
Great Gully
The crown jewel of King Ravine
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 651 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 402 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.2 km
- High Point
- 1.6 km
- Gradient
- 40˚

Great Gully is the longest route in King Ravine, and one of the best ski lines in the Northern Presidentials. The best way to approach is by ascending from below, or using a variation to looker's right. The upper portion of Great Gully is roomy, offering great turns. The gully narrows to about 1.5-2 ski lengths and becomes noticeably steeper. There is usually an ice bulge, which can be anywhere from a few feet, to a full on waterfall depending on the snowpack. If it's too big to jump, you can skirt it to skiers left by traversing over the shoulder, into a variation gully called "The 7" The runout is good skiing, but ends abruptly in bushes. The skiing on the King Ravine Trail is not very forgiving, usually a mix side slipping and dodging large boulders. The Short Line Trail is more roomy and Airline Trail offers some natural glades to either side.
Description
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Cliffs
- Single Descent
- Ski Mountaineering
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons