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Dresden Face

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

The Dresden is one of the longest and most continually steep faces in the Wasatch.

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
658 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
493 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.9 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
45˚
Dresden Face Map

Located about as deep as you can go in the Wasatch, this beauty doesn't see many tracks. Locating the entry can be a little tricky with some cornices protecting the entry, but once you're in you'll be glad you are. To access, start from White Pine Trailhead and follow the road then trail to Red Pine Canyon, cross the bridge and skin up into Maybird Drainage, head up and over the Maybird/Hogum Divide. From here you can stare right at the face and inspect it. Drop down and either boot up the Hypodermic Needle, or Sliver to access the top of Dresden Face.

Description

The upper section is wide open with some sub-ridges and plenty of room to play. As you drop about 1,000 feet you'll encounter a cliff band that you may be able to jump, or slide through, or you may need to head skiers left out to the ridge to skirt around it. Cut back onto the face and enjoy a handful more turns until you get funnelled into the next cliff. This band can be icy since it gets hit from avalanches above and doesn't fill in that well. There are some fixed lines historically, but best not to count on them and bring a little bit of cord. Crampons and an ice tool aren't a bad idea either.

From here you can boot up the neighboring Hypodermic Needle and ski out Coalpit Headwall for an epic link up since you're in the neighborhood.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

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

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area