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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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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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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 7 days ago
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Check-Ins

May 5, 2023
Mighty Mango
Heinous day but great adventure! Approach had lots of side-hills bring ski crampons next time. Coulier was icy. Rescued by drunkard wish I had more ch
Jun 4, 2022
Jake Albright
Feb 10, 2022
Private User
Jan 22, 2022
Phil Tylman
May 23, 2021
Hogan Warlock
May 8, 2021
sshepher Shepherd
Road approach was patchy no snow, or deep rotten snow. Up higher it was good. Heard big rockfalls down the couloir on the climb, so bailed.
May 25, 2020
Chris Johnson
6h 00m
Apr 20, 2019
Mike Chambers
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