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Airplane Bowl

A remote gem deep in Dry River Wilderness.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
551 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
294 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.3 km
High Point
1.6 km
Gradient
37˚
Airplane Bowl Map

The crux of this line is probably getting to the top. There are a number of possible approaches. The first is to climb Left Gully and cross the Bigelow Lawn. This has the most elevation gain but less linear distance to cover. The second is from Lake Of The Clouds via Monroe Brook or Ammo Trail. This has less elevation gain but more hiking across the rim of Oakes Gulf to access the gully. Airplane Bowl is a huge snowfield, funneling into a long gully. Great turns can be had down the gut, with some steeper variations to skiers right. Ski down until the gully becomes too constricted by trees to be fun, then gear up to reverse your approach. If you’re heading back to Tuckerman Ravine, it’s easiest to climb Main Gully. If you’re heading to Lake Of The Clouds, it's possible bushwhack towards Main Gully and take a more direct ascent route. Be aware that this line is very difficult to get out of if you’re injured or caught in an avalanche because you need to hike out. Be conservative in your decision making. When you hike all the way out to a remote zone like this, it can be difficult to say no, but consider how the remoteness of this area raises the consequences of an accident before you drop in.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

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

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Bowl
  • Alpine
  • Tree Skiing
  • Single Descent

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons