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Old Faithful Chute

Crystal Mountain

A long steep couloir for experts only.

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
487 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
312 m
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
42˚
Old Faithful Chute Map

A long steep couloir for experts only, Old Faithful is so named due to how often it avalanches. This terrain is in Northway, where hazards such as cliffs, rocks and other concerns are not marked. From the entrance at Gate 9, Old Faithful descends 1000 vertical feet in one quick drop before mellowing out in Mike's Face and the Scree Field. Old Faithful starts as a broad face. Watch for thermal activity which creates sink holes at the top of this run. Stay right as the face, known as Niagaras, steepens into individual chutes. Old Faithful is on the right next to the trees. While the couloir is not too deep, it funnels sharply in the middle as the edges become rocky. This run gets hammered by the sun and avalanches, and so never becomes truly deep powder. Below the couloir work right towards the bottom of Employee Housing or left towards Mike's Face, a short steep pitch above I-5. Return on I-5 or Lower Employee Housing.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

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.

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area