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Grand Couloir

Salida

A Sawatch uber-classic.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1.8 km
Ascent
886 m
Descent
0 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
3.3 km
High Point
4.2 km
Gradient
41˚
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Grand Couloir Map

This cross-loaded couloir starts nearly at the summit of Mt. Aetna, and travels down 3,000' to CR 230. Starting from the road in Garfield, travel about 1.3mi to the base of the couloir. The very bottom can be skinned, but it will be easier to boot at some point. Travel up the couloir until it turns into a ridge. Angle right, the summit is very close. Ski the enormous run back down.

The views while skiing the lower half of the couloir.
The views while skiing the lower half of the couloir. Photo: Thomas Beatty
Looking up the couloir from the base.
Looking up the couloir from the base. Photo: Thomas Beatty
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Difficulty

Difficult

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

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

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

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between March and June

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons