Description

V Tree Chute is a challenging, steep run with a tight entrance that opens up into a wider field at the bottom.

It requires about a 45 minute hike in.

This area is outside of the resort boundary, and no avalanche work is performed here.

Make sure to carry a beacon, probe, shovel, know how to use them, and have a partner your trust.

Many people have died in avalanches in this area.

Make sure to check the avalanche conditions before thinking about dropping into this line.

When the conditions are right, this is one of the most fun and extreme lines in the area.

After unloading off the Crest Chair, head over to the backcountry gate on your right.

Take off your skis here (the walk is long enough to merit putting your skis on your backpack.) This is also a good place to check your beacon and discuss your plans with your group.

After heading out the gate, boot pack up the ridge towards the peak.

If the boot pack is set, this section of the hike will take 15-20 minutes.

If there is no boot pack and you have to break trail, it can take much much longer.

Follow the ridge line until you reach the peak known as the Pioneer Ridge Peak.

Put your skis on here, and continue along the ridge by skiing down the low angle slope.

After about 100 feet, you will reach a small saddle where the ridge up becomes steeper and rockier.

You can begin either sidestepping or boot packing from here.

As you work your way up the ridge, stay to the left as there can be large, overhanging cornices on the the right side.

As you make your way across the ridge you will notice a few tight entrances to the slope on your right.

V tree is the 3rd and most pronounced of these entrances.

It is about 100-150 feet after you begin side stepping.

There is a dead V shaped tree near the entrance of this chute.

Entering the chute, you will have to navigate a few tight trees and some rock patches.

After making a few smaller turns to get in the run opens up into a wider, open field that goes for about 500 feet.

Towards the bottom, keep heading straight down.

The slope will get more mellow and you will encounter a few rolls.

Eventually you will link up with the bottom of the Pioneer Peak Main Chute run that will take you to the right back towards the resort.

As you reach the bottom of the rollovers, stay towards the right where there will be a traverse track running to the right of dog lake.

The end of this traverse requires a 5-10 minute hike or side step to get back to the resort.

It will put you back at the Wren Hollow run outside Crest lift.