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Spacewalk Couloir

Jackson Hole

So steep you’ll barely feel the ground underneath you

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
993 m
Ascent
11 m
Descent
294 m
Low Point
2.9 km
High Point
3.2 km
Gradient
47˚
Spacewalk Couloir Map

This steep chute is accessed without hiking, giving it an “in-bounds” feel, but the consequences here are for real. Spacewalk is one of a few narrow, steep chutes in the giant cliff-band to the skier’s right of Rendezvous Bowl. This line is hidden from the top of the mountain, and the terrain above it is quite mellow, similar to the in-bounds section of Rendezvous Bowl a couple hundred feet away, which often lures unsuspecting riders into a position they are not ready for. The other big issue is that if you miss the entrance to either Spacewalk, Zero G, or the very elusive M&M chute, you will find yourself atop a massive cliff! So take the time to access these lines carefully, and as always, it helps to follow someone who knows where they are going.

Description

Spacewalk is accessed by leaving the backcountry gate at the top of Rendezvous Bowl at the south end (the same access gate as for Cody Peak). Once out of bounds ski the fall line, keeping the fence line in view. Eventually the slope will steepen up and at this point, you should start to see the entrance to Spacewalk. Spacewalk is the predominant chute between the most heavily treed ridge on the skier’s left, and sparsely treed and cliffed ridge on the skier’s right. The entrance is often very wind-affected and can even be corniced so enter with care. Once in the chute, be aware of the bottleneck two thirds of the way down which is narrow, rocky, and can even include a small mandatory air. Once past the choke, the chute opens into an apron (stay to the skier’s lefthand side), which eventually turns into an open face with an easy runout into a large basin. Spacewalk is committing, steep, and often produces avalanches. Ski it with care! From the basin below, connect with the Green River boot pack, or continue into Rock Springs Canyon.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area