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S-Chute

Snowbasin

A steep and technical chute that spills out into a powdery bowl.

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance
175 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
104 m
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
44˚
S-Chute Map

S-Chute is very technical, and is only recommended for expert skiers. This chute has a high risk of injury and/or death if the skier is not skilled enough. I only recommended skiing this when there has been a recent storm. S-Chute can only be accessed from Strawberry Gondola. After exiting the gondola head left and go through the gate which takes you to the Lone Tree. Keep your skis on and side step or skate towards the Lone Tree area. Follow "Sowback" until it starts to head down the southwest facing hill. As you head down make sure to stay right. The access point to the chute is not marked and is often hard to see unless someone has hit the chute that day. You will be below the Lone Tree traverse as you enter the chute. Pick your way through some rocks and enter the chute. There will be large cliffs on your downhill side as you make a small traverse into the chute. You will know when you are in the chute. Drop in and prepare to make quick and tight turns. S-Chute has a natural S shape to it, hence it's name. It is very tight at the start, but it opens up as the "S" starts to form. Head right and then left as you make your way down. Make sure to follow the "S" shape- you will be making a mandatory cliff jump as high as 20 feet. As you exit S-Chute you will be in Demoisy Bowl which will have deep snow and fresh lines for you to dump your speed as you head back towards the main resort area.

Description

S-Chute is only recommended during mid-season as coverage will be best during these times. This run is not to be skied if coverage is thin as you will definitely hit rocks and fall. Falling while skiing S-Chute will most likely result in injury.

Ski patrol does avalanche mitigation on the whole area that this run is located in. S-Chute will only be open when Ski Patrol has done the necessary work to open the area. Please do not access this run or any run in the area if the gates are closed as you will more than likely hurt yourself or someone else.

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

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

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and March

Features

  • Cliffs

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Guidebooks in this area