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Octopus's Garden

Sugarbush

A complex maze of chutes, trees and cliffs for experienced skiers.

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
364 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
227 m
Low Point
847 m
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
38˚
Octopus's Garden Map

Just beyond Paradise is a collection of steep chutes known as the Octopus's Garden. These tight lines meander down a steep face skiers left of Paradise. Some involve cliffs, the size of which depends on snow depth. You need to be prepared for anything in this area - from where you drop in it is impossible to tell what obstacles are below you. If you are confident in your skills and ready to take the plunge, enter the woods beyond Paradise. Traverse out to your desired drop in point. The tops of these chutes are very steep and get tracked out quickly, but they’re fun anyway. Take it slow and be prepared to stop suddenly above an obstacle. The lower portion of these chutes is a little wider with a mellower pitch. Shortly after the pitch mellows out, you will pop out on Fox. Each chute ends in roughly the same place. This is one of those areas you could spend many days exploring, learning the side shots and variations. But you should never enter unprepared. Treat this like a serious backcountry area. Carry a cell phone and go with a partner. If you are new to the area it is best to have a local show you the way.

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 March

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs

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