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Airplane Gully

A classic couloir with an interesting history.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
637 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
355 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.3 km
High Point
1.7 km
Gradient
40˚
Airplane Gully Map

Airplane Gully gets it's name because a plane crashed here when it failed to clear the ridge. While this incident brought fame to the area, Airplane Gully is now most famous for holding snow longer than anywhere else in the White Mountains. From where you leave the Cog Railway, follow Gulfside Path past Turkey Chute, then approach the ridge, being mindful not to trample alpine vegetation. The gully may be hard to find, but it will be obvious once you're on top of it. Be careful in mid winter as it may have a cornice. Once you drop in, you will be greeted by steep turns in a long granite corridor, exit the choke at the bottom and ski the long, low angle run out to treeline. Hike out the way you came, or ski another run. Be sure to have an ice axe and crampons, if you don't have them, you will want them. Be aware that northerly aspects will take longer to soften in the spring, if the slope is icy, a long sliding fall is very possible.

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

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons