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If you're looking for steep skiing, you've come to the right place.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.4

KM

Ski Line

13,161' 4,011 m

High

12,170' 3,709 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

991' 302 m

Down

69%

Avg Slope (35°)

126%

Max Slope (52°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Need to Know

This is a seriously steep line. Front Range Skimo gives it a D17 rating because much of it is above 50 degrees, and the steepest section is around 55 degrees. Any fall, anywhere in the steep section would be unrecoverable.

Description

This line drops directly off the summit of James Peak, down the east face. Despite this, most of the couloir is "north-facing" because the right-hand wall blocks most of the sunlight from the east. Depending on snow conditions, getting into the couloir can be tricky. Bring a rope for the possible down-climb or short rappel into the line. It's also a good idea to have the first skier on rope for a couple turns on the east-facing start of the couloir, just while they break up that wind slab.

The start of the couloir is low 50's, then it keeps a sustained ~50 degree slope through a couple slightly tight sections. After that it rolls to about 55 degrees. This steep sections lasts until the couloir opens up and traverses to the left, over some very large cliffs. The traverse dumps you out at the top of the apron where the low-consequence turns are extra enjoyable after what you just made it down.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jacob Winey

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Indian Peaks

#65

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
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1 Star
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Ski Line Rankings

#2

in Indian Peaks

#23

in Colorado

#65

Overall
19 Views Last Month
3,403 Since Mar 26, 2018
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Photos

In the James Peak Cirque with Sky Pilot and Shooting Star (mostly hidden) above.
Mar 26, 2018 near Winter…, CO
Beautifully inset
Mar 26, 2018 near Winter…, CO
Skier in the top of Shooting Star
Mar 28, 2018 near Winter…, CO
Jump turns necessary
Mar 26, 2018 near Winter…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Apr 8, 2023
Jacob Winey
Got it done with a party of 6. It's nicely filled in and just as steep as last year.
May 4, 2019
Austin West
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