The Pencil

5.0 ( 1 )

Trail

0.3 mile 0.5 kilometer point to point
Ski Line
Extremely Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 0' 0 m
Descent: -1,006' -307 m
High: 11,617' 3,541 m
Low: 10,610' 3,234 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 61% (31°)
Max Slope: 67% (34°)

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Trail shared by Chris Dickson

Avalanche risk for Jul 10, 2019: Unknown

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Full forecast for CAIC: Gunnison Zone — Brought to you by CO Avalanche Information Center

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“A classic pencil chute with relatively easy access from Crested Butte.”

— Chris Dickson

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

You can either climb this line before skiing it, or you can skin the ridge on Axtell and drop in from the very top. Either way, expect steep and tight couloir skiing! There are a few chokes (one near the top and one near the bottom) that may require down-climbing (or straight-lining it) depending on the conditions.

Regardless, one hell of a classic Colorado couloir.

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Contacts

Land Manager: White River National Forest - Maroon Bells

Sep 8, 2019: Fall and Winter Hanging Lake Reservations available September 16th

Sep 4, 2019: Forest Service Releases draft Decision Notice for the Basalt Mountain Salvage and Rehabilitation Project

Sep 2, 2019: Middle Mamm Fire Information 12:00 noon, Tuesday, September 3, 2019

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Trail Ratings

5.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Crested Butte

#52

Overall

5.0 from 1 vote

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Featured Ski Line Rankings

#2

in Crested Butte

#23

in Colorado

#52

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Photos

Climbing the last steep section before you emerge from the couloir.

Apr 6, 2015 near Crested…, CO

Skinning up the apron to the base of the couloir.

Apr 6, 2015 near Crested…, CO

Riding out the final choke and onto the apron.

Apr 6, 2015 near Crested…, CO

Looking up The Pencil after a great spring ski.

Apr 6, 2015 near Crested…, CO

Looking up the upper portion of the couloir.

Apr 6, 2015 near Crested…, CO

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