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Waldo Chute

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

Waldo is a fun little well defined E facing couloir that's tricky to find, but worth the effort.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
2 km
Ascent
12 m
Descent
701 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
37˚
Waldo Chute Map

The Waldo Chute is named from the "Where's Waldo" Character because the run is hard to find, and is sometimes confused with the Whipple Couloir. To access the Waldo, park at the S curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon at mile marker 4.3. From here walk up the road and onto the trail to the N of the road. There is a summer trail that heads up away from the road and into a thick canyon. The summer trail will disappear, but keep thrashing your way up the canyon keeping an eye on the left side for an open slope that you'll start skinning up. It doesn't look like much, but persevere as it will open up and you'll enter the chute.

Description

It's a short, but fun and unique run for the Wasatch. It has a wide chute with a friendly pitch for skiing, and some fun features to pop off too. The chute dumps into a tight tree and brush filled canyon with a creek running through it. In lower snow years it can be treacherous to ski out, and best to avoid. It can be easier to walk out of once you hit the summer trail.

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

Features

  • Trees
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

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