Sustained, steep, and leg burning. Also, a major terrain trap!

Statistics

0 - 1

hrs

11

m

655

m

41

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

Granite Canyon is comprised of numerous north facing couloirs, massive cliffs, technical terrain, and everything is steep.

Each run ends abruptly as you collide into Granite Creek at the bottom of the canyon.

GRANITE CANYON IS AVALANCHE TERRAIN.

Runs in this area are highly consequential, cell service is spotty, and it’s a long way back to civilization.

Please respect this area.

It is optimal to ski with partners with experience in technical terrain and who know the area.

Many lines appear to “go through,” but in fact, they close out with an enormous cliff drop.

Likewise, Granite Canyon is popular with seasoned experts as well as first timers; following tracks blindly may put you somewhere you do not belong.

Approach all terrain in Granite Canyon with extreme caution.

To exit Granite Canyon, follow the traverse paralleling the creek bottom heading east.

Gain height when possible (sidestepping, skating, and poling when necessary) until you round the corner of Apres Vous Mountain.

From the corner, continue the traverse southward, you should end up on a cat track leading through a housing development which will bring you back to the base of the resort.

CAUTION: the traverse out of Granite Canyon will place you in the bottom of numerous avalanche paths.

Be aware of overhead dangers, and choose resting spots wisely! Mile Long is an incredibly long couloir - exactly how its name sounds.

Like it’s neighbor, Endless, Mile Long will provide turn after turn until your legs have had enough, then you’ll have to make a few more before the tiring traverse out of the canyon.

Mile Long begins just past the backcountry gate at the North end of Casper Bowl.

Enter through the gate, then scoot east along the boundary line around the edge of large bowl.

Once fall line above the cliff prow at the far end of the bowl, descend slowly towards a band of trees.

Pick your way through the trees looking for the obvious entrance to the couloir.

Ride the chute for about 2000 feet into the apron above Granite Creek and follow the traverse to the skier’s right to exit.