Apache Couloir
Steep and inset, another Indian Peaks classic.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 820 m
- Ascent
- 11 m
- Descent
- 404 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 3.7 km
- High Point
- 4.1 km
- Gradient
- 42˚
To time it perfectly means waiting for the snowpack to stabilize in spring, but not waiting long enough for the upper section to melt out. May is likely your best bet. Approach via the Isabelle Glacier Trail, but instead of climbing to the glacier from the tarn at 11,500', head straight west to the Navajo-Apache cirque. This is the couloir on looker's right from here. It's inset, but not all the way to the summit. Climb and ski!
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Low Exposure (E1)
Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Couloir
- Single Descent
- Ski Mountaineering
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons