Skywalker Couloir
Trail
1.0 mile
1.6 kilometer
point to point
Ski Line
Extremely Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
0'
0 m
Descent: -1,892' -577 m
High: 13,039' 3,974 m
Low: 11,148' 3,398 m
Grade
Avg Slope: 37% (20°)
Max Slope: 93% (43°)
Avalanche risk for Jul 10, 2019: Unknown
Unknown or outdated data.
Full forecast for CAIC: Front Range Zone — Brought to you by CO Avalanche Information Center
Weather
Unknown
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“Big, steep and aesthetic.”
— Mark Griffin
Need to Know
Description
If you didn't climb up the couloir, you can find it by heading west and south from the summit of South Arapahoe.
There are several exits one could ski into. The upper part of the couloir is probably around 55 degrees and a fall here would be bad. The "Princess Leia" variation at the top is steeper. The couloir begins to mellow after a couple hundred feet but it still very steep and sustained. The line is enclosed in rock walls for maybe 1500'.
Facing SW, it comes into sun a bit later. We waited on top for a while for snow to soften. Watch out for the shady spot ~ halfway down.
Skywalker will be obvious once you get to the mine area if you're approaching from Fourth of July on the Arapahoe Pass trail trail. Crampons and at least one axe would be prudent to climb the route. If you're roping up your pro would be pickets or possibly some rock gear. It takes around an hour to get from trailhead to the base of the couloir.
In early June 2014, we found firm snow conditions and a large runnel down the middle.
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Overview, History & Background
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Contacts
Land Manager: USFS - Boulder Ranger District Office
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