Navajo Snowfield
A very late season ski in a cool cirque.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Ascent
- 13 m
- Descent
- 599 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 3.5 km
- High Point
- 4.1 km
- Gradient
- 44˚
To reach the summit from the notch that the actual snowfield reaches it takes some Class 5 climbing (look for Navajo Peak - North Face). The snowfield should stay cool most of the day, so it even makes for a good second lap should your legs allow after skiing Apache Couloir or something on Isabelle Glacier.
Description
Approach via the Isabelle Glacier Trail. Instead of turning north at the tarn at 11,500', go straight west into the Navajo-Apache cirque. This is the big snowfield on looker's left. Climb to the notch and either ski from here or climb the North Face route before returning.
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Medium Exposure (E2)
As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Face
- Alpine
- Cliffs
- Single Descent
- Ski Mountaineering
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons