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Little Pine

Alta & Snowbird

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

Little Pine is the king of S facing lines in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1.6 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
956 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.3 km
High Point
3.3 km
Gradient
43˚
Little Pine Map

It's not the longest, but it is the cleanest and consistently steepest S-facing roadside attraction in Little Cottonwood Canyon. You can almost ski car to car without much of an approach: Park at the White Pine Trailhead, cross the street to the N and work your way to the west through the aspen trees until you hit the apron. It's straightforward from there, just boot right up it.

Description

At 3,300 feet long it's hard to find a better line in the Wasatch when conditions are right, but it's hard to nail this line in perfect conditions. This aspect heats up and avalanches big after storms when the sun hits it. This can ruin the snow, but if you get it during a storm, or just after it can be sublime.

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

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area