Pfeifferhorn SE Ridge

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

The SE ridge is a great ski run and the only way off the Pfeifferhorn without rappelling.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
2.5 km
Ascent
23 m
Descent
674 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
42˚
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Pfeifferhorn SE Ridge Map

Access the Pfeifferhorn SE Ridge by starting 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

Skiing the SE Ridge is done by backtracking down the standard climbing route. It starts off the summit where one can ski the S face, or stick closer to the E ridge. Skiing is in the lower 40 degree range, but a large cliff below keeps you honest and concentrated. Trend skiers left and meet up with the ridge. From here you can drop down into Maybird Gulch, or continue E along the ridge into Red Pine.

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

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

2.6 km away

Dresden Face

Dresden Face

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

Severe Ski Touring

Distance
658 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
493 m

3.3 km away

Y Couloir

Y Couloir

Probably the longest, most consistent rock-lined chute in the Wasatch if you're into that sort of thing.

Severe Ski Touring

Distance
1.7 km
Ascent
20 m
Descent
993 m

4.2 km away

Scotty's Bowl

Scotty's Bowl

Scotty's is a classic north facing roadside attraction in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Difficult Ski Touring

Distance
1.8 km
Ascent
23 m
Descent
754 m

7.8 km away

Stairs Gulch

Stairs Gulch

Stairs Gulch is 4,000 feet long, serious with a combination of a steep, technical chute and a flat, more mellow finish.

Difficult Ski Touring

Distance
3.1 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
1.5 km
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