Description

The Pioneer Ridgeline is a classic Brighton Backcountry destination, with great tree skiing and steep terrain.

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.

This area has decent tree cover, but not enough to act as solid anchors.

Many people have died in avalanches in this area.

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

When the conditions are right, this is some of the best powder skiing in the area. After unloading off the Crest Chair, head over to the backcountry gate on your right.

Take off your skis here.

It is long enough to merit putting your skis on your backpack.

This is also a good place to check your beacon and discus 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 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. From here, you'll drop directly to your west.

At first the trees are open, and the slope is not very steep, maybe 32 degrees.

After about 100 feet going down the slope get's much steeper (40 degrees) with thick trees and avalanche paths.

It's really easy to lose track of your friends here, so make sure to go one at a time and keep an eye on each other.

After skiing the run, you can veer to the right and traverse right back into the resort.

You can also opt to keep skiing straight down.

You will encounter several wind lips and rollovers.

Eventually you will reach the bottom of Dog Lake, where you will need to hike/traverse to your right back into the resort.

This will put you back in the Wren Hollow area outside Crest.