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Big, steep and aesthetic.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Ski Line

13,039' 3,974 m

High

11,148' 3,398 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,892' 577 m

Down

37%

Avg Slope (20°)

93%

Max Slope (43°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
Note that the entire drainage on the east side of the divide below S. and N. Arapahoe peaks is closed to humans.

Overview

This is a really cool line. Best to ski it in Spring/Summer.

Need to Know

The road from Eldora to Fourth of July is not plowed.

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 is still very steep and sustained. The line is enclosed in rock walls for maybe 1,500'.

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. 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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mark Griffin

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 9 votes

#1

in Indian Peaks

#9

Overall
  4.9 from 9 votes
5 Star
89%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Ski Line Rankings

#1

in Indian Peaks

#8

in Colorado

#9

Overall
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9,383 Since Apr 16, 2015
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Photos

view of skywalker and south arapahoe peak.
Jun 19, 2023 near Nederland, CO
Looking down from top of Skywalker
Apr 16, 2015 near Nederland, CO
Beta Photo of Skywalker Culoir
Apr 16, 2015 near Nederland, CO
skiing on the upper portion of the couloir
Jun 19, 2023 near Nederland, CO
looking up Skywalker from the apron.
Jun 19, 2023 near Nederland, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 4, 2023
Sean Sean
with Richie/Ryan
Jun 10, 2023
Ryan Candell
8mi — 5h 00m
Jul 13, 2019
Mike McLouth
Good snow climb to the top and great skiing for JULY! — 6h 00m
Jun 30, 2019
Nate Mitka
lots of snow on the whole route. it was the last thing in the valley to get sun. top of route has a lip over it, with two maneagelable entrances.
May 23, 2019
Richie Mitchell
upper forth of July road open. Late may 50 degree powder turns 8.5mi
May 19, 2019
Richie Mitchell
Entered in the center 56* Travin got caught in his sluff for a couple hundred feet. Used two ice tools and crampons. Powder for the first 1000ft.
May 19, 2018
Jesse Villines
Jun 18, 2016
Ben McGlenn
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