BT "WilBo Baggins" Tour

Fun COAC obs. Skied Smiley then Tower Couloir, with snomo access to boundary

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
50 km
Ascent
1.8 km
Descent
1.8 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
21˚
MapGPX Flyover
BT "WilBo Baggins" Tour Map

This is a popular ski touring route which is generally considered to be difficult. It's remote, it features low exposure (e1) and is typically done between December and April. From a low point of 1.8 km to the maximum altitude of 2.7 km, the route covers 50 km, 1760 vertical metres of ascent and 1758 vertical metres of descent. You'll need skins and crampons to complete it safely.

Approaching Broken Top from the south, looking NW.
Approaching Broken Top from the south, looking NW.
Smiley descent (east face of Broken Top). The Ramp descent is obvious on the right.
Smiley descent (east face of Broken Top). The Ramp descent is obvious on the right.
View from above Tower Couloir
View from above Tower Couloir
The Tower of Tower Couloir
The Tower of Tower Couloir
South formation of Broken Top, with Pucker Up on the far looker's left.
South formation of Broken Top, with Pucker Up on the far looker's left.
Upper inner crater of Broken Top, with High Noon visible.
Upper inner crater of Broken Top, with High Noon visible.
My tracks down Smiley descent.
My tracks down Smiley descent.
Looking SE from Tower Couloir's saddle.
Looking SE from Tower Couloir's saddle.
Skiing Tower Couloir
Skiing Tower Couloir
Returning from Broken Top from near the wilderness boundary (WilBo)
Returning from Broken Top from near the wilderness boundary (WilBo)
Great sunny turns on Tower Couloir.
Great sunny turns on Tower Couloir.
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Description

Fun backcountry ski tour on Broken Top, with 2 ski descents.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Face
  • Couloir

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons