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Twin Peaks - NW Couloir

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

One of the nicest couloirs off of one of the biggest and most iconic Wasatch peaks.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
6.4 km
Ascent
50 m
Descent
1.9 km
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
46˚
Twin Peaks - NW Couloir Map

The NW Couloir off Twin Peaks is a real fun classic. It didn't make it into the "Chuting Gallery" book which may have kept it a "secret" for a time, but by now the word it out. It is a committing line to get to, and a tricky one to get back out of, but it's worth it! The fact that it's visible from the Salt Lake Valley adds to the allure. Approach by starting at the Broads Fork Trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon, then head up the main drainage to the saddle to the S of Twin Peaks and then traverse the ridge to the summit.

Description

The run is a mellow line which probably averages near 40 degrees for a little over 1,000 feet until it spills out onto the apron. Start on top of the E summit of Broad Fork Twin Peaks and head down to the NW. The upper section is a minor gully that opens up into a nice wide slope where you want to trend gently to the right. This will put you into the big main chute. You can ski this all the way down, or cut to the left mid way and duck into a tighter rock lined variation. Enjoy the apron as long as you'd like and then figure out how to get out. The standard exit is to bushwhack out Deaf Smith Canyon but I wouldn't recommended it. I would boot back up the NW Couloir and exit into Broads.

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

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

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area