascent
1.7 km
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
43˚
Doolan and Wye Creek Map

The Queenstown area offers a lot of different ski tours and the Wye Creek Basin is possibly the easiest way to get into the backcountry. Leaving from the Remarkables ski resort this is a wide open basin big enough to spread out and ride numerous different aspects. Theres been talks about expanding the ski hill into this basin so get it before the lifts do.

Description

Leaving from the Remarkables Parking lot follow the main basin up the valley. Heading north make your way up to the low col between point 2050 and 2035. Once on the ridge climb up to 2035 before riding into the northeast basin down to Doolans Creek as far as snow allows. Now it is time to start climbing as you head west arriving on the ridge of that separates Doolans and Wye Creeks. Now make your way south heading up the ridge until arriving at point 2017. From here ride down to the tarns below the Double Cone.

Once in the Wye Creek Basin start heading north ascending the main drainage between the Double Cone and Point 2050. Once arriving on the ridge start making your way west up the lower mellow slopes of Double Cone heading up to 2100 meters before riding down the Southeast ridge which ends in a nice and sheltered chute. Returning once again to the lake where you just were earlier you can follow your old skin track back towards the ski resort.

Once on the col once again it is time to ride the north slopes into the ski resort where you can easily ride all the way down to the parking lot. This tour has numerous variations so don’t limit yourself to our specific tour and get a bit creative. This ski tour is a great way to check out the different basins and a great starting point to get to know what is off the resorts backside.

For more pictures and the full story check out this link https://www.whereiskylemiller.com/southern-alps/backcountry-of-the-remarkables/

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

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 July and November

Features

  • Bowl
  • Alpine
  • Ski Safari

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area