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Birthday Chutes at Snowbird

Alta & Snowbird

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

The Birthday Chutes are some of the most classic sidecountry lines in the Wasatch. Snowbird doesn't open the gates to ski these all that often so touring up to them is a great option.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1.6 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
658 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.3 km
Gradient
37˚
Birthday Chutes at Snowbird Map

The Birthday Chutes can be some of the best skiing in White Pine Drainage. They are nice open runs in the upper 30 degree range that run for almost a thousand feet. There are several chutes one can choose from, and they all deposit you in the same apron. They can be skied by accessing the gates at Snowbird, but those are rarely open.

Description

To approach, park at White Pine trailhead on the south side of Little Cottonwood Canyon. From here take the trail that follows a road grade up the switchbacks and into the upper basin. Once there stay on the left (E) side of the valley and you should see the chutes appear. Finally pick a rib, or ridge that looks the best and skin up it.

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

  • Trees

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area