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Hillman's Highway

A very long, spectacular couloir on Boott Spur

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1.9 km
Ascent
469 m
Descent
469 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.2 km
High Point
1.7 km
Gradient
43˚
Hillman's Highway Map

Hillman’s Highway is one of the best routes in on Boott Spur. The line gets it’s name due to it's massive width. Though if you’re skiing this in the early season, it will likely be more technical. To access this line, split off to the left near the ranger hut, cross the Sherbie and start heading uphill on the trail. After a little bit of hiking you will reach the bottom of this massive line. Begin climbing the obvious chute until you reach the top. Hillman’s splits into 2 Chutes half way up, and you can pick which one you ski. These are about 15-20 feet wide at a 40 degree pitch. About half way down they merge into one massive chute. By now your legs will already be burning. Pull to the side, out of the fall line if you need a rest. The lower section is much more mellow, about 30 degrees. Continue all the way to the bottom. You can either ski back to Hojo’s or take another lap. The Duchess and Dodge’s Drop are right there if you want to really step it up. Although Hillman’s does not look insanely gnarly, a fall here would be costly, especially when it's firm. A few years back, someone rolled all the way to the bottom and had to be airlifted out. Avoid Hillman’s if it is icy.

Description

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
  • Cliffs
  • Tree Skiing
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Guidebooks in this area