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Pfeifferhorn NW Couloir

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

The classic ski mountaineering line off the iconic Pfeifferhorn Peak

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
2.4 km
Ascent
21 m
Descent
809 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
50˚
Pfeifferhorn NW Couloir Map

To approach, start at the White Pine trailhead 4.6 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon on the right hand side. Follow the trail over into Red Pine Canyon and either proceed up Red Pine to the Pfeifferhorn Ridge, or cross the stream and climb into Maybird Gulch to access the Pfeifferhorn.

Description

This is one of the most classic ski mountaineering lines off one of the Wasatch mountains most iconic peaks. This line runs off the top of the Pfeifferhorn on the NW side. Sometimes in lean years a short rappel or downclimb is needed to get into the hanging couloir. A few hundred feet of 40 degree skiing funnels into a steeper and sometimes icy pinch where the rappel starts. In some years the cliff fills completely in, but normally it's around 80 to 100 feet of length. Anchors are two nice fixed bolts on the skiers right hand side. The rappel drops you onto a near 50 degree slope that opens up nicely onto a huge apron.

Difficulty

Extreme

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

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

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 February and April

Features

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area