FATMAP by Strava

No Name Chutes

Telluride

Trio of ridiculous couloirs

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance
1.1 km
Ascent
273 m
Descent
430 m
Low Point
3.8 km
High Point
4 km
Gradient
59˚
No Name Chutes Map

These are a trio of barely skiable couloirs that aren't officially part of Telluride. To get here, you must hike past Black Iron Bowl and hike to the very summit of Palmyra Peak. It'll be extremely tempting to ski the iconic runs Senior's and Roy Boy (chutes directly off the Summit of Palmyra) but to get to these couloirs, you'll actually have to hike back down the other way (towards the Gold Hill Chutes). The hike down initially has you scramble up over some rocks and this is the most treacherous part of the journey. After this, it's a much easier hike down over some snow. In total, there are 3 couloirs that are skiable with ample snow. They get progressively more difficult as you go further down. All three require a mandatory air to enter the couloir and the third one requires a massive jump off a cliff to exit it. The third couloir is the narrowest, the steepest, and the most un-skiable. The first couloir is a little bit more wide open and has the least amount of airtime. The second couloir is very narrow and almost as steep as the third couloir but it doesn't require a massive jump to exit it. All three of these runs funnel into Roy Boy which is a perilously narrow run itself. This makes skiing these couloirs almost physically impossible unless you have exceptional control of your speed. The point? You should never really try these, it's worth it to just stick to Senior's and Roy Boy. Chances are, there won't be enough snow to open these runs and even if there is, it's pretty much physically impossible to ski these as there's almost no way you'll be able to regulate your speed to make a 90 degree turn into the equally narrow Roy Boy.

Difficulty

Extreme

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

Extreme Exposure (E4)

4 out of 4

In case of a fall, the skier faces certain death.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between February and March

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Couloir
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby