Narrow Chute

Narrow Chute lives up to its name. While its not as steep as the couloirs in Horseshoe Cliffs or Southback, Narrow Chute is narrow enough for skiers and riders to take caution before jumping in. On a good snow year, Narrow Chute will hold enough snow for most experts to make turns. On thinner years, the rocky buttresses on either side with feel like their encroaching in. Enter Gate 2 and traverse along the ridge to skiers right. Note that some large cornices can build on this ridge. The thick trees on the south side of the ridge can make it feel like you have to ride those cornices to traverse this wind-loaded terrain. Go easy here. Work your way through the trees and over the wind lips with as much grace as you can muster. Save your real heroics for Narrow Chute. Just past the first rocky buttress, this couloir lies below you. This is a PNW classic with a wide open entrance and a narrow funnel midway down. From the ridge you can see the entire chute, so you know what you're getting yourself into. Take a few turns in the open upper section, then slow it down for the middle part. Note that the buttresses on either side like to hide rocks, so pick your line carefully. Below this narrow section, the buttress on your right will give way to an open slope, then a few more turns and you're in the open apron. A good many turns await you here. Watch for traverse tracks coming in from Northway Notch on your left. Hit Northway Run at the bottom of the bowl and follow it to the bottom. Hope on the lift for another lap. Note that once inside the Northway gates, cliffs and other hazards are not marked. This is avalanche prone terrain. Carry the proper equipment and ski/ride with a partner.