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Ainger Lake Headwall

North Bridgers

East Facing Upper Bowl With Short Chutes

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
1.2 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
567 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.3 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
44˚
Ainger Lake Headwall Map

The Ainger Lake Headwall is a sick mission by itself or can be a sick addition to a day skiing around Frazier Basin. It is mostly a series of East and South-east facing chutes in an upper bowl. The main shot from the peak on the looker's right is about 700 feet, and the ones further down the ridge and more south facing are more like 3-500 feet long. That being said, if you take into consideration the entire line to the lake is more like 1800! Most of these chutes are pretty narrow, 10-20 feet wide. Either skin up towards Frazier to the SW of Ainger, then up the main bootpack; or hike up towards the lines to the upper bowl and then left, finding a 300 feet north facing chute that is an easy scramble to the top. Travel once you hit the ridge is really easy in this zone.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between November and June

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons