Little Pawnee Headwall
Multiple variations offer a set of unique ski mountaineering descents.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 682 m
- Ascent
- 3 m
- Descent
- 303 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 3.4 km
- High Point
- 3.7 km
- Gradient
- 44˚
This is a popular ski touring route which is generally considered to be severe. It's very remote, it features low exposure (e1) and is typically done between April and June. From a low point of 3.4 km to the maximum altitude of 3.7 km, the route covers 682 m, 3 vertical metres of ascent and 303 vertical metres of descent. It's graded 4.1 and Labande grade 4. You'll need skins, ice axe and crampons to complete it safely.
Description
Options on the looker's left side all involve dodging patches of rocks on the descent. The couloir on looker's right is a more straightforward descent.
Go to treeline above Mitchell Lake. From here, pick your option on the headwall just to your south and climb it.
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
- Face
- Alpine
- Couloir
- Ski Mountaineering
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons