The Chute

The Chute is one of the more popular routes down the headwall, due to its defined path and the bootpack up the fall line, it is easy to know whether you are on top of The Chute or not, Unlike the other headwall routes where is is impossible to tell where you are above the actual line or a cliff. To access The Chute, simply climb it from the bottom, the boot pack is almost always well defined in the spring, though in mid winter you will need to kick steps in steep terrain. The Chute is very wide at the top with plenty of room for turns, but the real challenge is the steepness. Once you are over the headwall and in The Chute, it is 50 degrees. If you are following the boot pack down, you may want to stray away to skiers left, as there is a small cliff to the right side. The Chute is shaped like a wedge and progressively narrows as you descend, but not enough that it poses a serious challenge. Continue down the fall line carefully until you reach the bottom of the bowl. The Chute is a serious line, a fall anywhere on this route will have consequences. If you fall you are going all the way to the bottom and hitting whatever is in your way. Be aware that in late April, The Chute begins to suffer from severe runnel issues. If you have the skills and the confidence to tackle this line, it can be a fun and rewarding descent.