FATMAP by Strava

Heart of Darkness

Berthoud Pass

Winter Park

Winter Park Ski Area

One of the steepest, tightest, and most technical lines in Colorado

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance
394 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
141 m
Low Point
3.5 km
High Point
3.6 km
Gradient
42˚
Heart of Darkness Map

Heart of Darkness is a rocky, steep outcropping that offers excellent air with cliff drops up to 35 feet depending on snow conditions. This line can be found on the rocky cliff-riddled spine located skiers' right of The Alphabet Chutes's A Chute. The entrance of the chute, what is considered the trickiest and tightest part, will be well marked. Depending on conditions, you'll have the options of jump-turning, straightlining, or side-stepping down the rocky and exposed entrance: the latter is probably the best bet for most skiers. Then the chute opens up a bit though before one final challenge that varies on conditions: either tight turns through a very rocky and bare section, or a mandatory cliff drop if the conditions are less than ideal. Afterwards, you'll join up with Lower A-Chute and eventually the run-out for the rest of the chutes in this area. Not for the faint of "heart" (no pun intended)!

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between January and March

Features

  • Bowl
  • Face
  • Cliffs
  • Couloir
  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area