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Hypodermic Needle

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

The Needle is about as steep and long as it gets, making it one of the most coveted and primo lines in the Wasatch.

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
1.1 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
673 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
45˚
Hypodermic Needle Map

If you catch sight of this stunning line, you'll want to ski it. It's a chore to get to, but well worth the journey. From White Pine Trailhead 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 ski down to the base of the Hypodermic Needle, boot directly up the Needle.

Description

Skiing right off the ridge is mellow, but the chute rolls over and steepens to around 50 degrees and stays that way for over 1000 feet. In lean snow years there can be some rocks to negotiate near the top. The line is long and clean with plenty of time to savor the steep turns until the welcoming apron opens up and you're left with another thousand feet of great skiing. From here you might as well boot back up and exit out of Coalpit since you're in the neighborhood.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area