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A classic, steep shot down one of Colorado's most popular 14ers.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Ski Line

13,876' 4,230 m

High

12,590' 3,837 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,286' 392 m

Down

51%

Avg Slope (27°)

66%

Max Slope (33°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

This is the steepest of the three classic lines down Torreys Peak.

Need to Know

I've had the best luck with this line in late spring (late May - early June).

Since it's facing due east, you want to be dropping in around 8:00 AM.

This is also a popular snow climbing route, so be aware of climbers on the way down.

Description

The couloir's entrance is down Kelso Ridge, just north of the summit. You can also ski the east face of Torreys from the summit then cut into the couloir skiers left before the face cliffs out about half way down.

Dead Dog starts off in the upper 40's (degrees), then quickly evens out to a mellower 40-ish degrees. The couloir itself offers great, consistently steep skiing. It also has rounded walls, kind of like a half pipe, making it extra playful. Watch your slough as you descend, however.

This line can develop a runnel as it reaches late spring. Be aware of other skiers and snow climbers that might be coming up the couloir. Hopefully, they should be staying to the side so that they don't get taken away by the slough.

Lou Dawson gave this route a difficulty rating of D12 ( loudawson.com/rating-ski-de…).

Contacts

Shared By:

Jacob Winey

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 11 votes

#4

Overall
  5.0 from 11 votes
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Ski Line Rankings

#4

in Colorado

#4

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8,542 Since Apr 13, 2016
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Photos

Spring turns down dead dog after approaching via summer trial.
Apr 23, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Dropping into the steep, east face of Torreys
Mar 2, 2018 near Georgetown, CO
The top of Dead Dog Couloir.
Apr 11, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
Climbing the Dead Dog in May.
May 10, 2023 near Georgetown, CO
The summit pitch off the NE aspect of Torreys, leading to the Dead Dog Entrance.
May 10, 2023 near Georgetown, CO
Looking up at the steep top pitch of Torreys NE Face.
May 10, 2023 near Georgetown, CO
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