Hellmouth Couloir

The Hellmouth Couloir on Alex Lowe Peak is one of the most technical routes in the Hyalite area. It is a very tight chute that is about 45 degrees for 400 feet or so. There is a hanging snowfield that you have to ski down to the top of the chute, so you must be certain of stability. The out run is a great apron with about 800 feet of additional skiing. Approach from the Blackmore Trailhead; the first 2.5 miles are low angle, winding through a lodgepole forest. Don't get side tracked by old logging roads and cross country trails; keep heading up, following a few signs. After the small downhill to Blackmore Lake, the trail gets moderately steep for the rest of the tour into Blackmore basin. Head to the pass between Blackmore and Elephant, then head down into the upper reaches of South Cottonwood creek. Alex Lowe peak is the prominent mountain to the north-west. Skin up the South face, which is about 800 feet to the summit. From the top, head north onto the exposed snowfield. Look a little right, and you will find the entrance. You may have a short rappel from here, there are good trees for anchors. Ski carefully; you may have another quick rappel at the bottom of the chute next to a large boulder.