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High Voltage - Morgan Peak

Keystone

If avalanche conditions are safe this is a good powder stash near Keystone.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
8.1 km
Ascent
770 m
Descent
770 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
3 km
High Point
3.8 km
Gradient
41˚
High Voltage - Morgan Peak Map

High Voltage is one of the many runs in the Montezuma area that offers fun gully skiing. The North facing aspect holds snow well and the 30-35 degree slopes offer the perfect angle for fun powder skiing. Don’t get too relaxed though, this is an avalanche path so make sure conditions are safe before choosing this line.

Description

There are several ways to access this line but the GPS shows the route beginning at the Peru Creek trailhead and heading straight up the ski route. This allows you to assess conditions on your way up but also exposes you to avalanche hazard for the majority of the route. Other options exist including skinning up the Northwest ridge but this is a tough route and may not be very straightforward. Another option is to head up Santa Fe Peak road from downtown Montezuma. No parking is allowed in Montezuma so to avoid getting towed you must park a few miles away at Peru Creek and either shuttle or walk.

No matter how you gain Morgan Peak, you will be rewarded with great views of the back side of A-Basin and 14ers Grays and Torreys. Descend from the peak and enter the High Voltage line on either the far right or far left to avoid the large cornice. The best snow accumulates in the gully but the small trees on either side can be a fun alternative. Sometimes the snow is even better in the trees when the gully gets wind affected.

Once you get near the bottom of the run look for the path back to the trailhead on the skiers left side of the run. It follows the power lines at the beginning and you shouldn’t miss it, especially if you skinned up from the bottom of the run. You will notice similar avalanche paths that have carved some great ski runs in the valley. This is a fun zone that offers lots of options and will have you wanting to come back for more.

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 December and April

Features

  • Single Descent

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area