West Gully
A rarely skied line that melts out very quickly.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 393 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 273 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.2 km
- High Point
- 1.5 km
- Gradient
- 45˚
West Gully requires a lot of snow to be skiable, and even then it's a serious undertaking. A large cliff and a tricky exit present a fall hazard and a terrain trap. It's aspect also makes it one of the first to melt out as well. If you do happen to find West Gully in condition, the best approach is to climb from below. Start by skiing a steep, narrowing gully with 2 possible entrances. The gully soon cliffs out. Traverse skiers right through vegetation to skirt the cliff, then ski through an open runout to the floor of the ravine. This line requires near perfect conditions and a good snowpack to be skiable, and being a long way from the road, it's better to be cautious than chance it.
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
- Couloir
- Tree Skiing
- Single Descent
- Ski Mountaineering
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons