Four Shadows

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

After periods of sun affect, it can be challenging to find soft snow on Cody Peak. Although it sees high traffic volume, Four Shadows is often a great go-to as it tends to hold chalky snow long after a storm.

On the Cody Peak Ascent, look for the entrance to Four Shadows a few hundred feet below summit & shortly after you pass No Shadows (mellowest line). Four Shadows is a wide northeast facing couloir with much of the top guarded by a massive cornice. For this reason you'll want to get a good eye on it from the start of the ascent.

Gain the entrance by traversing right just above the cornice. This is often sastrugi. When it's time to make your 1st turn, you'll see the entire line. After leaving the chute, milk some fall line turns through Cody Bowl or traverse hard right (east) toward Powder 8's. If you opt for the traverse, be highly cognizant of action taking place above you should any parties be skiing Central Couloir. The most tangible hazard here is that you could get taken out by someone hucking the exit to Central, which would suck for everyone.